The average number of runs scored by a batsman per 100 balls faced is known as the batting strike rate. Generally speaking, the higher a batsman’s strike rate, the more effective he is at scoring quickly. We have listed the top 10 batsmen with the highest strike rate across all formats (ODI, T20, and Test).

It is of secondary importance to a batsman’s ability to score runs without being bowled in Test cricket that his strike rate is. A test batsman’s batting average is generally considered to be his most important statistic, instead of his strike rate.  

The strike rate is a significant factor in limited-overs cricket. Since each team encounters a limited number of balls in an innings, the faster a batsman scores, the more runs his team will score.

Twenty20 cricket is becoming increasingly popular with strike rates exceeding 150. In one-day cricket, the strike rate (s/r) is probably considered to be the determining factor of a batsman’s performance.

Consequently, batsmen who have a higher strike rate, especially in Twenty20 matches, are considered more valuable than those who have a lower strike rate. Furthermore, during the most recent ICC World Cup in 2019, there was an opportunity to better the record for the highest strike rate.

Batsmen with the highest strike rate in ODI, T20, and Test cricket

A lower strike rate is usually observed in Tests than in ODIs, as runs need to be scored more quickly and riskier strokes are taken, as well as the lesser emphasis placed on building large innings. There is a considerable increase in strike rates in T20 matches compared to ODIs or Test matches.

In this section, we will present a list of the top 10 batsmen with the highest career strike rates in ODI, T20, and Test cricket. In order to qualify for the ODI and Test lists, a player must have scored at least 1000 runs in their career. A career run of 300 runs is required for T20.

With that in mind, Shahid Afridi has the highest career strike rate in ODI than any other batsman. The strike rate of his career in ODI is the highest of any batsman in the sport. While West Indian Andre Russell has a strike rate of 119, he was not included on the list due to the fact that he has accumulated less than 1000 runs in his ODI career.

Strike rate in the largest number of career ODIs (minimum 1000 career runs)

Player	Mat	Inns	SR	Runs	HS	Ave	BF
GJ Maxwell	47	44	126.19	1344	102	35.36	1065
Shahid Afridi	398	369	117.00	8064	124	23.57	6892
NLTC Perera	104	77	112.15	1135	80*	17.73	1012
JC Buttler	55	47	111.30	1280	121	32.00	1150
V Sehwag	251	245	104.33	8273	219	35.05	7929
DA Miller	70	62	100.63	1588	138*	37.80	1578
DJG Sammy	126*	105	99.62	1848	89	24.97	1855
IDS Smith	98	77	99.43	1055	62*	17.29	1061
AB de Villiers	186	178	98.87	7876	162*	53.21	7966
AC Gilchrist	287	279	96.94	9619	172	35.89	9922

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In ODIs (without 1,000 run restrictions) the highest strike rate was achieved

Player	Mat	Inns	SR	Runs	HS	Ave	BF
AD Russell (WI)	50*	41	128.69	924	92*	28.87	718
GJ Maxwell	47	44	126.19	1344	102	35.36	1065
CJ Anderson	33*	29	125.54	860	131*	35.83	685
L Ronchi	47*	37	123.98	977	170*	32.56	788
LOB Cann	26	25	117.06	590	52	26.81	504
Shahid Afridi	398	369	117.00	8064	124	23.57	6892
YK Pathan	57	41	113.60	810	123*	27.00	713
JP Faulkner	42	32	112.32	793	116	44.05	706
NLTC Perera	104	77	112.15	1135	80*	17.73	1012
Rizwan Cheema	33	32	111.53	764	94	24.64	685
JC Buttler	55	47	111.30	1280	121	32.00	1150
RR Rossouw	19	18	108.30	587	132	34.52	542
AM Blignaut	54	41	106.28	626	63*	18.96	589
BL Cairns	78	65	104.88	987	60	16.72	941
V Sehwag	251	245	104.33	8273	219	35.05	7929
JM Davison	32	32	104.17	799	111	26.63	767
MM Ali	22	22	103.09	732	128	33.27	710
DA Miller	70	62	100.63	1588	138*	37.80	1578
JA Morkel	58	43	100.25	782	97	23.69	780

Highest Strike Rate in T20

Player	Mat	Inns	SR	Runs	HS	Ave	BF
E Chigumbura	27	26	156.75	464	53*	22.09	296
NLTC Perera	38	31	155.85	466	49	33.28	299
DJG Sammy	58	45	152.99	511	42*	17.03	334
AJ Finch	22	22	152.41	756	156	39.78	496
V Sehwag	19	18	145.38	394	68	21.88	271
Shahid Afridi	77	71	145.29	1142	54*	19.03	786
Yuvraj Singh	40	37	144.69	968	77*	31.22	669
SR Watson	48	46	143.96	1156	81	26.88	803
CH Gayle	45	43	142.59	1406	117	35.15	986
JA Morkel	49	38	142.28	572	43	21.18	402

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