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The cricketing world is abuzz with anticipation as the T20 World Cup 2024 approaches. Scheduled to be held in the West Indies, this edition promises to deliver thrilling matches, spectacular performances, and unforgettable moments. Fans eagerly await to see which batter will rise to the occasion and etch their name in history as the leading run-scorer of the tournament.
Batters’ impact in the exciting tournament
Since its inception in 2007, the ICC T20 World Cup has seen some of the finest batting performances in cricket history. Each edition has produced a standout batter whose exceptional skill and consistency have captivated audiences worldwide. These players have not only scored the most runs in their respective tournaments but have also significantly contributed to their team’s successes and the overall excitement of the competition.
Leading run-scorers in every edition of T20 World Cup
2007: Matthew Hayden (Australia)
In the inaugural T20 World Cup held in South Africa, Matthew Hayden emerged as the leading run-scorer. Playing 6 matches, he amassed 265 runs with a highest score of 73, averaging an impressive 88.33. Hayden’s powerful batting and four fifties played a crucial role in setting a high standard for future tournaments.
2009: Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka)
Tillakaratne Dilshan lit up the 2009 T20 World Cup in England with his innovative stroke play. Across 7 matches, he scored 317 runs with a highest score of 96* and an average of 52.83, including three fifties. Dilshan’s performances were instrumental in Sri Lanka’s journey to the final, making him a standout player of the tournament.
2010: Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka)
The 2010 T20 World Cup in the West Indies saw Mahela Jayawardene leading the run charts. In 6 matches, he scored 302 runs, including a century and two fifties, with a highest score of 100 and an average of 60.40. Jayawardene’s elegant and composed batting style was a highlight of the tournament.
2012: Shane Watson (Australia)
Shane Watson dominated the 2012 T20 World Cup, scoring 249 runs in 6 matches. With a highest score of 72 and an average of 49.80, Watson’s powerful hitting and all-round performance, including 3 fifties, were pivotal for Australia, making him the leading run-scorer of that edition.
Also READ: Aussie legend Ricky Ponting predicts the leading run-scorer & highest wicket-taker of T20 World Cup 2024
2014: Virat Kohli (India)
Virat Kohli‘s incredible form in the 2014 T20 World Cup saw him score 319 runs in 6 matches. His highest score of 77 and an astounding average of 106.33, along with 4 fifties, highlighted his unmatched consistency and ability to anchor India’s innings, earning him the top run-scorer title.
2016: Tamim Iqbal (Bangladesh)
Tamim Iqbal was the star for Bangladesh in the 2016 T20 World Cup, scoring 295 runs in 6 matches. His highest score of 103* and an average of 73.75, featuring 1 hundred and 1 fifty, showcased his aggressive yet composed batting style, making him the leading run-scorer of the tournament.
2021: Babar Azam (Pakistan)
Babar Azam led the charts in the 2021 T20 World Cup, scoring 303 runs in 6 matches. With a highest score of 70 and an average of 60.60, Azam’s elegant stroke play and consistency, resulting in 4 fifties, were crucial for Pakistan’s campaign, earning him the top run-scorer honor.
2022: Virat Kohli (India)
Virat Kohli once again demonstrated his T20 prowess in the 2022 T20 World Cup, scoring 296 runs in 6 matches. His highest score of 82* and an average of 98.66, along with 4 fifties, reaffirmed his status as one of the greatest batters in the format, making him the leading run-scorer for the second time.
