Ranking the Top 50 Opening Batsmen in T20I Cricket by Runs Scored
In Twenty20 International cricket, the opening batsmen are crucial for the batting side given the lack of overs available to each side.
Get out early, and the openers leave their side in trouble already as those below them have to steady the ship and also hit quick runs.
However, if they are able to stay at the crease and blast away, it makes life so much easier for those down the order and means they can build a match-winning total.
Over the years of T20I cricket, some openers have flourished in such a pressurised role, and scored runs at a very good rate.
Read on for the top 50 run-getters in T20I among openers.
All stats courtesy of ESPNCricinfo, correct as of October 7.
“Matches” denotes the number of matches played as an opening batsman.
50. Kane Williamson (New Zealand)
1 of 50
7 T20I matches
217 runs; 36.16 batting average; 123.29 strike rate; 51 highest score
Perhaps better known as a No. 3, Kane Williamson has had some good success as an opener in T20I for New Zealand in recent years.
His average is very strong for the format, while his strike rate is upwards of a run a ball, which is in line with what is expected from openers.
He may well get another chance in the position in the future.
49. Anamul Haque (Bangladesh)
2 of 50
9 T20I matches
225 runs; 32.14 batting average; 120.96 strike rate; 44* highest score
Anamul Haque is portrayed as something of a specialist in the limited overs formats for Bangladesh, and has already looked impressive in T20I.
He has managed to balance his responsibilities as wicketkeeper also, and has shown a great deal of promise in all three formats.
Haque is still just 21 years old, so he has plenty of time to make good on his potential.
48. Rizwan Cheema (Canada)
3 of 50
12 T20I matches
232 runs; 21.09 batting average; 115.42 strike rate; 68 highest score
A hard-hitting opener, Rizwan Cheema is of Pakistani origin but is involved with Canada’s international setup.
His style is not perhaps always successful, especially in a Canadian side that is inconsistent and does not play much cricket against top opposition.
However, in this shortened format, he has shown flashes of what he is capable of.
.jpg?w=256 "Bills Steelers Football")
47. Ajinkya Rahane (India)
4 of 50
11 T20I matches
232 runs; 21.09 batting average; 118.00 strike rate; 61 highest score
In at No. 47 comes Ajinkya Rahane of India, who appears to be an opener that has taken his experience in the Indian Premier League and flourished.
Always regarded as a talented player, Rahane has shown plenty of ability in the shortest form of the game.
If he can find greater consistency, he could be a real force for India in the coming years.
46. Richard Levi (South Africa)
5 of 50
13 T20I matches
236 runs; 21.45 batting average; 141.31 strike rate; 117* highest score
In next comes Richard Levi of South Africa, an opener whose aggregate has been flattered slightly by his unbeaten 117.
That knock came against New Zealand in 2012 and included 13 sixes, and hinted at a player with plenty of ability in T20I, albeit on a small ground.
He has not quite yet delivered on his promise, but there is still plenty of time for him to do so.
45. Steve Tikolo (Kenya)
6 of 50
8 T20I matches
237 runs; 47.40 batting average; 147.20 strike rate; 56* highest score
For so long a crucial part of Kenya’s batting lineup, former captain Steve Tikolo has looked very good in T20I despite his country’s struggles on and off the field.
Known more as a middle-order batsman, he was promoted up the order and went about his batting in his usual way, smiting boundaries and putting together an impressive strike rate.
Still playing at 43, perhaps Tikolo will find a way to add to his tally.
44. Mohammad Shahzad (Afghanistan)
7 of 50
12 T20I matches
250 runs; 20.83 batting average; 128.86 strike rate; 68 highest score
Part of one of cricket’s best stories in recent years, Mohammad Shahzad has been key for Afghanistan as they assert themselves on the international stage.
As an opener, Shahzad contributes a decent average and strike rate, and has helped the Afghans to some memorable victories already.
He will almost certainly have the chance to add to his aggregate.
43. Karim Sadiq (Afghanistan)
8 of 50
17 T20I matches
252 runs; 14.82 batting average; 113.51 strike rate; 42 highest score
Shahzad’s teammate Karim Sadiq follows next, having shown some ability in T20I over the course of several years in the format.
His average is a little bit low, but he has been decent in the format against some very strong bowling attacks.
Sadiq, too, will likely have the chance to improve his standing in this list.
42. Alex Obanda (Kenya)
9 of 50
12 T20I matches
264 runs; 22.00 batting average; 133.33 strike rate; 79 highest score
Generally regarded as part of Kenya’s next generation of batsmen, Alex Obanda has already shown plenty of promise in T20I.
Strong through the off side, Obanda has shown himself to be very capable in the format, even with his country’s cricketing turmoil still ongoing.
He will be hopeful of moving himself upwards in the coming years.
41. Adam Gilchrist (Australia)
10 of 50
13 T20I matches
272 runs; 22.66 batting average; 141.66 strike rate; 48 highest score
It seems a little surprising to see the brilliant Adam Gilchrist so low down this list, but in truth, T20I came along towards the end of his superb career.
Even so, his exuberant and aggressive style was well suited to the format, although he could not quite pass 50 in any of his 13 appearances.
If T20I had come into being earlier in his career, it is a virtual certainty that Gilchrist would be much higher in this list.
40. Calum MacLeod (Scotland)
11 of 50
13 T20I matches
289 runs; 24.08 batting average; 107.83 strike rate; 57 highest score
Having been involved with Scotland’s national team for a number of years but still being just 25 years old, Calum MacLeod finds himself at No. 40 in this list.
A capable right-hander, he has managed to maintain a strong average and strike rate in spite of his country’s inconsistencies at the highest level.
If Scotland can keep competing, MacLeod will certainly move upwards in the list too.
39. Matthew Hayden (Australia)
12 of 50
9 T20I matches
308 runs; 51.33 batting average; 143.92 strike rate; 73* highest score
Another who would have been higher on this list if T20I had begun earlier in his career is Matthew Hayden.
The Australian seemed to take well to the format, averaging over 50 and compiling a strike rate to compete with the best.
Unfortunately, it came a little too late for him to be a superstar in the format, as he undoubtedly would have been.
38. Lendl Simmons (West Indies)
13 of 50
12 T20I matches
310 runs; 28.18 batting average; 118.32 strike rate; 65 highest score
West Indian Lendl Simmons follows at No. 38, having taken to T20I pretty well after various stints in T20 domestic leagues around the world.
A hard-hitting opener with a terrific eye, Simmons has become almost indispensable to the West Indies among their talented team of superstars in the shortest form.
He will surely make further progress up this list in the coming years.
37. Rob Nicol (New Zealand)
14 of 50
16 T20I matches
315 runs; 19.68 batting average; 113.30 strike rate; 58 highest score
Up next is New Zealander Rob Nicol, who represented his country for a time before falling off the radar somewhat.
He made the Black Caps’ squad for the 2010 ICC World Twenty20, but now has not played in any form since 2013.
He looked like a solid performer, if a little unspectacular, and found himself down the pecking order.
36. Loots Bosman (South Africa)
15 of 50
14 T20I matches
323 runs; 24.84 batting average; 147.48 strike rate; 94 highest score
In at No. 36 comes South African Loots Bosman, something of a Twenty20 specialist who made his mark domestically but could not quite translate that to the international arena.
He certainly had plenty of promise, and looked likely to deliver on that as he took 94 off England from just 45 balls in 2009.
Unfortunately, he could not quite kick on from that, and last played internationally just a year later.
35. Quinton de Kock (South Africa)
16 of 50
14 T20I matches
333 runs; 27.75 batting average; 115.62 strike rate; 48* highest score
He has only been involved in T20I for just under two years, but South African left-hander Quinton de Kock has already vaulted himself up this list with some strong performances.
The 21-year-old has shown plenty of promise and bags of ability, and has stepped up to become the Proteas’ first-choice wicketkeeper across all three formats.
If he can continue his good form, he will likely find himself in the upper reaches of this list in the future.
34. Rohit Sharma (India)
17 of 50
12 T20I matches
339 runs; 33.90 batting average; 122.38 strike rate; 62* highest score
The enormously talented Rohit Sharma follows at No. 34, having bounced around the order a little bit for India but had some success as an opener.
The IPL has been an enormous help for his T20I career, as it has made him comfortable against almost any bowler in the shortest form.
Perhaps his role is still in flux slightly, but if he has the chance, he will surely move up this list.
33. Richie Berrington (Scotland)
18 of 50
13 T20I matches
352 runs; 27.07 batting average; 123.07 strike rate; 100 highest score
Another Scot follows at No. 33 in the form of Richie Berrington, and this one has a T20I century to his name as an opening batsman.
That knock came against Bangladesh in 2012, and was important as Berrington established himself as a Scotland regular.
32. Johnson Charles (West Indies)
19 of 50
18 T20I matches
353 runs; 20.76 batting average; 115.73 strike rate; 84 highest score
Having impressed domestically, Johnson Charles has had a number of chances for the West Indies T20I side and has looked decent.
He is perhaps overshadowed by other players, but Charles has looked to add consistency to his game and has been rewarded with an improved run total recently.
Charles is one of a number of openers available to the West Indians, and may well get another chance soon.
31. Jesse Ryder (New Zealand)
20 of 50
19 T20I matches
375 runs; 19.73 batting average; 127.98 strike rate; 62 highest score
The muscular New Zealander Jesse Ryder follows at No. 31, having been used as an opener and in other positions in the batting order.
He may have had some personal problems, but Ryder is definitely an exciting batsman to watch and looks ideally suited to the format.
Having had a successful summer in English county cricket, look for him to be back with the Black Caps soon.
30. Stephan Myburgh (Netherlands)
21 of 50
16 T20I matches
377 runs; 23.56 batting average; 128.23 strike rate; 63 highest score
In at No. 30 comes Dutchman Stephan Myburgh, who looked pretty impressive in this year’s ICC World Twenty20.
His average and strike rate are up there with some of the best, while his ability to hit boundaries at any time is superb.
If the Dutch can continue to make waves in international cricket, Myburgh will likely move upwards in this list too.
29. Virender Sehwag (India)
22 of 50
19 T20I matches
394 runs; 21.88 batting average; 145.38 strike rate; 68 highest score
A man who needs little introduction follows at No. 29—India’s Virender Sehwag.
His aggressive style was ideally suited for T20I, especially having been so successful in the IPL.
It may not have been successful every time, but Sehwag was capable of putting together some fabulous innings.
28. Michael Swart (Netherlands)
23 of 50
16 T20I matches
416 runs; 26.00 batting average; 121.63 strike rate; 89 highest score
Born in Australia but representing the Netherlands, Michael Swart has been an effective operator in T20I.
He may not have as many half-centuries as he would like, but his strike rate is healthy and his average is decent enough.
Swart should have more chances to improve his tally too.
27. Kusal Perera (Sri Lanka)
24 of 50
16 T20I matches
463 runs; 28.93 batting average; 132.66 strike rate; 84 highest score
Young Kusal Perera follows next, having already shown himself to be a talented batsman in T20I for Sri Lanka.
The left-hander scores all around the wicket and does so with a flourish, with his style also translating well into ODIs.
If he can maintain consistency and his strong start, he will be a force for many years to come for the Sri Lankans.
26. Dwayne Smith (West Indies)
25 of 50
22 T20I matches
467 runs; 22.23 batting average; 122.89 strike rate; 72 highest score
Another batsman to be shuttled up and down the batting order is Dwayne Smith, who has also had plenty of chances to open for the West Indies.
A strong and aggressive right-hander, Smith is also a very strong fielder when he is not hitting the ball a long way while at the crease.
He has sometimes struggled with his form, but when he is on song, he can dominate any bowling attack.
25. Kamran Akmal (Pakistan)
26 of 50
23 T20I matches
487 runs; 21.17 batting average; 114.85 strike rate; 73 highest score
Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal has had some lean times in the past, but has also shone in T20I in the opening positions.
His aggressive style is in keeping with many wicketkeepers across the world, and his batting means he usually keeps his place in the team.
Having been in and out of the team, hopefully he will nail down his place once again and move up this list.
24. Jacques Kallis (South Africa)
27 of 50
14 T20I matches
496 runs; 41.33 batting average; 122.77 strike rate; 73 highest score
South African legend Jacques Kallis follows next at No. 24, having impressed as an opener when given the opportunity.
Usually found at No. 3 in the order, Kallis has a very impressive average when asked to open the innings.
It goes without saying that he has left an enormous void in the Proteas lineup.
23. Imran Nazir (Pakistan)
28 of 50
24 T20I matches
500 runs; 21.73 batting average; 135.13 strike rate; 72 highest score
A very talented opener, Imran Nazir was also very powerful and aggressive with the bat, something his Pakistan teammates relished.
He was viewed by many as a specialist in the limited-overs formats, and his run aggregate shows that he was certainly capable in T20I.
Still a factor in domestic T20, Nazir is just 32 years old and could make an improbable comeback in the future.
22. Paul Stirling (Ireland)
29 of 50
22 T20I matches
507 runs; 28.16 batting average; 137.02 strike rate; 79 highest score
Ireland’s Paul Stirling follows at No. 22, having shown himself to be a very good player in the international game’s shortest form.
While the Irish have gone from strength to strength in international cricket, Stirling has helped their progress with his aggressive strokeplay atop the order.
Test recognition may not be in his future, but it is more than likely that he will continue to move up this list.
21. Craig Kieswetter (England)
30 of 50
25 T20I matches
526 runs; 21.91 batting average; 111.91 strike rate; 63 highest score
A key part of England’s 2010 ICC World Twenty20 triumph, Craig Kieswetter helped his side make a number of strong starts and take home some silverware.
Unfortunately, his form dropped and he found himself replaced by other batsmen, but at 26 the Somerset man still has time to force his way back in.
20. Salman Butt (Pakistan)
31 of 50
20 T20I matches
530 runs; 27.89 batting average; 114.47 strike rate; 74 highest score
Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt joins this list at No. 20, despite not having played international cricket since 2010.
His career will perhaps forever be tainted by the spot-fixing scandal, but at the crease Butt looked very graceful and always in control.
He may well be back and might move upwards, especially as he is still only 30 years old.
19. Michael Lumb (England)
32 of 50
27 T20I matches
552 runs; 21.23 batting average; 133.65 strike rate; 63 highest score
For a time, Michael Lumb looked like a viable solution for England’s troublesome opening positions in T20I.
The left-hander was crucial in helping them win the 2010 ICC World Twenty20 with his aggressive style.
He has been disrupted a little by injuries, but still is there or thereabouts for the English even at the age of 34.
18. Aaron Finch (Australia)
33 of 50
17 T20I matches
597 runs; 35.11 batting average; 155.87 strike rate; 156 highest score
Australian Aaron Finch is a very capable performer in T20I, and against England in 2013 he gave the clearest possible demonstration of his talents.
He made 156 from just 63 balls against a beleaguered attack, scoring 14 sixes and earning himself the world record score in T20.
Finch has always been talented in the shortest form, and he looks as though he can be a dominant performer for years to come.
17. Hashim Amla (South Africa)
34 of 50
26 T20I matches
600 runs; 25.00 batting average; 122.44 strike rate; 56 highest score
Proof that the very best players are able to adapt their games regardless of the form they play, Hashim Amla joins this list at No. 17.
He may be known as a run machine in the longer forms for South Africa, but Amla is also able to play some superb attacking innings in T20I.
Amla may not be explosive, but his elegance is what sets him apart.
16. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka)
35 of 50
28 T20I matches
626 runs; 23.18 batting average; 129.33 strike rate; 88 highest score
A player whose technique was tailor made for T20I, Sanath Jayasuriya follows at No. 16 after a superb time in the format before retirement beckoned.
His aggressive style served him well as he racked up the runs at the top of Sri Lanka’s order, even though the format came relatively late in his career.
15. William Porterfield (Ireland)
36 of 50
37 T20I matches
627 runs; 19.59 batting average; 114.20 strike rate; 56* highest score
The highest placed of all the ICC Associate nations’ openers, William Porterfield of Ireland has been crucial for his side as they vaulted into the upper reaches of the international game.
Also having to balance his batting with the responsibilities of leadership while players desert Ireland for England, Porterfield has stayed aggressive and plays a vital role.
He will likely be around for a number of years to come, and if he can maintain his consistency, then Ireland will be well placed for the future.
14. Ahmed Shehzad (Pakistan)
37 of 50
25 T20I matches
647 runs; 28.13 batting average; 119.15 strike rate; 111* highest score
An aggressive young opener, Ahmed Shehzad has already made waves for Pakistan and is still just 22 years old.
He has always had potential since his earliest days, and now seems to be delivering on that promise with some telling performances for his country.
There is also still plenty of time for him to move up this list and become a superstar in the T20I format.
13. Mohammad Hafeez (Pakistan)
38 of 50
28 T20I matches
665 runs; 23.75 batting average; 112.71 strike rate; 71 highest score
Another Pakistani opener follows at No. 13, as Mohammad Hafeez has stepped up to become a key performer for the side in recent years.
He has been shuttled up and down the order a little, but seems to have found his niche in the opening slots.
Hafeez has also found consistency to add to his aggressive batting, something that will help enormously as Pakistan look to become one of the best T20I sides in the world.
12. Hamilton Masakadza (Zimbabwe)
39 of 50
25 T20I matches
676 runs; 27.04 batting average; 114.96 strike rate; 79 highest score
Zimbabwean Hamilton Masakadza also makes an impact on this list, as he has shaken off his earlier problems of scoring too slowly to become an effective T20I opener.
With the turmoil that continues to surround his country’s cricket, Masakadza has been a little inconsistent at times and has struggled for regular match practice.
However, when he is on the field and batting well, he has shown he can be very impressive indeed.
11. Tamim Iqbal (Bangladesh)
40 of 50
36 T20I matches
702 runs; 21.27 batting average; 106.20 strike rate; 88* highest score
Just missing out on the top 10 is Tamim Iqbal, who has been a star performer for Bangladesh already in his career.
The left-hander hits the ball incredibly hard, especially down the ground as he pounds deliveries over any bowler’s head for a boundary.
Still just 25, Tamim will surely be around for many years to come.
10. Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka)
41 of 50
23 T20I matches
812 runs; 40.60 batting average; 138.09 strike rate; 100 highest score
Kicking off the top 10 comes Mahela Jayawardene, who showed that it is possible to be a supreme batsman in all three formats.
Jayawardene was able to adapt his technique to the rigours of opening despite being more of a middle-order batsman, and did so effectively.
His only T20I century came in the opening spots, and came against Zimbabwe in 2010.
9. Martin Guptill (New Zealand)
42 of 50
30 T20I matches
914 runs; 35.15 batting average; 128.91 strike rate; 101* highest score
Up next comes New Zealander Martin Guptill, one of a number of Black Caps openers to have been given a chance in international cricket in recent years.
He may have been inconsistent in Tests, but Guptill remains a force in the shorter forms and has made some superb scores lately.
If he can find some consistency in his batting, look for him to move up this list.
8. Gautam Gambhir (India)
43 of 50
36 T20I matches
932 runs; 27.41 batting average; 119.02 strike rate; 75 highest score
Another to have benefited from the explosion of domestic Twenty20 cricket is Gautam Gambhir, who looked very good in T20I.
He has not played for India in the format since 2012, but seems to be returning to something like his best form.
Gambhir’s talent is not in doubt, and if he can put together a run of good scores, he will likely be back in the team.
7. Graeme Smith (South Africa)
44 of 50
32 T20I matches
946 runs; 31.53 batting average; 127.49 strike rate; 89* highest score
South Africa’s uncompromising former captain Graeme Smith follows at No. 7, having taken his aggressive approach into T20I and seen great success.
The left-hander was especially strong off his legs, and would punish any loose deliveries regardless of where he was in his innings.
He is sorely missed by the Proteas.
6. Shane Watson (Australia)
45 of 50
32 T20I matches
955 runs; 31.83 batting average; 151.10 strike rate; 81 highest score
Australian Shane Watson struggled to find his role in international cricket for a time, but seems to have found it now as an all-rounder who opens.
His strike rate is one of the best in the format, and shows how destructive he can be when the mood takes him.
Having struggled with injuries, Watson will be hopeful of moving up this list too.
5. Alex Hales (England)
46 of 50
33 T20I matches
1,062 runs; 37.92 batting average; 138.46 strike rate; 116* highest score
The first player to make over 1,000 runs as an opener in T20I is England’s Alex Hales, a man who looks ideally suited to the format.
An aggressive right-hander who is capable of playing shots all around the wicket, Hales made his name in the shortest form before going on to play ODIs for England.
Having already impressed all over the world, he will likely make more upwards progress on this list.
4. Brendon McCullum (New Zealand)
47 of 50
40 T20I matches
1,224 runs; 37.09 batting average; 132.89 strike rate; 116* highest score
New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum is an intimidating presence at the top of the order, having blitzed bowling attacks from all over the world.
He has been shifted up and down the order, but that does not appear to have affected him too greatly as he has racked up the runs wherever he has batted.
At 33, McCullum remains a critical part of the Black Caps’ lineup.
3. Chris Gayle (West Indies)
48 of 50
43 T20I matches
1,239 runs; 32.60 batting average; 135.55 strike rate; 117 highest score
Kicking off the top three is West Indian superstar Chris Gayle, who absolutely adores playing the Twenty20 format either domestically or internationally.
With his array of brutal shots, he is capable of making mincemeat of any bowling attack and racking up a high total.
Having battled with his fitness in recent years, Gayle will want to continue to make an impact on the international game, especially in its shortest form.
2. Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka)
49 of 50
48 T20I matches
1,297 runs; 31.63 batting average; 119.98 strike rate; 104* highest score
Sri Lanka’s former captain Tillakaratne Dilshan follows at No. 2, having been mightily impressive in the T20I format for a long time.
He is willing to play unorthodox shots in order to score runs, and he has found that method to be hugely successful, even early in the innings against the new ball.
Retirement may be just around the corner for the 37-year-old, and he can look back on a superb career in the game’s shortest form.
1. David Warner (Australia)
50 of 50
52 T20I matches
1,444 runs; 29.46 batting average; 138.84 strike rate; 90* highest score
Another to have made his name in Twenty20 cricket before gaining honours in the other formats comes top of this list—David Warner of Australia.
Having struggled in the other two forms a little bit, he has remained consistent in T20I and has always been a part of Australia’s plans.
One thing he will be desperate for is a century in T20I, but that will surely come in the future.
.jpg?w=480 "Bills Steelers Football")
.jpg?w=480 "NFL Draft Football")
.png?w=600 "NBA Fans Rip Pistons After Magic Go Up 3-1")
.jpg?w=600 "New Report on Stafford's Contract Status")
.jpg?w=600 "Ranking Best FAs Still Available")