Hashim Amla: South Africa's 9,282 Test Runs — 311 Not Out at The Oval, SA All-Time Record Holder
Hashim Amla was a right-handed opening batsman from South Africa who played 124 Tests and scored 9,282 runs at an average of 46.64 — the most Test runs ever scored by a South African. Born 31 March 1983 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. He scored 28 Test centuries. His highest Test score was 311 not out vs England at The Oval in July 2012 — the highest score by a South African in Test cricket and the highest ever at The Oval. He reached 2,000 and 3,000 ODI runs faster than any batsman in history. His ODI record: 181 matches, 8,113 runs at 49.46, 27 centuries. He captained South Africa in Tests (2014–2016). He scored 150 in South Africa's record ODI total of 438/9 in 2006. He was widely known for his calm temperament, technical correctness, and clean off-side play. He retired from international cricket in 2019. ICC Cricket Hall of Fame inductee.
Hashim Amla was born on 31 March 1983 in Durban, South Africa. He was a right-handed opening batsman of the highest quality — elegant, technically correct, and with an exceptional ability to occupy the crease for long periods while scoring at a measured pace. He made his Test debut for South Africa against India in 2004. Over a 15-year international career, he became South Africa's all-time leading Test run-scorer with 9,282 runs at an average of 46.64 in 124 Tests.
311 Not Out at The Oval — A New South African Record
Amla's greatest Test innings came against England at The Oval in July 2012 during the first Test of South Africa's tour of England. He batted for two days and scored 311 not out — the highest Test score ever recorded at The Oval and the highest ever by a South African batsman in Test cricket. The innings occupied 561 balls. South Africa declared at 637 for 2, with Amla's triple century forming the backbone of an innings of exceptional discipline and quality. South Africa won the match and the series 3–0. The innings confirmed Amla's standing alongside the great Test batsmen of any generation.
ODI Records and South Africa Career
In ODIs, Amla was even more prolific — he became the fastest batsman to reach both 2,000 and 3,000 ODI runs, breaking the records previously held by Vivian Richards and others. He scored 8,113 ODI runs at 49.46, with 27 centuries. He scored 150 in South Africa's world-record ODI total of 438 for 9 against Australia in 2006. He captained South Africa in Tests from 2014 to 2016 before stepping down. He was widely known for his calm demeanour, technical correctness particularly on the off side, and the absence of flashiness — simply efficient, effective run-making. He retired from all international cricket in August 2019.
Frequently asked questions
What is Hashim Amla's most famous innings and what records does he hold?
Hashim Amla's most famous innings was 311 not out vs England at The Oval in July 2012 — the highest score ever by a South African in Test cricket and the highest score ever at The Oval. He batted for two days to help South Africa post 637/2 declared. Amla holds South Africa's all-time Test runs record with 9,282 runs at 46.64 in 124 Tests (28 centuries). In ODIs, he was the fastest to 2,000 and 3,000 ODI runs; he scored 8,113 ODI runs at 49.46 with 27 centuries.
Why is Hashim Amla considered one of South Africa's greatest batsmen?
Hashim Amla is considered one of South Africa's greatest batsmen because he is South Africa's all-time leading Test run-scorer (9,282 runs at 46.64, 28 centuries) and holds the South African record for the highest Test score (311 not out vs England at The Oval, 2012). In ODIs, he was the fastest to 2,000 and 3,000 runs in history and scored 8,113 ODI runs at 49.46 with 27 centuries. He captained South Africa in Tests from 2014 to 2016. His technical correctness, calm temperament, and consistent run-scoring across all conditions made him exceptional.