Fastest to 2,000 runs in ODIs – Temba Bavuma nears impressive milestone

Jonhenry Wilson 12 Feb 2025

Rassie van der Dussen is among the quickest to 2,000 runs in ODI cricket.

With the Champions Trophy almost on us and a sudden resurgence in ODI cricket as a result, it comes as no surprise to see people wondering what records might fall in the next few weeks.

There will be plenty of milestones coming up, that’s for certain. Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma is on the charge towards 2000 runs in ODI cricket, and while he won’t be able to place himself at the top of that list, if he gets some good runs in Pakistan over the next few weeks, he may well find himself placed in the top ten.

Averaging over 43 from his 46 matches to date, Bavuma is less than 300 runs short of the 2000-run milestone. He has gone quickly. By way of context, a player like Marnus Labuschagne has a similar number of runs to Bavuma, but he has already played 60 games.

With that in mind, let’s look at the list of the fastest-ever players to reach the 2000-run mark in ODI cricket. It makes for interesting reading – three of the players will be participating at the Champions Trophy, and one will be there as a coach.

9. Shai Hope (West Indies) – 47 matches for 2,000 ODI runs

Shai Hope has become a vital cog in the West Indies’ batting lineup, offering stability and class at the top of the order. He reached the 2000-run mark in just 47 matches, thanks to his elegant stroke play and ability to anchor an innings. His consistency has made him one of the most reliable batsmen in modern West Indies cricket.

Sadly, for Hope the Windies haven’t qualified for the Champions Trophy, so while he is very much a current player, he won’t be able to showcase his skills at the upcoming tournament.

8. Jonathan Trott (England) – 47 matches for 2,000 ODI runs

Jonathan Trott, one of England’s most dependable batsmen in the late 2000s and early 2010s, matched Hope’s achievement by reaching 2000 runs in 47 matches. Known for his solid technique and temperament, Trott played a crucial role in England’s middle order during his tenure, accumulating runs at an impressive rate.

Now the coach of Afghanistan, Trott will be hoping to steer his charges to new heights at the Pakistan tournament in conditions that should suit his team.

7. Imam-ul-Haq (Pakistan) – 46 matches for 2,000 ODI runs

The Pakistani opener has followed in the footsteps of some of his country’s greats, showcasing a mix of patience and aggression. Imam-ul-Haq (not to be confused with his uncle Inzamam, the former skipper and revered middle-order batter) reached 2000 runs in just 46 matches, proving his worth as a key figure in Pakistan’s ODI setup.

His ability to construct innings and convert starts into big scores has made him one of the most valuable batsmen in the format. He scored a century on debut and bagged three more centuries on tour to Zimbabwe as his ODI career got off to a flying start. He last featured for Pakistan in 2023.

6. Rassie van der Dussen (South Africa) – 45 matches for 2,000 ODI runs

Rassie van der Dussen has been a revelation for South Africa, bringing a level of composure and reliability to the middle order. He reached the 2000-run milestone in just 45 games, a testament to his ability to adapt to different match situations.

With a healthy average and a knack for building partnerships, van der Dussen has cemented his place as one of the top ODI batsmen.

Also read: Top 10 highest scores on ODI debut – Matthew Breetzke beats Desmond Haynes’ world record

5. Babar Azam (Pakistan) – 45 matches for 2,000 ODI runs

Currently ranked as the number one ODI batsman in the world, Babar is regarded as one of the finest batsmen of the modern era – his class and consistency are well documented.

He also took just 45 matches to reach 2000 runs, and his elegant stroke play and ability to find gaps with precision have made him Pakistan’s most reliable batsman in the past decade. Playing at home in the Champions Trophy and tasked with opening the batting for Pakistan, big things are expected from Babar as Pakistan look to defend the title they won in 2017.

4. Kevin Pietersen (England) – 45 matches for 2,000 ODI runs

Kevin Pietersen was one of England’s most flamboyant and aggressive batsmen, and he reached the 2000-run milestone in only 45 games. His attacking approach and ability to dominate bowlers made him a standout player in England’s rise in international cricket.

Pietersen’s unorthodox style and ability to play spin and pace with equal ease made him one of the most exciting batsmen of his generation.

3. Zaheer Abbas (Pakistan) – 45 matches for 2,000 ODI runs

Zaheer Abbas, known as the “Asian Bradman,” was one of Pakistan’s most prolific run-scorers. He also reached 2000 ODI runs in just 45 matches.

His ability to time the ball and play both spin and pace effortlessly made him a nightmare for bowlers. Abbas was ahead of his time, and his records still stand tall in the history of Pakistan cricket.

2. Hashim Amla (South Africa) – 40 matches for 2,000 ODI runs

Regarded as more of a Test player than a white-ball player due to his incredible style and ability to play proper cricket shots. Amla was not a man to play laps and ramps or to mow it over cow, he was all about grace and timing, and while he may be considered a Test player, his approach worked in ODIs as he took just 40 matches to score 2000 ODI runs.

Amla’s ability to play long innings and adapt to various match conditions made him one of the most successful batsmen in ODI history. His consistency and hunger for runs made him a vital part of South Africa’s top order for over a decade.

1. Shubman Gill (India) – 38 matches for 2,000 ODI runs

Topping the list is India’s latest batting sensation, Shubman Gill, who reached 2000 runs in a record 38 matches. Gill has taken the cricketing world by storm with his aggressive yet elegant style of batting.

His ability to dominate bowlers and score quickly has made him one of the most promising talents in world cricket today. Given his current form, Gill is expected to break many more records in the coming years.