T20 World Cup leading run-scorers list from 2007 to 2024

T20 is a different ball game altogether, as the shortest format of the game has changed the nuance of how cricket was perceived since the first edition of the T20 World Cup took place in 2007. Batters have come out all guns blazing and were forced to opt for innovative shots, something out of the cricket books. Yet, some players had a concise outlook and resorted to their conventional form yielding results.

When the first edition of the T20 World Cup commenced in South Africa, the glimpses of the future of the game were pre-empted as Chris Gayle struck 117 runs in just 57 deliveries embellished with seven boundaries and 10 maximums at a strike rate of 205.26. An innings which was rare as a translucent Jadeite in the conventional form of cricket. Add Yuvraj Singh’s six maximums in an over off Stuart Broad, the game turned its face from wrist work to muscle work.

Here are the leading-run scorers from each T20 World Cup edition:  

8. Matthew Hayden (2007 Edition)

The Muscle man Matthew Hayden, was already known for his power-hitting, and with T20Is flourishing, he stepped into an El–Dorado. The Australia opener scored 265 runs in six innings at an average of 88.33 and a strike rate of 144.80. His highest score was an unbeaten 73 runs against Bangladesh. 

7. Tillakaratne Dilshan (2009 Edition)

The inventor of the ‘Dil-Scoop’ was at his best in the second edition of the T20 World Cup. The prolific Tillakratne Dilshan amassed 317 runs in seven innings at an average of 52.83 and a strike rate of 144.74. His highest score of unbeaten 96 runs came against West Indies in the second Semi-Final that Sri Lanka eventually won.