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:
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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
| Rank | Player | Country | Runs | Matches |
| 1 | Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | 28,016 | 594 |
| 2 | Brian Lara | West Indies | 22,358 | 430 |
| 3 | Sanath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka | 21,032 | 586 |
| 4 | Shivnarine Chanderpaul | West Indies | 20,988 | 454 |
| 5 | Chris Gayle | West Indies | 19,593 | 483 |
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