ODIs have surpassed Tests in number over the years despite their later introduction, making them the format used for the majority of international matches. Here’s a list of individuals who played the most matches in their ODI careers:
1) Sachin Tendulkar
In terms of ODI matches played, Sachin Tendulkar of India holds the record. He appeared in 463 matches, amassing 18426 runs at a 44.83 average and 154 wickets at a 44.48 average. In March 2012, he played his final game in the Asia Cup in Dhaka against Pakistan. Wherein, Pakistan’s opening innings score was 329/6. With six wickets and 13 balls remaining, India successfully surpassed the goal. 52 runs off 48 balls, including five fours and a six, were scored by Tendulkar.
2) Mahela Jayawardene
Mahela Jayawardene of Sri Lanka has played in 448 games and amassed 12650 runs at a strike rate of 33.37. He has also taken 4 wickets at a rate of 70.37. Mahela played his first game in Colombo in January 1998 against Zimbabwe. The last ODI Jayawardene played was against South Africa on March 18, 2015, in Sydney during the ICC World Cup quarterfinal. South Africa defeated Jayawardene’s team by the score of 9 wickets while chasing a target of 134.
Read More
3) Sanath Jayasuriya
Sanath Jayasuriya of Sri Lanka has played 445 ODIs and has 13450 runs at an average of 32.36. Moreover, he has 323 wickets at an average of 36.75. On December 26, 1989, the hosts batted first against Australia in his debut match, scoring 228/5 before bowling out Sri Lanka. On June 28, 2011, Jayasuriya played his final match at the Oval against England.
4) Kumar Sangakkara
Kumar Sangakkara of Sri Lanka has played 404 One Day Internationals and has 14234 runs at a 41.98 average. He has also made 99 stumpings and taken 402 catches. Sangakkara scored 35 runs off 55 balls and grabbed a catch to get Mohd Yousuf out of the game in his maiden ODI, which was played on July 5, 2000, in Galle. Sangakkara, like Jayawardene, played his final ODI at the 2015 ICC World Cup against South Africa. With 45 off 96 balls, Sangakkara virtually single-handedly carried Sri Lanka to a score of 133, a total that South Africa knocked down in 18 overs.
While the players on this list have already made a name for themselves and become legendary figures in cricket history, a new group of stars are poised to break and make new records in the coming years.
Most Matches Played by a Player in their ODI Career:
| Matches | Player | Team | Period |
| 463 | Sachin Tendulkar | India | 1989–2012 |
| 448 | Mahela Jayawardene | Sri Lanka | 1998–2015 |
| 445 | Sanath Jayasuriya | 1989–2011 | |
| 404 | Kumar Sangakkara | 2000–2015 | |
| 398 | Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | 1996–2015 |
“Get more sports news, cricket news, and football updates, log on to sportsdigest.in. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter and Subscribe to our YouTube Channel.”
