Scoring 6,000 runs in One Day International (ODI) cricket is a remarkable milestone that only the most consistent and talented batters can achieve. It requires years of outstanding performances, the ability to adapt to different conditions, and the skill to score runs against some of the world’s best bowling attacks. While many legendary cricketers have crossed the 6,000-run mark, only a select few have managed to reach it in the fewest innings. That is why the record for the Fastest Players to Score 6000 Runs in ODIs is considered one of the most impressive achievements in the 50-over format.
The list of the Fastest Players to Score 6000 Runs in ODIs features some of the greatest names in cricket history, including Hashim Amla, Babar Azam, Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, and Sir Viv Richards. These batters combined consistency with attacking stroke play, allowing them to score heavily throughout their careers. Their ability to perform regularly in high-pressure matches helped them reach the milestone much quicker than many other legendary players.
List of 10 Fastest Players to Score 6000 Runs in ODIs
10. Shai Hope
Shai Hope became one of the Fastest Players to score 6000 Runs in ODIs after reaching the milestone against New Zealand in Napier on 19 November 2025. Since making his ODI debut in 2016, Hope has developed into the backbone of the West Indies batting lineup. His calm mindset, solid defensive technique, and ability to build long innings have made him one of the most dependable ODI batters in modern cricket.
Unlike many aggressive openers, Hope prefers to spend time at the crease before increasing his scoring rate. His excellent consistency has allowed him to score heavily against both pace and spin in different playing conditions. Over the years, he has delivered several match-winning performances for the West Indies, proving his value as one of the team’s most reliable players. Reaching the milestone in just 142 innings earned him a place among the Fastest Players to Score 6000 Runs in ODIs, highlighting his impressive career in the 50-over format.
| Fastest to 6000 runs | |
|---|---|
| Player | Shai Hope |
| Opposition | New Zealand |
| Time | 19 November 2025 |
| Inns | 142 |
9. Quinton de Kock
Quinton de Kock secured his place among the Fastest Players to Score 6000 Runs in ODIs when he reached the landmark against Australia in Bloemfontein on 9 September 2023. The left-handed wicketkeeper-batter completed 6,000 ODI runs in just 142 innings, becoming one of the quickest South Africans to achieve the milestone. Since making his ODI debut in 2013, de Kock has been one of South Africa’s most destructive opening batters and has consistently provided explosive starts in all conditions.
De Kock built his reputation through fearless stroke play and his ability to dominate bowlers during the power play. His attacking mindset allowed South Africa to score quickly from the beginning of an innings, while his consistency ensured he remained among the world’s leading ODI run-scorers for several years. He has scored heavily against almost every major cricket nation and has played several memorable innings in ICC tournaments and bilateral series. His achievement places him among the elite Fastest Players to Score 6000 Runs in ODIs, proving his importance in South Africa’s white-ball success.
| Fastest to 6000 runs | |
|---|---|
| Player | Quinton de Kock |
| Opposition | Australia |
| Time | 9 September 2023 |
| Inns | 142 |
READ MORE: Top 10 Players with the Fastest 5000 Runs in ODI Cricket
8. Joe Root
England’s Joe Root became one of the Fastest Players to Score 6000 Runs in ODIs when he reached the milestone against Sri Lanka at Chester-le-Street on 29 June 2021. He completed the landmark in only 141 innings, reflecting the consistency he has shown throughout his ODI career. Root has been one of England’s most dependable batters, playing a major role in transforming the team into one of the strongest sides in world cricket.
While England became famous for aggressive batting after 2015, Root remained the team’s anchor by building partnerships and controlling the innings. His excellent technique, calm approach, and ability to rotate the strike have helped him score runs in all parts of the world. Root has also delivered numerous match-winning performances under pressure, making him an essential part of England’s batting lineup. His place among the Fastest Players to Score 6000 Runs in ODIs highlights his remarkable consistency and ability to perform at the highest level over many years.
| Fastest to 6000 runs | |
|---|---|
| Player | Joe Root |
| Opposition | Sri Lanka |
| Time | 29 June 2021 |
| Inns | 141 |
7. Viv Richards
Sir Viv Richards was the first batter in ODI history to reach the 6,000-run milestone, achieving the feat against Pakistan in Brisbane on 7 January 1989. He needed only 141 innings to accomplish the record, making him one of the original Fastest Players to Score 6000 Runs in ODIs. During an era when ODI cricket was generally played at a slower pace, Richards completely changed the way batting was approached in the limited-overs format.
Richards intimidated bowlers with his aggressive style and unmatched confidence. He attacked from the first ball and consistently scored at a strike rate that was considered extraordinary during his playing days. His fearless batting inspired future generations of cricketers and helped establish the West Indies as the dominant force in world cricket throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Even decades after his retirement, Richards continues to be remembered as one of the greatest batters ever and remains one of the legendary Fastest Players to Score 6000 Runs in ODIs.
| Fastest to 6000 runs | |
|---|---|
| Player | Viv Richards |
| Opposition | Pakistan |
| Time | 7 January 1989 |
| Inns | 141 |
6. Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan entered the list of the Fastest Players to Score 6000 Runs in ODIs after completing the milestone against Sri Lanka in Colombo on 18 July 2021. The Indian opener reached 6,000 ODI runs in only 140 innings, becoming one of the quickest players in history to reach the landmark. Since his international debut, Dhawan has established himself as one of India’s most successful opening batters in the 50-over format.
Dhawan became famous for his performances in ICC tournaments, where he regularly delivered centuries and match-winning knocks against top opposition. His attacking intent during the power play, combined with elegant stroke play through the offside, made him one of the most dangerous opening batters in ODI cricket. Over the years, he formed several successful opening partnerships and played a crucial role in India’s victories across the world. His achievement among the Fastest Players to Score 6000 Runs in ODIs reflects his consistency and remarkable contribution to Indian cricket.
| Fastest to 6000 runs | |
|---|---|
| Player | Shikhar Dhawan |
| Opposition | Sri Lanka |
| Time | 18 July 2021 |
| Inns | 140 |
5. David Warner
David Warner became one of the Fastest Players to Score 6000 Runs in ODIs when he reached the milestone during Australia’s match against England in Melbourne on 22 November 2022. The explosive Australian opener needed only 139 innings to complete 6,000 ODI runs, underlining his remarkable consistency at the top of the order. Warner has been one of Australia’s most influential white-ball players since making his ODI debut.
Known for his aggressive batting style, Warner has consistently given Australia fast starts by taking on bowlers from the beginning of the innings. His fearless approach has allowed him to score heavily against both pace and spin while maintaining an impressive strike rate. Warner has also produced numerous centuries in important matches, helping Australia win ICC tournaments and bilateral series. His achievement firmly establishes him among the Fastest Players to Score 6000 Runs in ODIs, making him one of Australia’s greatest ODI openers.
| Fastest to 6000 runs | |
|---|---|
| Player | David Warner |
| Opposition | England |
| Time | 22 November 2022 |
| Inns | 139 |
4. Kane Williamson
Kane Williamson became one of the Fastest Players to score 6000 Runs in ODIs when he reached the milestone against Australia during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup at Lord’s on 29 June 2019. The New Zealand captain completed 6,000 ODI runs in only 139 innings, making him one of the quickest batters to achieve the landmark. Since making his ODI debut in 2010, Williamson has been the backbone of New Zealand’s batting lineup and one of the most respected players in world cricket.
Williamson is widely admired for his calm temperament, excellent technique, and ability to perform under pressure. Rather than relying on power, he builds his innings with precise shot selection and outstanding placement. His consistency has allowed him to score runs in all parts of the world against every major cricket nation. Whether batting first or chasing a target, Williamson has repeatedly guided New Zealand to important victories with composed innings. His place among the Fastest Players to Score 6000 Runs in ODIs reflects his remarkable consistency and leadership throughout his ODI career.
| Fastest to 6000 runs | |
|---|---|
| Player | Kane Williamson |
| Opposition | Australia |
| Time | 29 June 2019 |
| Inns | 139 |
READ MORE: Top 10 highest percentage of Runs in completed innings in ODIs
3. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli secured his place among the Fastest Players to score 6000 Runs in ODIs after reaching the milestone against Sri Lanka in Hyderabad on 9 November 2014. He completed the landmark in just 136 innings, making him one of the quickest players in ODI history to reach 6,000 runs. Kohli’s incredible consistency from the beginning of his career allowed him to rewrite several batting records while becoming one of the greatest ODI players of all time.
Kohli has built his success through exceptional fitness, flawless technique, and an unmatched ability to chase targets successfully. His consistency across different conditions and against world-class bowling attacks has made him one of the most dependable batters in international cricket. Throughout his career, he has scored hundreds of runs in pressure situations, helping India win numerous memorable matches. His remarkable record among the Fastest Players to Score 6000 Runs in ODIs demonstrates why he is regarded as one of the finest ODI batters the game has ever produced.
| Fastest to 6000 runs | |
|---|---|
| Player | Virat Kohli |
| Opposition | Sri Lanka |
| Time | 9 November 2014 |
| Inns | 136 |
2. Babar Azam
Pakistan captain Babar Azam joined the elite list of the Fastest Players to Score 6000 Runs in ODIs when he reached the milestone against New Zealand in Karachi on 14 February 2025. He required only 123 innings to complete 6,000 ODI runs, equalling the long-standing world record previously held by Hashim Amla. This outstanding achievement further strengthened Babar’s reputation as one of the finest batters of the modern era.
Since making his ODI debut in 2015, Babar has shown exceptional consistency with his elegant batting style and outstanding technique. His ability to score runs against both pace and spin, along with his calm approach in difficult situations, has made him Pakistan’s most dependable batter in the 50-over format. Babar has produced numerous centuries while maintaining one of the highest batting averages among active ODI players. His achievement among the Fastest Players to Score 6000 Runs in ODIs highlights his incredible run-scoring ability and his importance to Pakistan’s success in international cricket.
| Fastest to 6000 runs | |
|---|---|
| Player | Babar Azam |
| Opposition | New Zealand |
| Time | 14 February 2025 |
| Inns | 123 |
1. Hashim Amla
Hashim Amla sits at the top of the list of the Fastest Players to Score 6000 Runs in ODIs, having reached the milestone against India at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on 25 October 2015. The South African batting legend needed only 123 innings to complete 6,000 ODI runs, setting a world record that remained unmatched for nearly a decade before Babar Azam equaled it. Amla’s achievement is widely regarded as one of the greatest milestones in ODI batting history because of the consistency he displayed throughout the early years of his career.
Amla became famous for his elegant stroke play, remarkable patience, and ability to score runs with ease in every condition. He rarely looked under pressure at the crease and consistently produced centuries against the strongest bowling attacks in world cricket. His ability to combine a high batting average with an excellent strike rate made him one of South Africa’s greatest ODI batters. Throughout his career, Amla played a crucial role in many famous victories and remained the backbone of South Africa’s batting order for several years. His record among the Fastest Players to Score 6000 Runs in ODIs continues to stand as one of the most impressive achievements in the history of One Day International cricket, cementing his legacy as one of the game’s greatest batters.
| Fastest to 6000 runs | |
|---|---|
| Player | Hashim Amla |
| Opposition | India |
| Time | 25 October 2015 |
| Inns | 123 |
The list of the Fastest Players to Score 6000 Runs in ODIs showcases some of the greatest batters in the history of One Day International cricket. Every player featured in this ranking reached the milestone through remarkable consistency, exceptional technique, and the ability to perform against the world’s best bowling attacks. While Hashim Amla and Babar Azam jointly hold the record by reaching 6,000 ODI runs in just 123 innings, legendary names such as Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, David Warner, Joe Root, and Viv Richards have also left an unforgettable mark on ODI cricket.
As the game continues to evolve, new generations of batters will aim to break these incredible records. However, the achievements of these Fastest Players to Score 6000 Runs in ODIs will remain among the most celebrated milestones in cricket history, highlighting the extraordinary talent and consistency required to score 6,000 ODI runs in the fewest possible innings.