One of the most significant milestones for a batsman in One Day International (ODI) cricket is scoring a half-century or a fifty.
It is a testament to the batsman’s skill, patience, and endurance and often sets the foundation for a big score or a match-winning innings.
In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 batsmen with the most fifties in ODI cricket in 2023.
List of Top 10 Batsmen with the Most Fifties in ODI Cricket:
| Sr. No. | Player | Fifties | No. of ODIs Played | Runs | Average |
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar | 96 | 463 | 18,426 | 44.83 |
| 2 | Kumar Sangakkara | 93 | 404 | 14,234 | 41.98 |
| 3 | Jacques Kallis | 86 | 328 | 11,579 | 44.36 |
| 4 | Rahul Dravid | 83 | 344 | 10,889 | 39.16 |
| 5 | Inzamam-ul-Haq | 83 | 378 | 11,739 | 39.52 |
| 6 | Ricky Ponting | 82 | 375 | 13,704 | 42.03 |
| 7 | Mahela Jayawardene | 77 | 448 | 12,650 | 33.37 |
| 8 | MS Dhoni | 73 | 350 | 10,773 | 50.57 |
| 9 | Sourav Ganguly | 72 | 311 | 11,363 | 41.02 |
| 10 | Virat Kohli | 71 | 290 | 13,677 | 58.44 |
1. Sachin Tendulkar – 96 Fifties
| Player | Fifties | No. of ODIs Played | Runs | Average |
| Sachin Tendulkar | 96 | 463 | 18,426 | 44.83 |
Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary Indian batsman, holds the record for the most fifties in ODI cricket.
Tendulkar played 463 ODIs for India between 1989 and 2012 and scored 18,426 runs at an average of 44.83, with 49 centuries, 96 fifties, and a strike rate of 86.23.
He was known for his impeccable technique, proficiency in handling fast and spin bowling effortlessly, and an unquenchable desire for runs.
2. Kumar Sangakkara – 93 Fifties
| Player | Fifties | No. of ODIs Played | Runs | Average |
| Kumar Sangakkara | 93 | 404 | 14,234 | 41.98 |
Kumar Sangakkara, the former Sri Lankan captain and wicketkeeper-batsman, is second on the list of most fifties in ODI cricket.
Sangakkara played 404 ODIs for Sri Lanka between 2000 and 2015 and scored 14,234 runs at an average of 41.98, with 25 centuries, 93 fifties, and a strike rate of 78.86.
He was known for his elegant strokeplay, ability to read the game, and leadership skills.
3. Jacques Kallis – 86 Fifties
| Player | Fifties | No. of ODIs Played | Runs | Average |
| Jacques Kallis | 86 | 328 | 11,579 | 44.36 |
Jacques Kallis, the former South African all-rounder, is third on the list of most fifties in ODI cricket.
Kallis played 328 ODIs for South Africa between 1996 and 2014 and scored 11,579 runs at an average of 44.36, with 17 centuries, 86 fifties, and a strike rate of 72.89.
He was known for his solid technique, ability to bowl medium pace, and athleticism on the field.
4. Rahul Dravid – 83 Fifties
| Player | Fifties | No. of ODIs Played | Runs | Average |
| Rahul Dravid | 83 | 344 | 10,889 | 39.16 |
Rahul Dravid, the former Indian captain and middle-order batsman, is fourth on the list of most fifties in ODI cricket.
Dravid played 344 ODIs for India between 1996 and 2011 and scored 10,889 runs at an average of 39.16, with 12 centuries, 83 fifties, and a strike rate of 71.23.
He was known for his classical style, ability to anchor the innings, and safe pair of hands behind the stumps.
5. Inzamam-ul-Haq – 83 Fifties
| Player | Fifties | No. of ODIs Played | Runs | Average |
| Inzamam-ul-Haq | 83 | 378 | 11,739 | 39.52 |
Inzamam-ul-Haq, the former Pakistani captain and middle-order batsman, is tied with Dravid for fourth place on the list of most fifties in ODI cricket.
Inzamam played 378 ODIs for Pakistan between 1991 and 2007 and scored 11,739 runs at an average of 39.52, with ten centuries, 83 fifties, and a strike rate of 74.24.
He gained acclaim for his aggressive batting style, proficiency against spin, and composed demeanour under pressure, solidifying his legacy in ODI cricket.
6. Ricky Ponting – 82 Fifties
| Player | Fifties | No. of ODIs Played | Runs | Average |
| Ricky Ponting | 82 | 375 | 13,704 | 42.03 |
Ricky Ponting, the former Australian captain and top-order batsman, is sixth on the list of most fifties in ODI cricket.
Ponting played 375 ODIs for Australia between 1995 and 2012 and scored 13,704 runs at an average of 42.03, with 30 centuries, 82 fifties, and a strike rate of 80.39.
He was known for his fierce style, ability to dominate the bowlers, and tactical insight.
- Mahela Jayawardene – 77 Fifties
| Player | Fifties | No. of ODIs Played | Runs | Average |
| Mahela Jayawardene | 77 | 448 | 12,650 | 33.37 |
Mahela Jayawardene, the former Sri Lankan captain and middle-order batsman, is seventh on the list of most fifties in ODI cricket.
Jayawardene played 448 ODIs for Sri Lanka between 1998 and 2015 and scored 12,650 runs at an average of 33.37, with 19 centuries, 77 fifties, and a strike rate of 78.96.
He was known for his stylish strokeplay, ability to play spin, and leadership skills.
8. MS Dhoni – 73 Fifties
| Player | Fifties | No. of ODIs Played | Runs | Average |
| MS Dhoni | 73 | 350 | 10,773 | 50.57 |
MS Dhoni, the former Indian captain and wicketkeeper-batsman, is eighth on the list of most fifties in ODI cricket.
Dhoni played 350 ODIs for India between 2004 and 2019 and scored 10,773 runs at an average of 50.57, with ten centuries, 73 fifties, and a strike rate of 87.56.
He was known for his finishing skills, ability to read the game, and calm demeanour under pressure.
9. Sourav Ganguly – 72 Fifties
| Player | Fifties | No. of ODIs Played | Runs | Average |
| Sourav Ganguly | 72 | 311 | 11,363 | 41.02 |
Sourav Ganguly, the former Indian captain and left-handed opener, is ninth on the list of most fifties in ODI cricket.
Ganguly played 311 ODIs for India between 1992 and 2007 and scored 11,363 runs at an average of 41.02, with 22 centuries, 72 fifties, and a strike rate of 73.70.
He was known for his aggressive style, ability to dominate the bowlers, and leadership skills.
10. Virat Kohli – 71 Fifties
| Player | Fifties | No. of ODIs Played | Runs | Average |
| Virat Kohli | 71 | 290 | 13,677 | 58.44 |
Virat Kohli, representing India, boasts a stellar cricket career from 2008 to 2023.
Having played 290 One Day Internationals (ODIs), he amassed 13,677 runs at an outstanding average of 58.44.
With a commendable strike rate of 93.54, he contributed 49 centuries and 71 half-centuries to India’s success.
His aggressive yet calculated approach at the crease makes him a formidable force in the cricketing world.
In conclusion, the top 10 batsmen with the most fifties in ODI cricket show a remarkable mix of skill and regularity.
Each player has a unique style, from Tendulkar’s great technique to Kohli’s aggressive accuracy, leaving a mark on cricket.
They are not just scoring runs but also creating unforgettable moments. These players, with their elegance, power, and leadership, are now cricketing legends.
They represent the enduring charm of ODI cricket, making it a sport to remember.
Also, check out Most ODI Matches Played by a Team – Top 10
