Top 5 batsmen with most runs between 1999 and 2003 World Cup

#3 Marvan Atapattu (Sri Lanka) - 3797 runs

Atapattu was consistent at the top for Sri Lanka, forging a wonderful understanding with Sanath Jayasuriya

Counted as one among the most stylish openers in Sri Lankan cricket history, Marvan Atapattu had a good run in ODIs during the period between the 1999 and 2003 World Cup, scoring 3797 runs from 106 ODIs.

He proved to be the ideal partner for Sanath Jayasuriya who always looked to attack the opposition at the other end. Known for treasuring his wicket, Atapattu batted cautiously, as his strike rate of 67 during the period suggest, but ensured that Sri Lanka got a steady start at the top more often than not.

Half of Atapattu's 20 Man-of-the-Match award in ODIs came during the period which saw him score 6 centuries and 28 half-centuries.

His highest score during the period was an unbeaten knock of 123 against South Africa which helped the Sri Lankan to its only victory in a 5-match ODI series on Proteas' home turf.