Top 5 Players with Most Centuries in ODI World Cup History

The ICC Cricket World Cup has witnessed some incredible batting performances over the years, with players consistently striving to etch their names in the record books. As the anticipation builds for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, set to commence on October 5th in India, it’s an opportune time to reflect on the players who have left an indelible mark on the tournament’s history.

One of the most cherished records in ODI World Cup history is the number of centuries scored by individual players.

Let’s take a closer look at the cricketers who have excelled on the world stage and have most centuries in the history of the World Cup.

Players with Most Centuries in ODI World Cup History

1. Rohit Sharma (India)

Span: 2015-2019
Matches: 17
Innings: 17
Not Outs: 2
Runs: 978
Highest Score: 140
Average: 65.20
Balls Faced: 1019
Strike Rate: 95.97
Centuries: 6
Half-Centuries: 3
Ducks: 1
Fours: 100
Sixes: 23

Rohit Sharma, the Indian opening maestro, stands atop the list with an impressive tally of six centuries in World Cup matches. Known for his elegant strokeplay and the ability to accelerate when needed, Rohit has been a consistent run-scorer for India on the grandest stage of ODI cricket.

2. Sachin Tendulkar (India)

Span: 1992-2011
Matches: 45
Innings: 44
Not Outs: 4
Runs: 2278
Highest Score: 152
Average: 56.95
Balls Faced: 2560
Strike Rate: 88.98
Centuries: 6
Half-Centuries: 15
Ducks: 2
Fours: 241
Sixes: 27

Sachin Tendulkar, widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket, shares the distinction of six World Cup centuries with Rohit Sharma. Tendulkar’s World Cup journey spanned nearly two decades, during which he mesmerized fans with his impeccable batting.

3. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)

Span: 2003-2015
Matches: 37
Innings: 35
Not Outs: 8
Runs: 1532
Highest Score: 124
Average: 56.74
Balls Faced: 1770
Strike Rate: 86.55
Centuries: 5
Half-Centuries: 7
Ducks: 1
Fours: 147
Sixes: 14

Kumar Sangakkara, the elegant Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batsman, makes his presence felt in this elite list with five centuries in World Cup matches. His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed made him a vital cog in Sri Lanka’s World Cup campaigns.

4. Ricky Ponting (Australia)

Span: 1996-2011
Matches: 46
Innings: 42
Not Outs: 4
Runs: 1743
Highest Score: 140*
Average: 45.86
Balls Faced: 2180
Strike Rate: 79.95
Centuries: 5
Half-Centuries: 6
Ducks: 1
Fours: 145
Sixes: 31

Ricky Ponting, the Australian cricketing legend and former captain, boasts five World Cup centuries to his name. His aggressive style of play, combined with remarkable consistency, made him a force to be reckoned with in World Cup tournaments.

5. David Warner (Australia)

Span: 2015-2019
Matches: 18
Innings: 18
Not Outs: 2
Runs: 992
Highest Score: 178
Average: 62.00
Balls Faced: 1011
Strike Rate: 98.12
Centuries: 4
Half-Centuries: 3
Ducks: –
Fours: 104
Sixes: 17

David Warner, the explosive Australian opener, rounds off the list with four World Cup centuries. His ability to take on the bowlers from the outset has made him a formidable force in limited-overs cricket.

As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, fans will be eager to see if any of the current generation of batsmen can join or surpass this elite group of century-makers on the grandest stage of ODI cricket. The World Cup has historically been a platform for cricketers to etch their names in history, and this edition promises to be no different.