The ICC Champions Trophy, often referred to as the ICC KnockOut, has witnessed remarkable batting performances over the years. Many players have left their mark by scoring impressive runs with high averages. This article highlights the players with the highest batting averages in the tournament’s history.
highest average in champions trophy
| Player | Span | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 0 | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saeed Anwar (PAK) | 2000-2002 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 289 | 105* | 144.50 | 371 | 77.89 | 2 | 1 | – | 35 | 1 |
| RA Jadeja (IND) | 2013-2017 | 10 | 4 | 3 | 95 | 47* | 95.00 | 80 | 118.75 | – | – | – | 9 | 3 |
| A Ranatunga (SL) | 1998-1998 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 94 | 90* | 94.00 | 124 | 75.80 | – | 1 | – | 8 | 0 |
| BA Stokes (ENG) | 2017-2017 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 184 | 102* | 92.00 | 226 | 81.41 | 1 | – | – | 17 | 4 |
| V Kohli (IND) | 2009-2017 | 13 | 12 | 6 | 529 | 96* | 88.16 | 573 | 92.32 | – | 5 | 1 | 53 | 8 |
| RP Arnold (SL) | 2000-2002 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 175 | 56* | 87.50 | 242 | 72.31 | – | 1 | – | 15 | 0 |
| SPD Smith (AUS) | 2017-2017 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 86 | 56 | 86.00 | 108 | 79.62 | – | 1 | – | 8 | 0 |
| Shahriar Nafees (BAN) | 2006-2006 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 166 | 123* | 83.00 | 251 | 66.13 | 1 | – | – | 22 | 1 |
| AJ Stewart (ENG) | 2000-2002 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 163 | 87* | 81.50 | 221 | 73.75 | – | 1 | – | 13 | 2 |
| M Kaif (IND) | 2002-2006 | 8 | 5 | 2 | 236 | 111* | 78.66 | 264 | 89.39 | 1 | – | – | 20 | 1 |
| S Dhawan (IND) | 2013-2017 | 10 | 10 | 1 | 701 | 125 | 77.88 | 690 | 101.59 | 3 | 3 | – | 79 | 8 |
| Sarfaraz Ahmed (PAK) | 2017-2017 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 76 | 61* | 76.00 | 95 | 80.00 | – | 1 | – | 7 | 0 |
| WJ Cronje (SA) | 1998-1998 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 148 | 67 | 74.00 | 163 | 90.79 | – | 2 | – | 10 | 2 |
| SC Ganguly (IND) | 1998-2004 | 13 | 11 | 2 | 665 | 141* | 73.88 | 800 | 83.12 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 66 | 17 |
| PA Wallace (WI) | 1998-1998 | 3 | 3 | – | 221 | 103 | 73.66 | 205 | 107.80 | 1 | 1 | – | 29 | 6 |
| Tamim Iqbal (BAN) | 2017-2017 | 4 | 4 | – | 293 | 128 | 73.25 | 340 | 86.17 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 25 | 7 |
| KS Williamson (NZ) | 2013-2017 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 345 | 100 | 69.00 | 377 | 91.51 | 1 | 3 | – | 31 | 4 |
| Mahmudullah (BAN) | 2017-2017 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 137 | 102* | 68.50 | 149 | 91.94 | 1 | – | – | 10 | 3 |
| RG Twose (NZ) | 2000-2000 | 3 | 3 | – | 203 | 87 | 67.66 | 247 | 82.18 | – | 2 | – | 24 | 1 |
| A Flower (ZIM) | 1998-2002 | 4 | 4 | – | 267 | 145 | 66.75 | 307 | 86.97 | 1 | 1 | – | 23 | 1 |
| JA Morkel (SA) | 2009-2009 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 65 | 29* | 65.00 | 60 | 108.33 | – | – | – | 7 | 1 |
| Fakhar Zaman (PAK) | 2017-2017 | 4 | 4 | – | 252 | 114 | 63.00 | 223 | 113.00 | 1 | 2 | – | 33 | 5 |
| DR Martyn (AUS) | 1998-2006 | 12 | 11 | 3 | 492 | 78 | 61.50 | 665 | 73.98 | – | 5 | – | 63 | 0 |
| KP Pietersen (ENG) | 2006-2006 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 118 | 90* | 59.00 | 131 | 90.07 | – | 1 | – | 13 | 1 |
| IJL Trott (ENG) | 2013-2013 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 229 | 82* | 57.25 | 250 | 91.60 | – | 2 | – | 20 | 0 |
| NH Fairbrother (ENG) | 1998-1998 | 1 | 1 | – | 56 | 56 | 56.00 | 78 | 71.79 | – | 1 | – | 2 | 1 |
| JE Root (ENG) | 2013-2017 | 9 | 9 | 1 | 431 | 133* | 53.87 | 456 | 94.51 | 1 | 2 | – | 34 | 4 |
| WU Tharanga (SL) | 2006-2017 | 7 | 7 | – | 377 | 110 | 53.85 |
Saeed Anwar: A Record-Breaking Average
Saeed Anwar, Pakistan’s opening batsman, stands at the top of the list with an exceptional batting average of 144.50. Over a span of just four matches from 2000 to 2002, Anwar scored 289 runs. His highest score was a remarkable 105*, showcasing his ability to dominate bowlers. Anwar’s strike rate of 77.89 and his two centuries in the competition emphasize his consistent performance.
His ability to accelerate the game in crucial moments made him a vital player for Pakistan. With an impressive 35 boundaries and 1 six, Anwar’s contribution in the Champions Trophy was immense. His performance remains unmatched in terms of average, making him a legend of the tournament.
Ravindra Jadeja: India’s Reliable All-Rounder
India’s Ravindra Jadeja follows with an impressive average of 95.00. From 2013 to 2017, Jadeja played 10 matches, making significant contributions to the Indian team’s success. He scored 95 runs in total with a high score of 47*, ensuring that he delivered in all conditions. Jadeja’s strike rate of 118.75 reflects his aggressive style at the crease.
While his main role was as an all-rounder, Jadeja’s consistency with the bat was crucial in many tight situations. His ability to play key cameos under pressure made him an indispensable part of the team. Although he did not score any centuries, his 9 boundaries and 3 sixes contributed heavily to India’s efforts.
Aravinda de Silva: Sri Lanka’s Hero
Aravinda de Silva from Sri Lanka had an outstanding average of 94.00 in the 1998 Champions Trophy. In just two matches, de Silva scored 94 runs, with a high score of 90*. His strike rate of 75.80 showed his ability to anchor the innings while also accelerating when needed. De Silva’s presence was key for Sri Lanka during the tournament.
His ability to score runs in pressure situations set him apart from many of his peers. De Silva’s partnership-building ability was one of his greatest strengths, and he played a vital role in Sri Lanka’s campaigns. With 8 boundaries and 0 sixes, he showed that steady accumulations could be just as valuable as explosive performances.
Ben Stokes: England’s Aggressive Batting Power
Ben Stokes, known for his aggressive style, had an impressive average of 92.00 in the 2017 edition. Over four matches, Stokes scored 184 runs, including a remarkable 102* against strong opposition. His strike rate of 81.41, combined with his ability to play under pressure, made him one of England’s star players.
Stokes’ performance in 2017 showcased his ability to take charge in crucial moments. With 17 boundaries and 4 sixes, he displayed the perfect blend of patience and power. His consistency and ability to produce match-winning knocks made him a valuable asset for his team.
Virat Kohli: India’s Modern-Day Great
Virat Kohli’s 13-match career in the Champions Trophy from 2009 to 2017 also produced a stellar average of 88.16. Scoring 529 runs, including 5 fifties, Kohli was a consistent performer for India throughout his career in the tournament. His high score of 96* helped him build partnerships and anchor innings when needed.
Kohli’s strike rate of 92.32 further solidified his position as one of the best modern-day cricketers. His ability to chase targets and adapt to different conditions was key to India’s success. With 53 boundaries and 8 sixes, Kohli’s aggressive yet composed style made him one of the tournament’s standout players.
Other Top Performers
In addition to the above players, several others have displayed impressive averages in the tournament. Players like RP Arnold (Sri Lanka) with an average of 87.50 and Shahriar Nafees (Bangladesh) with 83.00 also delivered key performances. These players have shown that consistency is essential for success, with each contributing significantly to their teams’ campaigns.
Moreover, players such as M Kaif and S Dhawan from India, who posted averages of 78.66 and 77.88 respectively, have been instrumental in shaping India’s journey in the Champions Trophy. Their ability to form partnerships and score vital runs under pressure helped their teams advance to critical stages.
What Makes a High Average?
A high batting average in the ICC Champions Trophy signifies consistency, skill, and the ability to perform under pressure. The players who have maintained these high averages have shown their prowess in navigating tough situations and playing crucial innings. Whether it’s a solid partnership, a crucial cameo, or an anchor role, each of these top performers has left a mark on the tournament’s history.
The Changing Nature of the ICC Champions Trophy
The nature of the Champions Trophy has evolved over time. From 1998 to 2017, the tournament has seen significant changes in both format and style of play. As cricket has become more aggressive with innovations like T20 cricket influencing ODI strategies, the way batsmen approach the game has also changed.
While some players like Saeed Anwar have excelled in a more traditional style of batting, others, such as Ben Stokes, represent a new era of attacking play. With the increasing number of sixes and boundaries being hit, the overall strike rates of players have also climbed, further underlining the changing dynamics of the game.
Conclusion
The players listed above have set remarkable benchmarks in the ICC Champions Trophy, creating a legacy of excellence. Their batting averages reflect the hard work, dedication, and skill they brought to the game. Whether it’s through classic technique, aggressive strokes, or consistent match-winning performances, these players have shown that the Champions Trophy is a platform for some of the best batsmen in world cricket.
As the tournament continues to evolve, new players may emerge to challenge these records. However, the achievements of these legends will always remain a significant part of ICC Champions Trophy history. Their contributions will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers to reach new heights.
