Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim has etched his name into the record books by becoming the highest run-scorer among international cricketers who have never bowled a delivery in their careers.
The veteran wicketkeeper-batter achieved the remarkable feat in the ongoing Test match against Sri Lanka in Galle. He’s currently batting on 159* before rain came on day 2. Mushfiqur surpassed Australian great Adam Gilchrist’s tally of 15,461 international runs, finishing the day on a cumulative total of 15,487.
Mushfiqur now leads a list that includes some of the finest wicketkeeper-batsmen in modern cricket. Trailing behind him are Gilchrist (15,461), South Africa’s Quinton de Kock (12,654), England’s Jos Buttler (11,881), and Jonny Bairstow (11,581).
What makes this achievement even more extraordinary is the fact that Mushfiqur has never bowled at the international level—a rare distinction in a sport where even wicketkeepers occasionally roll their arm over.
Known for his grit, longevity, and unmatched dedication to the game, Mushfiqur has been a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s batting order across all formats for over a decade. His milestone further cements his legacy as one of the country’s greatest ever cricketers.
The Bangladesh dressing room, as well as fans back home, will be celebrating this historic moment with immense pride as their “Mr Dependable” continues to rewrite the history books.
Most International Runs – Non-Bowling Cricketers
| Player | Country | International Runs | Bowling Overs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mushfiqur Rahim | Bangladesh | 15,509* | 0 |
| Adam Gilchrist | Australia | 15,461 | 0 |
| Quinton de Kock | South Africa | 12,654 | 0 |
| Jos Buttler | England | 11,881 | 0 |
| Jonny Bairstow | England | 11,581 | 0 |
*Total while batting on 159 vs Sri Lanka at Galle