One day international cricket had already seen four Cricket World Cups. Over two decades were passed and there were many cricketers who were recognized as greats. In addition, there were many who were reaching that level which nobody had reached previously. This was the era which would see many thrilling contest between sides. We’ll, today, talk about the Cricketers who reached earliest to 8000 ODI runs.
5. Mark Waugh
Twin Brother of Australian World Cup Winner Captain Steve Waugh, Mark Waugh has had a trademark cover drive people would love to watch. Mark was fifth on the list of cricketers who reached earliest to 8000 ODI runs. Waugh, also the first Australian Cricketer to score 8000 ODI runs, scored his 8000th run in his 223rd innings of his 230th ODI match.
Mark achieved this career milestone on February 9, 2001 during a Australian Tri Series match at Melbourne Cricket Ground against hosts Sri Lanka.
West Indies won the toss to put Australia into bat. Australia scored a mammoth 338/6 off 50 overs with Mark scoring his career best 173 off 148 balls. The Caribbean team, in reply, finished at 299 all out from 49.3 overs.
4. Sachin Tendulkar
Indian Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar is one of the rare cricketers who have scored ODI double centuries. Sachin was fourth on the list of cricketers who reached earliest to 8000 ODI runs. Tendulkar, also the second Indian Cricketer to score 8000 ODI runs, scored his 8000th run in his 210th innings of his 217th ODI match.
Sachin achieved this career milestone on June 8, 1999 during an ICC World Cup 1999 match at Old Trafford, Manchester against arch-rivals Pakistan. He was, then, the fastest cricketer to reach 8000 ODI runs.
India won the toss to use the pitch first. They scored 227/6 off their 50 overs with Rahul Dravid top scoring with 61 off 89 balls. Sachin scored a 65-ball 45.
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3. Aravinda de Silva
Sri Lankan Batting Stalwart, de Silva won 30 Man of Match in ODIs. Aravinda was third on the list of cricketers who reached earliest to 8000 ODI runs. Nicknamed Mad Max, also the first Sri Lanka Cricketer to score 8000 ODI runs, scored his 8000th run in his 247th innings of his 254th ODI match.
Aravinda achieved this career milestone on March 30, 1999 during a Pepsi Cup match at Nehru Stadium, Pune against hosts India.
Sri Lanka won the toss to put India into bat. India scored 286/6 from their 50 overs with Ajay Jadeja top scoring with 102-ball 103. Sri Lanka, in reply, were bowled out for 235 from 45.5 overs. Aravinda top scored with a 78-ball 55 for his team.
2. Mohammad Azharuddin
Former India Captain Md. Azharuddin was fastest to an ODI century when he scored a 62-ball century in 1988. Azharuddin was second on the list of cricketers who reached earliest to 8000 ODI runs. Mohammad Azharuddin, also the first Indian Cricketer to score 8000 ODI runs, scored his 8000th run in his 257th innings of his 278th ODI match.
Azhar achieved this career milestone on April 14, 1998 during a Pepsi Triangular Series match at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi against hosts Australia.
India won the toss to use the pitch first. India were bowled out for 227 in 49.3 over with Ajay Jadeja top scoring with a 49-ball 48. Azhar scored a 63-ball 44. Australia chased down the target in 49th over with Michael Bevan seeing it through for the Kangaroos with a 127 ball 75.
1. Desmond Haynes
Former West Indies Opener Desmond Haynes was the Wisden Cricketer of the year 1991. Desmond was first Cricketer to score 7000 ODI runs. Haynes was first on the list of cricketers who reached earliest to 8000 ODI runs. Desmond, also the first West Indies Cricketer to score 8000 ODI runs, scored his 8000th run in his 219th innings of his 220th ODI match.
Haynes achieved this career milestone on February 27, 1993 during a Total International Series match at The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg against Pakistan. When Haynes reached this feat, he was reaching towards the fag end of his career. Almost a year later, he would play his last ODI match.
West Indies won the toss to put Pakistan into bat. Pakistan were bowled out for 187 in their 50 overs. Opener Aamer Sohail top scored for the Pakistan team with a 95-ball 57. West Indies chased down the target with more than 10 overs to spare. Haynes top-scored with a 77-ball 59.