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Most Runs at No. 3 in ODI: In ODI cricket, the number 3 batting position is considered the backbone of the team. A batter playing at this spot carries the dual responsibility of facing the swing of the new ball while also anchoring the innings and carrying it through to the end. Recently, Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli set a new, historic record by reaching 13,000 runs while batting at the number 3 position in ODIs. He has become the first batter in the world to reach this milestone.
Let’s take a look at the top batters in the world who have scored the most runs at the number 3 position in the history of ODI cricket.
Most Runs at No. 3 in ODI Cricket History
| Rank | Batter | Country | Runs Scored at No. 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virat Kohli | India | 13,000+ |
| 2 | Ricky Ponting | Australia | 12,662 |
| 3 | Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | 9,747 |
| 4 | Jacques Kallis | South Africa | 7,774 |
| 5 | Kane Williamson | New Zealand | 6,504 |
| 6 | Babar Azam | Pakistan | 6,054 |
| 7 | Joe Root | England | 5,525 |
| 8 | Dean Jones | Australia | 5,100 |
| 9 | Brian Lara | West Indies | 4,447 |
| 10 | Steve Smith | Australia | 4,369 |
| 11 | Marvan Atapattu | Sri Lanka | 4,142 |
| 12 | Rahul Dravid | India | 4,000 |
Virat Kohli Becomes First Batter to Score 13,000 Runs at No. 3
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By taking the field in the first ODI, Virat Kohli achieved a new milestone in the cricketing world. Upon reaching 12 runs in his innings, Kohli completed 13,000 runs while batting at the number 3 position, becoming the only batter in the world to reach this landmark. Whether it is chasing down targets or setting massive totals in ODIs, Virat Kohli has won countless matches for India while batting at number 3.
Ricky Ponting and Kumar Sangakkara's Record at No. 3
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In second place on this list is former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who scored 12,662 runs while batting at the number 3 position. Ponting led the Australian batting lineup for many years.
In third place is the legendary Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Sangakkara, who has scored 9,747 runs while batting at this position.
Also Read: Has Any Pakistani Cricketer Played in IPL After the Ban?
Other Legends with Most Runs at Number 3 in ODIs
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- Jacques Kallis (7,774 runs): South African all-rounder great Jacques Kallis holds the fourth spot, having displayed remarkable consistency while batting at number 3.
- Kane Williamson (6,504 runs): New Zealand’s Kane Williamson ranks fifth on this list and is considered one of the most reliable batters in modern-day cricket.
- Babar Azam (6,054 runs) and Joe Root (5,525 runs): Pakistan’s Babar Azam and England’s Joe Root have also played many memorable innings for their respective teams while batting at number 3.
Furthermore, the late Australian batter Dean Jones (5,100 runs), West Indies great Brian Lara (4,447 runs), Australia’s Steve Smith (4,369 runs), Sri Lanka’s Marvan Atapattu (4,142 runs), and India’s "The Wall" Rahul Dravid (4,000 runs) have also proven their mettle while batting at the number 3 position.
The number 3 spot has always been the domain of great players, and Virat Kohli reaching the 13,000-run mark serves as a testament to the fact that he is the most consistent and impactful ODI batter of this era.
Also Read: Watch Virat Kohli Incredible One-Handed Slip Catch vs New Zealand
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