Top Batters to Reach 3,000 T20I Runs in the Fewest Innings
T20I cricket has seen a number of exceptional batters achieve the milestone of scoring 3,000 runs. However, not all have reached this mark at the same pace. Below is a detailed look at the players who achieved this feat in the fewest innings, highlighting their performances and key moments that helped them cross the threshold.
1. Mohammad Rizwan – Pakistan (79 Innings)
Mohammad Rizwan made history on 20 April 2024 during a match in Rawalpindi. His performance was pivotal as he guided Pakistan to a quick victory against New Zealand. Batting at the top of the order, Rizwan played an unbeaten 34-ball 45, helping his team chase down a modest total in just 12.1 overs. This knock not only secured the win but also took him past the 3,000-run milestone in T20Is.
2. Virat Kohli – India (81 Innings)
Virat Kohli is known for his consistency and ability to perform under pressure. In March 2021, he scored an unbeaten 49-ball 73 against England in Ahmedabad, which was instrumental in India’s victory. Kohli’s performance in that match was crucial, as it marked the second-fastest achievement of 3,000 T20I runs. His aggressive style and ability to score quickly have made him one of the most formidable batters in the format.
3. Babar Azam – Pakistan (81 Innings)
Babar Azam reached the 3,000-run mark in T20Is during a match in Lahore in September 2022. Despite Pakistan’s loss to England, Azam’s unbeaten 87 from 59 balls was enough to take him over the milestone. His performance showcased his ability to build innings even when the team wasn’t performing well. Azam’s consistent run-scoring has made him a key player for Pakistan in the T20I format.
4. Aaron Finch – Australia (98 Innings)
Aaron Finch achieved the 3,000-run milestone in T20Is during a match against England. Although his contribution in that particular game was minimal—scoring just 12 runs from seven deliveries—it was enough to push him over the threshold. Finch’s career has been defined by his aggressive batting and leadership, making him a vital part of Australia’s T20I side.
5. Virandeep Singh – Malaysia (98 Innings)
Virandeep Singh reached the 3,000-run mark in T20Is during a match in the Asia Pacific Cricket Champions Trophy. While his individual performance was modest—scoring 36 runs from 25 balls—his efforts were enough to help Malaysia secure a six-wicket victory. Singh’s achievement highlights the growing competitiveness of associate nations in international T20I cricket.
6. Martin Guptill – New Zealand (101 Innings)
Martin Guptill reached the 3,000-run milestone in T20Is during a match against Scotland. After starting slowly, Guptill picked up the pace and delivered a powerful 93 from 56 balls. His performance was crucial in helping New Zealand post a competitive total and secure a win. Guptill’s ability to adapt and accelerate in crucial moments has made him a reliable performer in the T20I format.
7. David Warner – Australia (102 Innings)
David Warner crossed the 3,000-run mark in T20Is during a high-stakes match against the West Indies. Despite Australia’s failure to chase a challenging target, Warner’s half-century from 49 balls was enough to take him over the milestone. His aggressive approach and ability to score quickly have made him one of Australia’s most effective batters in the shortest format of the game.
8. Jos Buttler – England (106 Innings)
Jos Buttler reached the 3,000-run milestone in T20Is during a match against Pakistan. He played a crucial role in England’s strong performance, scoring 84 runs from 51 balls. This knock not only helped England set a competitive total but also marked a personal milestone for Buttler. His consistency and ability to perform under pressure have made him a key player for England in the T20I format.
9. Rohit Sharma – India (108 Innings)
Rohit Sharma achieved the 3,000-run milestone in T20Is during a match against Namibia at the T20I World Cup in Dubai in 2021. He played a dominant opening partnership with KL Rahul, scoring 56 runs from 37 balls. His performance was instrumental in India’s nine-wicket victory. Rohit’s ability to dominate the early stages of an innings has made him one of the most feared openers in T20I cricket.
Summary of Fastest to 3,000 T20I Runs
Here is a summary of the batters who reached the 3,000-run milestone in the fewest innings:
- Mohammad Rizwan – 79 innings
- Virat Kohli – 81 innings
- Babar Azam – 81 innings
- Aaron Finch – 98 innings
- Virandeep Singh – 98 innings
- Martin Guptill – 101 innings
- David Warner – 102 innings
- Jos Buttler – 106 innings
- Rohit Sharma – 108 innings
Paul Stirling of Ireland is the only other batter to have scored more than 3,000 runs in T20Is, achieving the milestone in 113 innings.