Cricket World Cup History: Top 5 run-scorers in the tournament

With the World Cup 2019 beginning yesterday, the exhilaration and jubilation have sky-rocketed among the fans. England hosted South Africa in the opening match, while the final will be played on 16th July 2019.

Since the inception of the World Cup in 1975, the cricketing world has evolved considerably. From Vivian Richards to Virat Kohli and from Martin Crowe to Yuvraj Singh, the 50-over World Cup has witnessed various star players taking center stage with their dynamic performances.

Cricket is often considered a batsman's game, with the willow-wielders having provided us with countless moments of magic and madness. On that note, here's a list of the top five run-getters in World Cup history:

5) AB de Villiers (2007-2015)

AB de Villiers

Probably the most versatile batsman of all time, AB de Villiers featured in three World Cups before hanging his boots last year. The Proteas batsman scored 1207 runs in his 23 World Cup appearances at an average of 63.52, with a staggering strike-rate of 117.29 - the highest in this list.

De Villiers smashed four centuries and seven half-centuries throughout his World Cup career. However, he remains one of the legends of the game never to win a World Cup trophy.

4) Brian Lara (1992-2007)

Brian Lara

Brian Charles Lara was a majestic batsman who oozed class every time he walked out to bat. The southpaw participated in five World Cups during his illustrious career but failed to lift the trophy.

Lara scored 1225 runs in his 33 World Cup matches, with two tons and seven fifty-plus scores. An aggressive batsman who had a knack of registering tall scores, Lara often won matches single-handedly for the Caribbean side.

3) Kumar Sangakkara (2003-2015)

Kumar Sangakkara

Kumar Sangakkara is one of the most underrated batsmen in the history of the game. Batting at number three for the Sri Lankan side, his record in all the three formats is incredible.

Sangakkara played a crucial role in all the four World Cup he was a part of, helping Sri Lanka reach the final on two occasions (2007 and 2011). He finished with 1532 runs to his name in 37 World Cup innings at an average of 56.74.

Sangakkara registered five centuries, four of which came in his last World Cup in 2015, along with seven half-centuries.

2) Ricky Ponting (1996-2011)

Ricky Ponting

The most successful captain in World Cup history, Ricky Ponting was a world-class batsman who could torment any bowling attack with his aggression and poise. He lifted his first World Cup in 1999 under Steve Waugh and then led Australia to two back-to-back titles in 2003 and 2007.

Ponting scored 1743 runs for the Kangaroos in 42 innings, including five centuries and six fifties. He also holds the record for most appearances (29) as a captain in World Cup history.

1) Sachin Tendulkar (1992-2011)

Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, often regarded as the greatest batsman of all time, was a trailblazer in the sport. With countless accolades to his name, the Little Master was a true torch-bearer, especially for Indian cricketers.

Tendulkar featured in six World Cups from 1992 to 2011, scoring 2278 runs in the process at an average of 56.95. He smashed six centuries along with 15 half-centuries through his epic journey.

Tendulkar's proudest moment came in 2011 when India became the first team to win a World Cup as the hosts. The 'God of Cricket' also holds the record for scoring the most boundaries (268) in the history of the tournament.