Over the decades, Pakistan has produced some of the finest batting talents in world cricket. From elegant stroke-players to aggressive match-winners, these legends have stood tall under pressure and consistently scored runs for the nation. This article celebrates the top 5 players with the most runs for Pakistan in ODIs, ranked from 5 to 1.
List of Top 5 Most runs for Pakistan in ODIs
5. Shoaib Malik
Shoaib Malik had one of the longest careers in Pakistan cricket, playing ODIs for two full decades, and he remains among the players with the most runs for Pakistan in ODIs. His journey began in 1999, and over the years, he developed into a reliable middle-order batsman. While he wasn’t as flashy as some of his teammates, his consistency and calm approach under pressure made him a dependable performer.
Malik was especially good at adapting to different match situations. He could accelerate the scoring when needed or slow things down to build a solid partnership. Apart from batting, his part-time off-spin bowling and smart cricketing brain made him a valuable all-rounder. Malik played many match-winning innings and was often the glue that held the batting line-up together. His ability to rotate the strike and play mature innings helped Pakistan win crucial matches, earning him a place among those with the most runs for Pakistan in ODIs.
| Span | Matches | Runs | HS | 100s | 50s |
| 1999–2019 | 287 | 7534 | 143 | 9 | 44 |
4. Shahid Afridi
Shahid Afridi brought excitement and energy to every ODI he played. Known for his aggressive style, Afridi made headlines early in his career by scoring the fastest ODI century at that time, in just 37 balls. Nicknamed “Boom Boom Afridi,” he was never afraid to take risks, which made him a fan favorite and a significant contributor among those with the most runs for Pakistan in ODIs.
Afridi was a game-changer. Even though his average was not very high, his ability to destroy bowling attacks within minutes made him one of the most dangerous batsmen in the world. He could take a match away from the opposition with a quick-fire knock. Afridi also contributed heavily with the ball as a leg-spinner, but his batting remained the crowd-puller.
He played over 390 ODIs and was part of many major tournaments. Despite ups and downs, Afridi always gave his best and remained a key figure in Pakistan’s cricketing journey.
| Span | Matches | Runs | HS | 100s | 50s |
| 1996–2015 | 393 | 8027 | 124 | 6 | 39 |
3. Saeed Anwar
Saeed Anwar was one of the most stylish left-handed openers in the history of ODI cricket. His timing, placement, and wristy shots made him a joy to watch. Anwar opened the innings for Pakistan for more than a decade and was known for scoring runs all around the ground, earning his place among the players with the most runs for Pakistan in ODIs.
He famously held the record for the highest individual score in ODIs 194 against India for over a decade. His ability to score big runs, especially in pressure matches, made him one of the best openers of his time. Anwar played several match-winning innings, especially in high-stake games like the Asia Cup and World Cup.
With over 8800 runs and 20 centuries, he was not only Pakistan’s leading run-scorer during his time but also one of the top batsmen in the world.
| Span | Matches | Runs | HS | 100s | 50s |
| 1989–2003 | 247 | 8824 | 194 | 20 | 43 |
2. Mohammad Yousuf
Mohammad Yousuf was a master of classic batting technique and timing, and he remains one of the top contributors among those with the most runs for Pakistan in ODIs. He had one of the most elegant batting styles ever seen in ODI cricket. Calm under pressure, Yousuf was known for playing long innings and anchoring the Pakistan innings during challenging situations.
He could pace his innings beautifully, starting cautiously and finishing with strong boundaries. His cover drives, flicks, and footwork against spin were textbook examples of graceful batting. Yousuf was extremely consistent during his prime years and delivered in both home and away conditions.
With 15 centuries and over 9500 runs, he holds one of the top spots for most runs for Pakistan in ODIs and is still considered one of Pakistan’s greatest middle-order batsmen. His contribution in Pakistan’s wins was massive, and his presence in the batting line-up gave confidence to the entire team.
| Span | Matches | Runs | HS | 100s | 50s |
| 1998–2010 | 281 | 9554 | 141* | 15 | 62 |
1. Inzamam-ul-Haq
At the top of the list for the most runs for Pakistan in ODIs is the legendary Inzamam-ul-Haq, the highest run-scorer for Pakistan in ODI history. With over 11,700 runs, Inzamam was the heart of Pakistan’s batting for more than 15 years. His calm demeanor and ability to stay cool under pressure made him a rock in the middle order.
Inzamam, one of the top players with most runs for Pakistan in ODIs, could play both fast bowlers and spinners with ease. His strength lay in his ability to read the game and adjust his batting accordingly. He played many memorable knocks, including match-winning innings in World Cups and bilateral series. His partnership-building skills and ability to rotate the strike made him a match-winner.
Despite his large frame, he had quick reflexes and a sharp cricketing mind. Inzamam also served as captain and helped groom young players. His contribution to Pakistan cricket is unmatched in the ODI format.
| Span | Matches | Runs | HS | 100s | 50s |
| 1991–2007 | 375 | 11701 | 137 | 10 | 83 |
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