5 Left-Handed Batters With Most International Runs

Throughout the rich history of international cricket, several left-handed batters have left their mark on record books with mind-boggling run counts.

While the right-handers have long dominated the records, some of the all-time great lefties have kept pace in terms of consistency, panache, and sheer run-scoring talent.

Top 5 left-handed batters with the highest international runs in all formats: Tests, ODIs, and T20Is

Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) – 28,016 Runs in 594 Matches

The first on the list of left-handed batters with the highest international runs, Kumar Sangakkara is a Sri Lankan great who is still the second-highest run scorer in international cricket history, just behind Sachin Tendulkar.

Total Matches: 594

Total Runs: 28,016

Formats Played: Test, ODI, T20I

Chief Achievements:

ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 runner-up

ICC T20 World Cup champion (2014)

Past ICC Cricketer of the Year

Brian Lara (West Indies) – 22,358 Runs in 430 Matches

Perhaps the most dashing and dominant Test batsman of his generation, Brian Charles Lara ranks second among most international runs by left-handed batsmen.

Matches Played: 430

Runs: 22,358

Formats: Test, ODI

Other notable records:

Highest Test individual score: 400*

Exclusive player to hold 400* and 500* in first-class cricket

Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) – 21,032 Runs in 586 Matches

The destructive Sri Lankan opener Sanath Jayasuriya is third on the list of left handed batsmen with the most international runs. 

Total Matches: 586

Total Runs: 21,032

Formats Played: Test, ODI, T20I

Key Highlights:

1996 World Cup champion

One of the first power hitters of ODIs

More than 300 international wickets

Shivnarine Chanderpaul (West Indies) – 20,988 Runs in 454 Matches

The dependable Shivnarine Chanderpaul is fourth among the leading left-handed run-scorers in international cricket. With an unorthodox batting stance and rock-solid approach, Chanderpaul emerged as a pillar of the West Indies batting unit for almost two decades.

Total Matches: 454

Total Runs: 20,988

Formats Played: Test, ODI, T20I

Strengths:

One of the hardest to get out in Test cricket

Chris Gayle (West Indies) – 19,593 Runs in 483 Matches

Completing the top five is none other than the ‘Universe Boss’, Chris Gayle. Although most famous for his T20 hard-hitting.

Total Matches: 483

Total Runs: 19,593

Played Formats: Test, ODI, T20I

Career Highlights:

Two Test triple centuries (one of only four players to achieve this)

T20 World Cup winner (2012, 2016)

Record-breaking six-hitter in T20s

Gayle’s attacking style made him one of the most exciting and perilous batsmen in international cricket.

Summary: Most International Runs by Left Handed Batters