Top 10 captains with most T20I runs
Jun 29, 2016 at 11:55 AM
The most popular format of the game, T20 is known for sheer brilliance by batsmen which is countered by skillful bowlers. The format has evolved the game as a whole to a new level over the last decade. Once looked unchasable targets in ODIs are often chased these days, thanks to T20 cricket. However, the captain is the backbone of any team in any format. If the leader plays well, the team gets inspired by it.
Here we look at 10 captains who have scored the most runs in T20 internationals.
10. Peter Borren – 532 runs
One of the most influential captains in the world, Borren has been a key figure in the rising cricket in Netherlands. The 32-year old is the captain of the Netherlands for since 2010 and have captained the side in 34 T20Is. Despite his bowling contribution, he has managed to score 52 runs with the bat.
9. Kane Williamson – 545 runs
One of the best batsmen in the world at the moment, Kane Williamson is leading New Zealand side from the front as he has scored an enormous 545 runs in just 17 T20Is till date. He has an impressive average of 36.33 at a decent strike rate of 124.71.
8. Shahid Afridi – 597 runs
Arguably the greatest hitter of all-time, Afridi is known for his big hits and also for his inconsistent batting but as a captain, he has made a terrific contribution to Pakistan cricket over the past few years. He has managed 597 runs in 43 T20Is at an impressive strike rate of 158.35.
7. Kumar Sangakkara – 652 runs
Undoubtedly one of the very best batsmen ever from Sri Lanka, Kumar Sangakkara has been an inspirational captain for Sri Lanka as the team made huge strides in big tournaments. Sangakkara has scored an unbelievable 652 runs in just 22 matches as captain at an average of above 34.
6. Brendon McCullum – 735 runs
Arguably the greatest T20 player of all-time, Brendon McCullum almost had all the record to his name by the time he retired from international cricket. The kiwi batsman has managed to pile up 75 runs in his 28 matches as captain for the black caps.
5. Mohammad Hafeez – 753 runs
One of the finest batsmen and captains for Pakistan in recent years, Hafeez has been phenomenal with the bat while leading the side during his 2-year stint between 2012 and 2014. He managed to score 753 runs in just 29 matches while leading Pakistan.
4. Graeme Smith – 803 runs
One of the greatest captains in cricket history, Graeme Smith has left a legacy in South African cricket. He has captained South Africa in 27 T20Is during 2005-2010 and has managed to score 803 runs at a decent average of 32.12 and a strike rate of 127.
3. William Porterfield – 893 runs
Porterfield has been an important player for Ireland since they started playing cricket at the highest level and has been the captain of Ireland team since 2008. The player who has captained Ireland in 48 T20Is has scored 893 runs over the period.
2. Faf du Plessis – 1003 runs
One of the finest players all around the world, Faf du Plessis has been leading the South African side very well since he was handed the captaincy in 2012. du Plessis has scored 1003 runs in just 31 matches as captain to South Africa at an extraordinary average of 40.12 and a very good strike rate of 131.
1. MS Dhoni – 1069 runs
The most successful captain in the format, MS Dhoni is ever present as captain for India since 2007 and has captained the side in over 70 T20Is over the last decade. Dhoni, who also holds the record for captaining the most T20Is is the leading run scorer among all the T20I captains till date. He managed to score 1069 runs in 70 T20Is at an average of 37 and a strike rate of 126.