3 Cricket records equivalent to Lionel Messi's FIFA World Cup record

Argentina’s talisman Lionel Messi has once again rewritten the record books. In their Round of 32 clash against Cape Verde at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, Messi scored in the 29th minute to become the first player, male or female, to reach 20 goals in FIFA World Cup history. He now sits two goals clear of France’s Kylian Mbappé, who has 18.

Messi’s numbers go beyond sheer volume. He has contributed 12 goals in World Cup knockout stages with six goals and six assists, the most in the last 60 years, surpassing names like Mbappé and Pelé. His strike against Cape Verde also made him the first player to score in eight consecutive World Cup appearances. And remarkably, he is the only player to have scored seven goals in two separate editions, this tournament and Qatar 2022.

As Messi became the first to reach 20 goals in World Cup history, it is worth looking at three equivalent milestones from the Cricket World Cup.

1. Most runs in ODI World Cup history

Sachin Tendulkar holds the record with 2278 runs in 45 matches, averaging 56.95 with six centuries and 15 fifties. His consistency set the benchmark for batting in World Cups. Virat Kohli is closing in with 1795 runs in 37 games at an even higher average of 59.83. If Kohli plays the next edition, he could surpass Tendulkar’s tally.

2. Most wickets in ODI World Cup history

Australia’s Glenn McGrath leads the charts with 71 wickets in 39 matches, averaging 18.19 at an economy of just 3.96. His accuracy and control made him a nightmare for batters. Fellow Aussie Mitchell Starc is hot on his heels with 65 wickets in 28 games. If Starc plays in 2027, he could well overtake McGrath.

3. Most sixes in ODI World Cup history

India’s Rohit Sharma tops the list with 54 sixes in 29 matches. His clean hitting has defined India’s batting in recent editions. Australia’s Glenn Maxwell is not far behind with 43 sixes in 27 games and could challenge Rohit in the next World Cup.