Hockley has the most runs in ODI World Cup history with 1501 runs in 45 matches at an average of 42.88. She tops a legendary list of World Cup run-scorers, with Mithali Raj close behind at 1321 runs (38 games, avg. 47.17), followed by Jan Brittin (1299), Charlotte Edwards (1231), and Suzie Bates (1179).
In this blog, get detailed stats, milestones, and achievements of each of these legends in Women’s World Cup history:
Top 10 Highest Run Scorers in ICC Women’s World Cup History
Here is a list of the top 10 players with the highest run-getters in ODI Women’s World Cup History:
| No. | Name | Team | Matches (Innings) | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DA Hockley | NZ-W | 45 (43) | 1501 | 42.88 | 57.16 | 2 | 100* |
| 2 | M Raj | IND-W | 38 (36) | 1321 | 47.17 | 67.67 | 2 | 109 |
| 3 | JA Brittin | ENG-W | 36 (35) | 1299 | 43.3 | 60.4 | 4 | 138* |
| 4 | CM Edwards | ENG-W | 30 (28) | 1231 | 53.52 | 73.62 | 4 | 173* |
| 5 | SW Bates | NZ-W | 27 (26) | 1179 | 56.14 | 84.82 | 4 | 168 |
| 6 | BJ Clark | AUS-W | 29 (26) | 1151 | 60.57 | 76.77 | 1 | 229* |
| 7 | KL Rolton | AUS-W | 28 (22) | 974 | 74.92 | 85.58 | 3 | 154* |
| 8 | MM Lanning | AUS-W | 22 (22) | 948 | 52.66 | 88.68 | 3 | 152* |
| 9 | H Kaur | IND-W | 26 (22) | 876 | 51.52 | 94.39 | 3 | 171* |
| 10 | SC Taylor | ENG-W | 19 (18) | 856 | 61.14 | 77.11 | 3 | 137* |
1. Debbie Hockley: 1501 Runs
Debbie Hockley is one of the most respected names in women’s cricket history. She represented New Zealand in 118 ODIs, where she scored 4064 runs and became the first woman ever to cross the 4000-run mark in this format.
She also made her mark in the Women’s Cricket World Cup. Hockley participated in 45 World Cup matches, scoring 1501 runs at an impressive average of 42.88 and a strike rate of 57.16. She hit two centuries, with her highest score being an unbeaten 100.* She became the first woman to score over 1500 runs and appear in more than 40 World Cup matches, which is another record in women’s World Cup history.
After taking a break from her cricketing career, in November 2016, she became the first female president of New Zealand Cricket.
2. Mithali Raj: 1321 Runs
Mithali Raj is one of the most iconic players in Women’s One Day Internationals. She made her ODI debut at the young age of 16. She immediately impressed everyone in her first ODI with 114*. Over the years, she became the leading run-scorer in women’s ODIs with 7805 runs.
Mithali’s strength was her ability to hold the innings together. She often played the role of an anchor in challenging situations.
In the ODI World Cups, Mithali’s record is equally impressive. She played in 38 matches with 1321 runs at a brilliant average of 47.17 and a strike rate of 67.67. With two centuries, including a top score of 109 and multiple match-winning fifties, she was the heart of India’s batting in key tournaments. She is the first player to cross the mark of 6000 runs in ODI history.
Notably, Mithali is the only Indian captain (male or female) to have led India into two ODI World Cup finals, in 2005 and again in 2017. During the 2017 World Cup, she scored 409 runs, finishing as India’s top scorer and the second-highest overall in the tournament.
3. Jan Brittin: 1299 Runs
Janette Ann Brittin was one of the most dependable and consistent batters in the history of women’s ODI cricket. For 63 matches, she scored 2121 runs with a solid average of 42.42. Her ability to stay calm under pressure and build big innings made her a crucial player in England’s middle order.
When it comes to ODI World Cups, Janette’s performance was unmatched. She played 36 World Cup matches, scoring 1299 runs at an excellent average of 43.3, with a strike rate of 60.4. She remains one of the top performers in the tournament’s history, with 4 World Cup centuries, including a best of 138*.
Through her consistent performances, Brittin became the backbone of England’s batting lineup during her time.
4. Charlotte Edwards: 1231 Runs
Charlotte Edwards was one of the most successful captains in England’s ODIs.
She also made her ODI debut at the age of 16. In 1997, she stunned the world by scoring 173* against Ireland during a World Cup match, a record-breaking innings that announced her arrival on the world stage.
In total, Edwards played 30 ODI World Cup matches, where she scored 1231 runs at an incredible average of 53.52. She maintained a strong strike rate of 73.62 and registered four centuries, with her highest score being the unforgettable 173.
As a captain, she inspired her team with confidence and focus. Her leadership helped England win the 2009 World Cup, and she remained a key figure in World Cup campaigns throughout her career.
Charlotte’s ODI journey is a perfect mix of skill, discipline, and determination. Her name will always be remembered as one of the finest ever to represent England in the 50-over format.
5. Suzie Bates: 1179 Runs
Born in Dunedin in 1987, Suzie Bates grew up playing backyard cricket with her older brothers. That early training paid off when she made her international cricket debut in 2006. Since then, she has become one of New Zealand’s most reliable and attacking ODI batters.
In the ODI World Cup, Bates has played 27 matches, scoring a total of 1179 runs at an impressive average of 56.14. Her strike rate of 84.82 tells of her ability to keep the scoreboard moving. She has registered four centuries, with her highest score being a breathtaking 168 off just 105 balls against Pakistan.
In her early years, Bates balanced two sports. She even played basketball for New Zealand at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. But after being made captain of the White Ferns in July 2011, she chose to focus entirely on cricket.
In the 2013 World Cup, Suzie Bates was named Player of the Tournament for her outstanding performance. She received the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award in the same year.
6. Belinda Clark: 1151 Runs
Belinda Clark was one of Australia’s finest players in ODI history. She played 29 matches in the Women’s World Cup and scored 1151 runs at a brilliant average of 60.57. Her strike rate of 76.77 showed her ability to score runs quickly.
Clark scored one century in the ODI World Cups, and that was a record-breaking 229 not out against Denmark in 1997. This knock remains one of the highest individual scores in women’s ODI history.
In 1997, she led Australia to the World Cup title, and once again, in 2005, she guided her team to another championship win without losing a single game.
7. Karen Rolton: 974 Runs
Karen Rolton, in her ODI World Cup career, played 28 matches and batted in 22 innings, scoring a total of 974 runs. Her batting average of 74.92 is among the best in the tournament’s history. With a strong strike rate of 85.58, she often dominated bowling attacks and helped Australia build or chase totals with ease.
Rolton scored three centuries in the ODI World Cups. Her highest score was an unbeaten 154. One of her most memorable performances came in the 2005 World Cup final, where she scored a brilliant hundred and was named Player of the Match, helping Australia lift the title. That match-winning effort remains a highlight in her ODI World Cup journey.
Known for her calm presence and solid stroke play, Rolton led by example after taking over the captaincy in 2006. Even though she retired in 2010, her World Cup record and impact on women’s cricket continue to inspire many around the world.
8. Meg Lanning: 948 Runs
Meg Lanning has been one of the most dependable players in the history of the ODI World Cup. She has played 22 matches and batted in all of them, scoring 948 runs at a solid average of 52.66.
With a strike rate of 88.68, she always kept the scoreboard moving and gave her team the momentum they needed. She has scored three centuries in ODI World Cups, with her highest score being 152 not out.
Lanning became the youngest Australian to score an international century at the age of 18, and her rise since then has been steady and inspiring.
In the 2013 ODI World Cup, she was one of Australia’s leading run scorers and continued to lead from the front in future tournaments. Her batting style is aggressive yet controlled, making her one of the most exciting batters to watch.
9. Harmanpreet Kaur: 876 Runs
Harmanpreet Kaur has been one of the biggest match-winners for India in ODI World Cups. She has played 26 matches and scored 876 runs in 22 innings with a strong average of 51.52. Her strike rate of 94.39 shows how quickly she scores, and her three centuries include one of the most iconic knocks in women’s cricket.
Her top score of 171 not out against Australia in the 2017 semi-final is remembered as a turning point for Indian women’s cricket.
She began her World Cup journey in 2009, but it was in 2013 that she truly showcased her talent with a fighting century against England. In 2017, her unbeaten 171 became a historic moment, making her a household name in India. That innings not only helped India reach the final but also brought women’s cricket into the spotlight.
Harmanpreet has a fearless batting style, and her power-hitting stands out. She later went on to lead India in big tournaments and became the face of the new era in Indian cricket.
10. Claire Taylor: 856 Runs
Claire Taylor played 19 matches and batted in 18 innings, scoring 856 runs at an impressive average of 61.14. Her strike rate of 77.11 may look calm, but her game was all about control and match-winning consistency. She hit three centuries in World Cups, and her highest score of 137 not out came in a tough match against Australia, where she stood firm till the end.
She began her World Cup journey with quiet performances but quickly grew into a powerful presence in the team. In the 2009 ODI World Cup, she was at her very best. She scored 324 runs in the tournament, including one century and two fifties, and was named Player of the Tournament. Her calm nature and brilliant shot selection made her a key figure in England’s World Cup win that year.
Taylor could handle pressure with ease and always stepped up in big moments. Her World Cup record shows not just numbers but also her class and strong presence at the crease. For England, she was the backbone of the batting lineup and was always reliable in crucial matches.
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Conclusion: What to Expect in the Next World Cup
Debbie Hockley of New Zealand holds the record for scoring the most runs in Women’s ODI World Cup history with 1501 runs in 45 matches at an average of 42.88.
She was the first woman to cross 1500 runs in World Cups and remains one of the most consistent players the game has ever seen.
However, that’s not all; the list is filled with legends like Mithali Raj, Charlotte Edwards, and Belinda Clark.
From explosive knocks to clutch innings under pressure, every name in this list has earned its spot through pure brilliance.
Can any next-gen batter break the record of most runs in the ODI World Cup?
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