Top five run-scorers in the history of ICC Champions Trophy

The ICC Champions Trophy is a 50-over international cricket tournament organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Initially known as the ICC KnockOut Tournament, it was first held in 1998 and was later renamed the Champions Trophy in 2002. Known as the Mini World Cup, it features the top eight ranked ODI teams and is considered the second most prestigious ICC event after the Cricket World Cup.

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy marks the highly anticipated return of the auspicious tournament after an eight-year gap, with Pakistan and UAE set to host the event. Scheduled to take place in February-March 2025, the competition will feature Australia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, England, India, Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa. With conditions favoring fast bowlers and unpredictable matchups, the tournament promises to be a spectacle for cricket lovers worldwide.

Batters play a crucial role in the 50-over matches of the ICC Champions Trophy, where the knockout pressure demands both consistency and aggression. Openers set the tone with quick starts, while the middle order provides stability, especially in seam-friendly conditions often seen in the tournament. Adaptability is key, as batters must counter-swing early on and accelerate, later. With limited games and no room for error, impactful knocks often decide the fate of teams in this high-intensity tournament.

Here’s a list of the top five run-scorers in the history of the ICC Champions Trophy:

1: Chris Gayle

West Indies’ power hitter, Chris Gayle, also known as the universe boss, was a game-changer in the white ball format with his explosive batting and aggressive mindset. As a left-handed opener, he had the ability to demolish bowling attacks within the powerplay, setting up huge totals or chasing down targets with ease. His fearless approach made him one of the most dangerous batters in ICC tournaments, and he remains the highest run-getter in Champions Trophy history.

In 17 matches, Chris Gayle managed to score a total of 791 runs with an average strike rate of 52.73 and 88.77, respectively. His ability to clear the ropes at will and his dominance against both pace and spin made him a nightmare for bowlers worldwide. His highest score of 133* came against South Africa in the 2006 edition, hosted by India.

2: Mahela Jayawardene

Sri Lankan great, Mahela Jayawardene was the epitome of graceful batting in the white-ball format known for his timing and placement. Unlike brute force players, he relied on classical shots, touch play, and tactical awareness to build innings. His calm presence at the crease allowed him to anchor Sri Lanka’s batting, making him one of the most reliable middle-order batters in white-ball cricket.

In 22 matches, Mahela Jayawardene managed to score a total of 742 runs with an average and a strike rate of 41.22 and 84.80, respectively. His ability to play under pressure and construct innings with intelligence made him a standout performer for the Sri Lankan side in multiple ICC tournaments. His highest score of 84* came against Australia in the 2013 edition, hosted by England and Wales.

3: Shikhar Dhawan

Indian explosive opener, Shikhar Dhawan, also known as Gabbar, made a huge impact on the Indian team in the ICC tournaments, especially the Champions Trophy, where he was the leading run-scorer in both the 2013 and 2017 editions. His aggressive yet controlled batting style at the top of the order made him one of India's most dependable ODI batters. Dhawan thrived on big occasions, often stepping up when the stakes were high.

In 10 matches, Shikhar Dhawan managed to score a total of 701 runs with an average and a strike rate of 77.88 and 101.59, respectively. His ability to attack in the powerplay, rotate strike effectively, and play long innings made him a key figure in India’s batting lineup. His highest score of 125 came against Sri Lanka in the 2017 edition, hosted by England and Wales.

4: Kumar Sangakkara

One of the most intelligent batters in white-ball history, Kumar Sangakkara combined technical brilliance with tactical awareness. His ability to adapt to different conditions and control the tempo of an innings made him an asset for Sri Lanka. Sangakkara was a true all-round batter, who was solid in defense yet capable of accelerating when needed. His role in Sri Lanka’s success in ICC tournaments was crucial, as he provided stability in the middle order while also contributing as a wicketkeeper.

In 22 matches, Kumar Sangakkara managed to score a total of 683 runs with an average and a strike rate of 37.94 and 71.36, respectively. His leadership and consistency made him a pillar of Sri Lankan cricket for over a decade. His highest score of 134* came against England in the 2013 edition at their home.

5: Sourav Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly was not just a prolific batter but also an aggressive leader, who transformed Indian cricket. As an opener, he had a knack for dominating bowlers with elegant yet powerful strokeplay, particularly through the off-side, earning him the title of the god of off-side. His leadership in the 2000 Champions Trophy was instrumental in India reaching the final. Ganguly’s ability to anchor innings, build partnerships, and take on opposition attacks in crucial moments made him one of India’s greatest ODI batters. 

In 13 matches, Sourav Ganguly managed to score a total of 665 runs with an average and strike rate of 73.88 and 83.12, respectively. His aggressive intent at the top order laid the foundation for India’s rise in world cricket. His highest score of 141* came against South Africa in the 2000 edition, hosted by Kenya.