Chasing history: the 5 fastest batters to 5,000 ODI runs showcases a blend of eras and styles united by explosive consistency.

 Reaching this milestone at breakneck speed requires not just talent, but an almost supernatural ability to score heavily from the very start of a career.

This exclusive club highlights players who reshaped the one-day game through their relentless pursuit of runs.

1. Babar Azam: The Modern Master (97 Innings)

Leading the charge in chasing history: the 5 fastest batters to 5,000 ODI runs is Pakistan's Babar Azam, who stands alone at the summit.

He demolished the previous record, reaching the landmark in a scarcely believable 97 innings across 99 matches.

His achievement redefined modern batting benchmarks, proving that classical technique and aggressive intent can coexist to produce unmatched tempo.

2. Hashim Amla: The Graceful Accelerator (101 Innings)

Occupying the second spot in chasing history: the 5 fastest batters to 5,000 ODI runs is South Africa's Hashim Amla.

In an era of power-hitters, Amla’s serene yet rapid accumulation was a marvel. He glided to 5,000 runs in 101 innings (104 matches), combining a monk-like temperament with a strikingly fast strike rate, setting a new standard for openers worldwide.

T-3. A Legendary Tie: Richards, Kohli & Hope (114 Innings)

The final tier of this elite list features a historic three-way tie. West Indies legend Viv Richards achieved the milestone with his signature ferocious flair in 114 innings.

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Matching him with relentless modern-day prowess is India's Virat Kohli, who also reached the mark in 114 innings.

Joining these icons is contemporary West Indies star Shai Hope, whose sublime and consistent run-scoring demonstrates that excellence transcends eras, as he too secured his place in the record books in an identical 114 innings.

Source Information:

This ranking is based on official statistics from the International Cricket Council (ICC) and ESPNcricinfo records.
Verify the stats: ESPNcricinfo Records