ODI Chase Kings: Most Centuries In Run Chases

Chasing a target in ODIs? That’s where true champions step up. Some crumble under pressure. Others? They thrive. One name that instantly comes to mind—Virat Kohli.

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Once again, he reminded the world why he’s called the ‘Chase Master.’ An unbeaten century against Pakistan in the 2025 Champions Trophy. A masterclass. His knock powered India into the semi-finals.

But Kohli isn’t the only one who has mastered the art of chasing. Over the years, several greats have consistently delivered match-winning centuries under pressure. Let’s dive into the top five players with the most hundreds in ODI run chases.

Tillakaratne Dilshan: 11 Centuries

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Tillakaratne Dilshan wasn’t just a batter. He was an entertainer. The man behind the famous ‘Dil Scoop’ could tear apart any bowling attack.

330 ODIs
10,290 runs
22 centuries
11 of them while chasing

One of his most memorable chases? Rajkot, 2009. India posted a mammoth 414. Dilshan responded with an outrageous 160 off 124 balls. A valiant effort. But Sri Lanka fell short—by just three runs.

Chris Gayle: 12 Centuries

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The ‘Universe Boss’ doesn’t do things quietly. When Chris Gayle is on song, bowlers panic.

301 ODIs
10,480 runs
25 centuries
12 of them in run chases

2019, against England. A classic Gayle storm. He hammered 162 off just 94 balls—14 sixes raining down like missiles. West Indies were chasing 418. They fought hard. But fell short by 29 runs.

Rohit Sharma: 16 Centuries

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Elegance. Power. Timing. Rohit Sharma makes chasing look effortless.

270 ODIs
11,049 runs
32 centuries
16 of them in run chases

2018, against the West Indies. India needed 322. Rohit played a gem—152* off 117 balls. No fuss. No panic. Just pure class. The chase was wrapped up in just 42.1 overs.

Sachin Tendulkar: 17 Centuries

The ‘God of Cricket.’ Enough said. Sachin Tendulkar was built for pressure moments.

463 ODIs
18,426 runs
49 centuries
17 of them in run chases

2009, against Australia. India needed 350. Sachin answered with a breathtaking 175 off 141 balls. Vintage Tendulkar. Unfortunately, India fell heartbreakingly short—just three runs away.

Virat Kohli: 28 Centuries

Virat Kohli Could Have Missed Century In IND vs PAK Champions Trophy (Credits-ESPN)

The king of run chases. No one even comes close.

14,085 runs
51 centuries
28 of them while chasing

2012, Asia Cup. Pakistan set 330. Kohli’s response? 183 off 148 balls. A knock for the ages.

And who can forget Hobart, 2012? India needed 321 in just 40 overs. Kohli took matters into his own hands—133* off 86 balls. India got there in just 36.4 overs. Unreal.

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