Top 10 Players With 5000 Runs and 300 Wickets in International Cricket – Greatest All-Rounders of All Time
Players With 5000 Runs and 300 Wickets in International Cricket
Career stats, achievements and memorable performances of cricket’s greatest all-rounders across Tests, ODIs and T20Is.
Several legendary cricketers have scored more than 5,000 runs and taken at least 300 wickets in international cricket. The list includes Jacques Kallis, Kapil Dev, Wasim Akram, Shaun Pollock, Daniel Vettori, Shahid Afridi, Sanath Jayasuriya and Ian Botham. These players achieved an extraordinary combination of batting and bowling success across Test, ODI and T20 International cricket.
Cricket has produced many outstanding batters and bowlers. However, only a relatively small group of players have excelled in both disciplines throughout their international careers.
Scoring 5,000 runs requires consistency, technique and the ability to perform against different bowling attacks.
Taking 300 international wickets demands skill, fitness and the ability to dismiss quality batters over many years.
Achieving both milestones makes a cricketer especially valuable.
Some of these all-rounders were known for powerful batting. Others were world-class bowlers who also contributed important runs.
In this CricketGatha article, we explore 10 legendary players with 5,000 runs and 300 wickets in international cricket, their career statistics, achievements and memorable performances.
Last updated: 31 October 2026.
What Does 5,000 Runs and 300 Wickets Mean in International Cricket?
The 5,000 runs and 300 wickets milestone is a combined batting and bowling achievement.
To qualify, a player must score at least 5,000 international runs and take at least 300 international wickets.
For this article, international statistics include men’s Test matches, One Day Internationals and T20 Internationals combined.
For example, a player with 3,000 Test runs, 2,500 ODI runs, 200 Test wickets and 150 ODI wickets qualifies.
Their combined record would be 5,500 runs and 350 wickets.
This achievement is different from scoring 5,000 runs and taking 300 wickets in Test cricket alone.
Top 10 Players With 5000 Runs and 300 Wickets in International Cricket
The following table features 10 selected legendary all-rounders, ranked by their total international wickets.
Complete Statistics Table
| Rank | Player | Country | International runs | International wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wasim Akram | Pakistan | 6,615 | 916 |
| 2 | Shaun Pollock | South Africa | 7,386 | 829 |
| 3 | Chaminda Vaas | Sri Lanka | 5,147 | 761 |
| 4 | Daniel Vettori | New Zealand | 6,989 | 705 |
| 5 | Kapil Dev | India | 9,031 | 687 |
| 6 | Jacques Kallis | South Africa | 25,534 | 577 |
| 7 | Imran Khan | Pakistan | 7,516 | 544 |
| 8 | Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | 11,196 | 541 |
| 9 | Ian Botham | England | 7,313 | 528 |
| 10 | Sanath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka | 21,032 | 440 |
Note: This is a selection of 10 retired cricket legends, ordered by wickets, rather than an exhaustive all-time top-10 ranking. Other qualifying players include Shakib Al Hasan, Ravindra Jadeja, Andrew Flintoff, Chris Cairns, Carl Hooper and Ben Stokes. Career totals for retired players are final.
1. Wasim Akram – Pakistan
6,615 runs and 916 wickets
Wasim Akram is widely regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history.
He was famous for his left-arm pace, swing bowling and ability to deliver dangerous yorkers.
Akram represented Pakistan in Tests and ODIs.
He was particularly effective with the old ball and became one of the leading exponents of reverse swing.
Wasim Akram International Career Stats
| Format | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| Test | 2,898 | 414 |
| ODI | 3,717 | 502 |
| Total | 6,615 | 916 |
Major Achievements
Wasim Akram was the first bowler to reach 500 ODI wickets.
He played an important role in Pakistan’s 1992 Cricket World Cup victory.
He also scored a Test double century, making an unbeaten 257 against Zimbabwe.
His ability to contribute with both bat and ball made him a valuable lower-order player.
2. Shaun Pollock – South Africa
7,386 runs and 829 wickets
Shaun Pollock was one of South Africa’s most reliable all-rounders.
He was known for accurate fast-medium bowling and disciplined batting.
Pollock regularly bowled economical spells and created pressure on opposition batters.
He also played important innings lower down the order.
Shaun Pollock International Career Stats
| Format | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| Test | 3,781 | 421 |
| ODI | 3,519 | 393 |
| T20I | 86 | 15 |
| Total | 7,386 | 829 |
Major Achievements
Pollock took more than 800 international wickets.
He also scored over 7,000 runs across formats.
His combination of accuracy, control and useful batting made him one of South Africa’s greatest all-rounders.
3. Chaminda Vaas – Sri Lanka
5,147 runs and 761 wickets
Chaminda Vaas was one of Sri Lanka’s most successful fast bowlers.
He was known for his ability to swing the ball in both directions.
Vaas played a major role in Sri Lanka’s bowling attack for many years.
Although primarily a bowler, he also contributed important runs.
Chaminda Vaas International Career Stats
| Format | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| Test | 3,089 | 355 |
| ODI | 2,025 | 400 |
| T20I | 33 | 6 |
| Total | 5,147 | 761 |
Major Achievements
Vaas took 400 ODI wickets.
He recorded the remarkable bowling figures of 8/19 against Zimbabwe in an ODI in 2001.
His international career demonstrated the value of accurate swing bowling.
4. Daniel Vettori – New Zealand
6,989 runs and 705 wickets
Daniel Vettori was one of New Zealand’s greatest spin-bowling all-rounders.
He made his international debut as a teenager.
Over time, he developed into a dependable batter and experienced captain.
Vettori was known for his left-arm spin, control and ability to change his bowling pace.
Daniel Vettori International Career Stats
| Format | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| Test | 4,531 | 362 |
| ODI | 2,253 | 305 |
| T20I | 205 | 38 |
| Total | 6,989 | 705 |
Major Achievements
Vettori scored more than 4,500 Test runs and took over 350 Test wickets.
He also represented New Zealand in multiple World Cups.
His achievements make him one of the finest spin-bowling all-rounders in international cricket.
5. Kapil Dev – India
9,031 runs and 687 wickets
Kapil Dev is one of the greatest all-rounders India has produced.
He was an aggressive right-handed batter and a skilled fast bowler.
Kapil played a major role in transforming Indian cricket during the 1980s.
He is best remembered for captaining India to its first Cricket World Cup victory in 1983.
Kapil Dev International Career Stats
| Format | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| Test | 5,248 | 434 |
| ODI | 3,783 | 253 |
| Total | 9,031 | 687 |
Major Achievements
Kapil Dev became the first player to achieve the double of 5,000 runs and 400 wickets in Test cricket.
He scored an unbeaten 175 against Zimbabwe during the 1983 World Cup.
His leadership helped India win the tournament.
He finished his Test career with 434 wickets.
6. Jacques Kallis – South Africa
25,534 runs and 577 wickets
Jacques Kallis is widely considered one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history.
He was a technically strong batter and a useful fast-medium bowler.
Unlike many bowling all-rounders, Kallis was also one of the world’s leading specialist batters.
He scored more than 25,000 international runs.
Jacques Kallis International Career Stats
| Format | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| Test | 13,289 | 292 |
| ODI | 11,579 | 273 |
| T20I | 666 | 12 |
| Total | 25,534 | 577 |
Major Achievements
Kallis scored 45 Test centuries and 17 ODI centuries.
He finished with 62 international hundreds.
He also took 577 international wickets.
His extraordinary batting record combined with effective bowling makes him a strong candidate for the greatest all-rounder of all time.
7. Imran Khan – Pakistan
7,516 runs and 544 wickets
Imran Khan was one of Pakistan’s greatest cricket captains and all-rounders.
He was known for fast bowling, reverse swing and determined batting.
Imran developed into a leading international cricketer during the 1970s and 1980s.
He later captained Pakistan to the 1992 Cricket World Cup title.
Imran Khan International Career Stats
| Format | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| Test | 3,807 | 362 |
| ODI | 3,709 | 182 |
| Total | 7,516 | 544 |
Major Achievements
Imran scored six Test centuries.
He took 362 Test wickets.
His bowling average of 22.81 in Tests was outstanding for an all-rounder.
His leadership and performances made him one of Pakistan’s most influential cricket figures.
8. Shahid Afridi – Pakistan
11,196 runs and 541 wickets
Shahid Afridi was one of the most entertaining all-rounders in limited-overs cricket.
He was known for aggressive batting, powerful sixes and leg-spin bowling.
Afridi could change a match within a few overs.
His attacking style earned him the nickname Boom Boom Afridi.
Shahid Afridi International Career Stats
| Format | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| Test | 1,716 | 48 |
| ODI | 8,064 | 395 |
| T20I | 1,416 | 98 |
| Total | 11,196 | 541 |
Major Achievements
Afridi scored an ODI century from just 37 balls against Sri Lanka in 1996.
At the time, it was the fastest ODI century.
He also took 395 ODI wickets.
His all-round performances played an important role in Pakistan’s 2009 T20 World Cup victory.
9. Ian Botham – England
7,313 runs and 528 wickets
Ian Botham was one of England’s most celebrated all-rounders.
He was an attacking batter and a dangerous swing bowler.
Botham played several match-winning innings during his international career.
He is especially remembered for his performances in the 1981 Ashes series.
Ian Botham International Career Stats
| Format | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| Test | 5,200 | 383 |
| ODI | 2,113 | 145 |
| Total | 7,313 | 528 |
Major Achievements
Botham scored 14 Test centuries.
He took 383 Test wickets.
His performances during the 1981 Ashes helped England produce a remarkable series comeback.
He remains one of England’s greatest Test all-rounders.
10. Sanath Jayasuriya – Sri Lanka
21,032 runs and 440 wickets
Sanath Jayasuriya transformed the role of an opening batter in ODI cricket.
He was famous for aggressive batting during the early overs.
Jayasuriya also bowled useful left-arm spin.
His performances helped Sri Lanka become a major force in limited-overs cricket.
Sanath Jayasuriya International Career Stats
| Format | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| Test | 6,973 | 98 |
| ODI | 13,430 | 323 |
| T20I | 629 | 19 |
| Total | 21,032 | 440 |
Major Achievements
Jayasuriya scored 42 international centuries.
He played an important role in Sri Lanka’s 1996 Cricket World Cup victory.
His aggressive opening batting changed the way teams approached ODI powerplays.
He remains one of the most influential limited-overs all-rounders in cricket history.
Other Legendary Players With 5000 Runs and 300 Wickets
The 10 players above are not the only cricketers to achieve this milestone.
Several other great all-rounders also qualify.
Notable Additional Players
| Player | Country | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Shakib Al Hasan | Bangladesh | More than 14,000 runs and 700 wickets |
| Ravindra Jadeja | India | More than 6,000 runs and 500 wickets |
| Andrew Flintoff | England | 7,315 runs and 400 wickets |
| Chris Cairns | New Zealand | 8,273 runs and 420 wickets |
| Carl Hooper | West Indies | 11,523 runs and 307 wickets |
| Abdul Razzaq | Pakistan | 7,419 runs and 389 wickets |
| Dwayne Bravo | West Indies | 6,423 runs and 363 wickets |
| Moeen Ali | England | More than 6,500 runs and 350 wickets |
| Ben Stokes | England | More than 10,000 runs and 300 wickets |
Some players’ totals have continued changing beyond the historical statistical snapshots used here.
Why Is Shakib Al Hasan Important?
Shakib Al Hasan is one of the most successful spin-bowling all-rounders in international cricket.
He has scored more than 14,000 runs and taken more than 700 wickets across formats.
He is among the few players to combine high-volume international batting with exceptional wicket-taking ability.
Why Is Ravindra Jadeja Important?
Ravindra Jadeja has made major contributions as a left-handed batter, left-arm spinner and fielder.
He reached the 5,000-run and 500-wicket international double in 2023.
He later joined the rare group of players with 4,000 Test runs and 300 Test wickets.
His all-round skills have been important to India’s success across formats.
Who Has the Most Runs Among Players With 5000 Runs and 300 Wickets?
Jacques Kallis has the highest international run tally among the 10 featured players.
He scored 25,534 runs.
Sanath Jayasuriya ranks second in this selection with 21,032 runs.
Shahid Afridi scored 11,196 runs.
Highest Run-Scorers From the Featured List
| Player | Runs |
|---|---|
| Jacques Kallis | 25,534 |
| Sanath Jayasuriya | 21,032 |
| Shahid Afridi | 11,196 |
| Kapil Dev | 9,031 |
| Imran Khan | 7,516 |
Kallis stands out because of his exceptional batting average and consistency.
He was not simply a useful lower-order batter.
He was one of the greatest specialist batters of his generation.
Who Has the Most Wickets Among the Featured All-Rounders?
Wasim Akram leads the featured list with 916 international wickets.
Shaun Pollock follows with 829 wickets.
Chaminda Vaas took 761 wickets.
Most International Wickets
| Player | Wickets |
|---|---|
| Wasim Akram | 916 |
| Shaun Pollock | 829 |
| Chaminda Vaas | 761 |
| Daniel Vettori | 705 |
| Kapil Dev | 687 |
These figures show how some bowlers made significant batting contributions while remaining among the most successful wicket-takers.
Which Indian Players Have 5000 Runs and 300 Wickets?
Kapil Dev and Ravindra Jadeja are two notable Indian cricketers to achieve this milestone.
Kapil Dev
Kapil scored 9,031 international runs and took 687 wickets.
He also captained India to the 1983 World Cup title.
Ravindra Jadeja
Jadeja crossed the combined milestone of 5,000 runs and 500 wickets in international cricket in 2023.
He has continued to build an outstanding all-round career.
Both players represent different generations of Indian cricket.
Kapil was a pace-bowling all-rounder.
Jadeja is a spin-bowling all-rounder.
5000 Runs and 300 Wickets in Test Cricket vs All International Formats
These two records should not be confused.
The first counts statistics from Tests, ODIs and T20Is combined.
The second counts only Test cricket.
For example, Kapil Dev scored 5,248 runs and took 434 wickets in Tests alone.
Jacques Kallis scored 13,289 Test runs and took 292 Test wickets.
Therefore, Kallis qualifies for the combined international milestone but not the 5,000-run and 300-wicket Test-only milestone.
Key Difference
| Record | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 5,000 runs and 300 wickets internationally | Combined Test, ODI and T20I totals |
| 5,000 runs and 300 wickets in Tests | Test cricket only |
| 5,000 runs and 300 wickets in ODIs | ODI cricket only |
This distinction is important when comparing all-rounders from different eras.
Why Is the 5000 Runs and 300 Wickets Milestone Special?
Cricket teams usually select players for their primary skills.
A specialist batter is expected to score runs.
A specialist bowler is expected to take wickets.
An all-rounder must contribute in both departments.
Reaching 5,000 runs and 300 wickets requires sustained performance over many years.
It also demands adaptability.
Players must perform in different countries, against different opponents and in changing match conditions.
This is why all-rounders such as Kallis, Kapil Dev, Pollock, Vettori and Shakib are highly respected.
Who Is the Greatest All-Rounder of All Time?
There is no single universally accepted answer.
Different players excelled in different areas.
Jacques Kallis has an extraordinary batting record.
Wasim Akram was a world-class fast bowler who also contributed useful runs.
Kapil Dev combined pace bowling, aggressive batting and leadership.
Ian Botham produced memorable match-winning Test performances.
Shakib Al Hasan has combined high run totals with outstanding spin bowling.
Sanath Jayasuriya transformed ODI opening batting while also taking hundreds of wickets.
The greatest all-rounder depends on whether batting, bowling, match impact, longevity or performances in major tournaments are given the most importance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which players have scored 5000 runs and taken 300 wickets in international cricket?
Notable players include Jacques Kallis, Kapil Dev, Wasim Akram, Shaun Pollock, Daniel Vettori, Shahid Afridi, Shakib Al Hasan, Ravindra Jadeja, Ian Botham and Sanath Jayasuriya.
2. Who has the most international runs among the featured all-rounders?
Jacques Kallis leads the featured players with 25,534 runs.
3. Who has the most international wickets among the featured players?
Wasim Akram leads with 916 international wickets.
4. Did Kapil Dev score 5000 runs and take 300 wickets?
Yes. Kapil Dev scored 9,031 international runs and took 687 wickets.
5. Did Jacques Kallis score 5000 runs and take 300 wickets?
Yes. Kallis scored 25,534 runs and took 577 wickets across international formats.
6. Did Wasim Akram score 5000 international runs?
Yes. Wasim Akram scored 6,615 international runs.
7. How many international wickets did Wasim Akram take?
He took 916 wickets across Tests and ODIs.
8. Is Ravindra Jadeja in the 5000 runs and 300 wickets club?
Yes. Jadeja crossed the milestone and also reached 500 international wickets in 2023.
9. Has Shakib Al Hasan scored 5000 runs and taken 300 wickets?
Yes. Shakib has comfortably passed both milestones.
10. Did Sanath Jayasuriya take 300 international wickets?
Yes. Jayasuriya took 440 international wickets.
11. How many international runs did Sanath Jayasuriya score?
He scored 21,032 runs across formats.
12. How many wickets did Shaun Pollock take?
Shaun Pollock took 829 international wickets.
13. Did Daniel Vettori score 5000 international runs?
Yes. He scored 6,989 international runs and took 705 wickets.
14. Did Ian Botham score 5000 runs and take 300 wickets?
Yes. Botham scored 7,313 runs and took 528 wickets.
15. Is Ben Stokes part of the 5000 runs and 300 wickets club?
Yes. Ben Stokes crossed 300 international wickets in July 2024, having already scored more than 10,000 international runs.
16. Is 5000 runs and 300 wickets the same as 5000 runs and 500 wickets?
No. The 500-wicket milestone is more demanding and includes fewer qualifying players.
17. Are IPL runs included in international career statistics?
No. IPL statistics are not included in Test, ODI or T20 International career totals.
18. Are domestic cricket wickets counted?
No. Only recognized international wickets count toward this record.
19. Which South African players appear in the featured list?
Jacques Kallis and Shaun Pollock.
20. Which Pakistani players appear in the featured list?
Wasim Akram, Imran Khan and Shahid Afridi.
Conclusion
Scoring 5,000 runs and taking 300 wickets in international cricket is a remarkable all-round achievement.
It requires exceptional skill, consistency and longevity.
Legends such as Jacques Kallis, Kapil Dev, Wasim Akram, Shaun Pollock, Daniel Vettori and Ian Botham demonstrated that a cricketer can contribute significantly with both bat and ball.
Modern all-rounders such as Shakib Al Hasan, Ravindra Jadeja and Ben Stokes have also achieved the milestone.
Each player brought different strengths to international cricket.
Some were outstanding batters who bowled effectively.
Others were world-class bowlers who could also score valuable runs.
Together, these players represent the importance of all-round ability in cricket history.
For more cricket statistics, player records and detailed comparisons, follow CricketGatha.
Statistical note: Historical figures for retired players are final. Records for players active in or near 2026 should be checked against current official scorecards before publishing exact totals.
Next on CricketGatha
CricketGatha – Cricket Ki Har Kahani.
