Scoring 2,000 runs in ODI cricket is an accomplishment for any batter. But barely, in a handful of matches this milestone has been achieved by the players. What the race to be the fastest 2000 runs in ODI indicates is that consistency, class and utter dominance of opposition international bowling attacks (by a long margin) from the very beginning of a career.
In 2026, Indian cricketer Shubman Gill held the record for fastest batter to score 2,000 ODI runs ahead of South African great Hashim Amla.
Fastest 2000 Runs in ODI History
| Rank | Player | Team | Innings | Matches | Achieved Against | Year |
| 1 | Shubman Gill | India | 38 | 38 | New Zealand | 2023 |
| 2 | Hashim Amla | South Africa | 40 | 40 | India | 2011 |
| 3 | Zaheer Abbas | Pakistan | 45 | 62 | Sri Lanka | 1983 |
| 4 | Kevin Pietersen | England | 45 | 45 | West Indies | 2007 |
| 5 | Babar Azam | Pakistan | 45 | 45 | Hong Kong | 2018 |
| 6 | Rassie van der Dussen | South Africa | 45 | 45 | Australia | 2023 |
| 7 | Imam-ul-Haq | Pakistan | 46 | 49 | England | 2021 |
| 8 | Jonathan Trott | England | 47 | 47 | Australia | 2012 |
| 9 | Shai Hope | West Indies | 47 | 48 | England | 2019 |
| 10 | Daryl Mitchell | New Zealand | 48 | 48 | Bangladesh | 2023 |
Shubman Gill – Fastest 2000 Runs in ODI
Indian opener Shubman Gill also made an ODI record last week reaching 2,000 runs in the least number of innings – 38 as against Hashim Amla’s older record of being the fastest to get there in 40 ODIs.
In the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup against New Zealand in Dharamshala, Gill accomplished this milestone in remarkable fashion. The way in which he plays shots en route to a big hundred through strokeplay, and the consistency he has managed to deliver made him one of the fastest rising stars of world cricket.
Shubman Gill’s ODI Record at 2,000 Runs
| Statistic | Value |
| Innings | 38 |
| Average | 62.88 |
| Strike Rate | 102+ |
| Centuries | 6+ |
| Half-centuries | 10+ |
Hashim Amla – The Former Record Holder
Before Gill, Hashim Amla held the record after reaching 2,000 ODI runs in only 40 innings.
The South African opener dominated world cricket between 2008 and 2015 with his calm batting style and remarkable consistency.
Some of his achievements include:
- 40 innings to 2,000 runs
- Average above 56 at the milestone
- Multiple ICC ODI rankings at No.1
- One of South Africa’s greatest ODI batters
Players Who Reached Fastest 2000 Runs in ODI 45 Innings
| Player | Team | Innings |
| Zaheer Abbas | Pakistan | 45 |
| Kevin Pietersen | England | 45 |
| Babar Azam | Pakistan | 45 |
| Rassie van der Dussen | South Africa | 45 |
Fastest Indian Players to 2,000 ODI Runs
| Rank | Player | Innings |
| 1 | Shubman Gill | 38 |
| 2 | Virat Kohli | 53 |
| 3 | Shikhar Dhawan | 55 |
| 4 | KL Rahul | 56 |
| 5 | Navjot Singh Sidhu | 52* |
Pakistan Players with the Fastest 2000 Runs in ODI
| Player | Innings |
| Zaheer Abbas | 45 |
| Babar Azam | 45 |
| Imam-ul-Haq | 46 |
What Makes This Record So Remarkable?
Reaching the 2,000 ODI runs is a mark to be achieved in rapid time:
- Outstanding consistency
- Ability to score centuries regularly
- Adaptability across different conditions
- Long-term potential
- Match-winning performances
Clearly, none of the players could dare to reach this Millstone in under 60 innings, which further puts achieved milestones with a much greater perspective for both Gill and Amla.
Records Broken by Shubman Gill
When Gill crossed 2,000 ODI runs, he:
- Became the fastest batter in ODI history.
- Broke Hashim Amla’s 12-year-old record.
- Became the fastest Indian to every major ODI milestone from 1,000 to 2,000 runs.
- Continued averaging above 60 in ODI cricket during the milestone period.
Can Anyone Break Gill’s Record?
Breaking the record of 38 innings will be extremely difficult. Modern ODI schedules feature fewer matches than in previous decades, meaning young players have fewer opportunities to accumulate runs quickly.
However, emerging stars from India, Australia, England, and New Zealand could challenge the record if they maintain exceptional form early in their careers.
Interesting Facts
- Shubman Gill is the only player to reach 2,000 ODI runs in fewer than 40 innings.
- Hashim Amla held the record for over a decade.
- Four players are tied on 45 innings.
- Pakistan has three players in the top ten.
- South Africa has multiple representatives among the fastest to the milestone.
FAQs
Who is the fastest player to score 2,000 runs in ODI cricket?
Shubman Gill holds the record, reaching the milestone in just 38 innings.
Who held the record before Shubman Gill?
Hashim Amla of South Africa held the previous record with 40 innings.
How many innings did Babar Azam take to score 2,000 ODI runs?
Babar Azam reached the milestone in 45 innings.
Which Indian batter is the fastest to 2,000 ODI runs?
Shubman Gill is the fastest Indian and the overall world record holder.
Which country has the most players in the top 10?
Pakistan has three players in the top ten list: Zaheer Abbas, Babar Azam, and Imam-ul-Haq.
Conclusion
The list for fastest 2000 runs in ODI is a testament to the best batters to have played, and their form more than defines how explosive they are. Shubman Gill: He reached the milestone in only 38 innings, which is an ODI cricket record. For instance, legends such as Hashim Amla and Zaheer Abbas took their time to stamp their authority in the game, despite a stellar start whereas Kevin Pieterson sprung on a brilliant run-scoring spree straight away but Gill’s record currently acts like an Everest of sorts being impenetrable to most while also begging to be beaten for many years ahead.
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