t20 world cup One of the most consistent and memorable batting performances the last few years has seen. Each edition of the tournament not only crowned a champion but also introduced fans to a batsman who dominated bowling attacks in the rest of the conditions and continents.
From seasoned greats to fearless young stars, the race for most runs often reflects the evolving nature of T20 cricket. This extraordinary list includes many legendary players, underscoring how important individual consistency has been in shaping the World Cup stories since the tournament’s inception in 2007.
Leading run-scorer in each edition of the T20 World Cup
2007 – Matthew Hayden (Australia) – 265 runs
2007 saw the inaugural T20 World Cup Matthew Hayden Set the tone for what aggressive T20 batting can look like. At a time when teams were still adapting to the format, Hayden’s powerful strokeplay provided Australia with early momentum in the tournament. His ability to hit boundaries with ease and dominate the powerplay helped him finish as the highest run-scorer with 265 runs, making a strong statement in the very first edition.
2009 – Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka) – 317 runs
2009 edition was Tillakaratne DilshanWho revolutionized T20 batting with his fearless approach at the top. His famous “Dilscoop” became a regular feature as he scored 317 runs. Dilshan’s consistency and innovation played a key role in Sri Lanka’s campaign and showed how unorthodox shots can flourish in high-pressure global tournaments.
2010 – Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) – 302 runs
in 2010, Mahela Jayawardene Combining beauty with effectiveness. Unlike the ferocious hitters, Jayawardene relied on timing, placement and smart shot selection. His 302 runs came at crucial moments, often opening Sri Lanka’s innings. The tournament highlighted that classical batting skills are still very valuable in the shortest format.
2012 – Shane Watson (Australia) – 249 runs
shane watsonHis all-round presence was a defining feature of the 2012 World Cup. As a batsman, he provided Australia with strength and power at the top. Although his tally of 249 may seem modest compared to other editions, Watson’s runs were under pressure and against quality opposition, underscoring his importance to Australia’s balanced T20 setup.
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2014 – Virat Kohli (India) – 319 runs
Marked the arrival of the 2014 T20 World Cup Virat Kohli As a global T20 legend. With 319 runs, Kohli was in a league of his own, especially in high-pressure knockout matches. His ability to chase targets, rotate the strike and accelerate at will made him the backbone of India. This edition established Kohli as one of the most reliable batsmen in ICC tournaments.
2016 – Tamim Iqbal (Bangladesh) – 295 runs
tamim iqbalHis performance in 2016 was a historic moment for Bangladesh cricket. Tamim gave his team a consistent start by scoring 295 runs and showed that Bangladeshi batsmen can dominate a world-class bowling attack. His fearless intent and leadership with the bat made him a standout performer in an otherwise highly competitive tournament.
2021 – Babar Azam (Pakistan) – 303 runs
In the 2021 edition, Babar AzamStability was the defining characteristic. Known for his calm approach and classical technique, Babar led Pakistan from the front and scored 303 runs. His ability to adapt his game to match circumstances highlights why he is considered one of the most complete batsmen of the modern era.
2022 – Virat Kohli (India) – 296 runs
Kohli returned to the top of the charts in 2022, reminding the cricket world of his big-match temperament. With 296 runs, including several match-saving innings, Kohli was the best performer for India. His consistency in two different World Cups underlined his longevity and unmatched hunger for runs on the biggest stage.
2024 – Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan) – 281 runs
2024 was for T20 World Cup Rahmanullah GurbazWhose explosive batting was a symbol of Afghanistan’s rise in global cricket. After scoring 281 runs, Gurbaz provided a fearless start and faced the established bowling attack without hesitation. Their performance was not just about numbers but about belief, reflecting Afghanistan’s growing influence in world tournaments.
Who will rock the charts in 2026?
Now the big question emerges: Who will be the leading run-scorer in the upcoming 2026 edition of the T20 World Cup? With T20 cricket evolving rapidly, the talent pool has never been deeper. There are a number of young and established stars in the mix, with each capable of scoring tournament-defining runs.
from india Abhishek Sharma Has shown explosive ability in the top order and can thrive even on flat pitches. South African dewald brevisOften compared to the great innovators of the game, he has the range and fearlessness to dominate bowling attacks. Australian travis headKnown for his aggressive approach in ICC events, he remains another strong contender who can turn matches in just a few overs. With these names, the teams will have many emerging players eager to write their World Cup story.
Also read: Ricky Ponting explains why Australia will make it to the semi-finals of T20 World Cup 2026
