Top 10 Openers with most runs in ODIs

Top 10 Openers with most runs in ODIs: ODI cricket was still finding acceptance and reckoning when it was first introduced in 1971. Limited overs cricket is meant to be more entertaining and as a result, over the years this format of the game has been remodelled time and again to favour the batsmen. Shorter boundaries, flatter pitches and meatier bats have been the result.

Though high-class batsmen manage to score runs on every deck, the change in nature of the game has not gone unnoticed. For instance, the field restrictions have ensured that opening batsmen mostly go berserk in the initial overs and once they are set, the opposition is on the mat.

Below we are listing the Top 10 Openers with most runs in ODIs:

10. Graeme Smith (South Africa) – 6974 runs:

Smith made 6989 runs in his ODI career and only 15 of them came at a position other than opening the innings. This shows what a valuable asset he was at the top of the order. It is always good to have a left-hander opening as he can nullify the opposition plans with his range and glorious shots. In most of these 196 matches, Smith also lead the Proteas scoring 10 centuries and 47 half centuries. ‘Biff’ as he is popularly called didn’t allow the opening bowlers to dominate. His achievements as a batsman are significant but most importantly he gave South Africa the confidence to win both home and away.

Also Read – Top 10 Captains with most ODI centuries