T20 World Cup history: Top three run-getters for West Indies

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is currently underway from February 7 to March 8, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. As the tournament gathers momentum, West Indies will once again look to recreate their past glory. The Caribbean side has a proud history in the shortest format, having lifted the T20 World Cup trophy twice, first in 2012 and then in 2016. With a balanced and dynamic squad, they will be aiming to become the first team to win the title three times.

West Indies have been placed in Group C alongside England, Italy, Scotland, and Nepal. The batting unit will be led by Shai Hope, who brings stability and composure at the top. He will be supported by explosive talents such as Shimron Hetmyer, Johnson Charles, Brandon King, and Sherfane Rutherford.

Here is a look at the top three run-getters for West Indies in T20 World Cup history: 

Chris Gayle

Chris Gayle is widely regarded as one of the greatest T20 batters of all time. The tall, left-handed opener was an imposing presence at the crease, known for his ability to dismantle bowling attacks with sheer power. His exceptional hand-eye coordination allowed him to clear boundaries with ease, even off good-length deliveries. Gayle made history in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 by scoring the format’s first-ever century, a blistering 117 off just 57 balls against South Africa.

Throughout his career, Gayle became one of the most feared batters in franchise cricket, particularly during his time in the IPL in 2011 and 2012, where he dominated bowling attacks and smashed numerous sixes and centuries. In T20 Internationals, he scored 1,899 runs, while his overall T20 tally stands at an astonishing 14,562 runs in 463 matches. In T20 World Cup history, Gayle accumulated 965 runs in 33 matches.

Dwayne Bravo

Dwayne Bravo was a key figure in West Indies’ T20 success, contributing both with the bat and the ball. He is known for his flair, death-overs expertise, and ability to finish games and became one of the early legends of T20 cricket. He played in seven T20 World Cups and was part of the squads that won the title twice.

Bravo also made history as the first bowler to claim 500 wickets in T20 cricket. In franchise cricket, particularly in the Indian Premier League with Chennai Super Kings, he topped the wicket-taking charts in 2013 and 2015. In T20Is, Bravo scored 1,255 runs, and in 34 T20 World Cup matches, he contributed 530 runs, making him one of the leading run-scorers for West Indies in the tournament. 

Marlon Samuels

Marlon Samuels was another crucial contributor to West Indies’ T20 World Cup triumphs. A technically sound right-hander, Samuels possessed immense talent and composure. His most memorable performance came in the 2012 T20 World Cup final against Sri Lanka, where he scored a match-winning 78 to guide West Indies to their first global title since 1979.

In 67 T20Is, Samuels scored 1,611 runs. In T20 World Cup matches, he accumulated 530 runs in 20 games. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations cemented his legacy as one of West Indies’ finest performers on the world stage. 

West Indies squad for T20 World Cup 2026:

Shai Hope (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd

West Indies schedule for T20 World Cup 2026:

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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