The ICC Champions Trophy has showcased some of the finest batting talents in cricket. Players from around the globe have delivered outstanding performances, but a few have truly excelled with their exceptional batting averages. This article highlights the top batting averages in the history of the ICC Champions Trophy.
1. Saeed Anwar
Saeed Anwar, Pakistan’s cricket legend, holds the top spot in ICC Champions Trophy batting averages. With 3 matches played, Anwar scored 261 runs at a remarkable average of 130.50. His performance includes 2 centuries and 1 fifty, which showcases his consistent ability to deliver big runs in crucial matches.
Anwar’s success wasn’t just about high scores. He performed under pressure, often leading Pakistan to victory in key matches. His adaptability and strong strike rate made him a role model for future cricketers. To this day, his average in the Champions Trophy remains one of the best.
2. Ravindra Jadeja
Next on the list is India’s all-rounder, Ravindra Jadeja, with an impressive batting average of 95.00 from 4 innings. While he hasn’t scored a century, his resilience and calm approach in pressure situations have made him a valuable asset for India.
Jadeja’s contributions with the bat, especially from the lower order, have been crucial in many Champions Trophy matches. His consistency and ability to stabilize the innings make him an essential part of India’s middle order. Jadeja’s performances continue to be a testament to his reliability and grit.
3. Arjuna Ranatunga
Arjuna Ranatunga, the former Sri Lankan captain, comes next with a batting average of 94.00 in 2 matches. He scored 94 runs, including 1 fifty. Ranatunga was not only a great batsman but also a leader who guided Sri Lanka through challenging phases in international cricket.
Known for his ability to stay calm under pressure, Ranatunga played pivotal roles in many of Sri Lanka’s successes during the 1990s. His leadership and solid batting in the Champions Trophy helped raise Sri Lanka’s stature on the world stage.
4. Ben Stokes
England’s Ben Stokes has also left a significant mark on the Champions Trophy. With an average of 92.00 from 4 innings, Stokes has proven his worth as one of the tournament’s best performers. He even scored a century in the tournament, a notable achievement.
Stokes is known for his aggressive and fearless style of batting. His performances in high-pressure situations have often been match-changing. Stokes’ consistency in delivering key performances has made him a reliable player for England in ICC tournaments.
5. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli is another top player in the ICC Champions Trophy, with an average of 88.16 from 12 innings. Kohli has scored 529 runs, including 5 fifties, showcasing his ability to consistently perform in crucial matches. Although he hasn’t scored a century in the tournament, his steady and reliable batting has been a key factor in India’s success in the Champions Trophy.
Kohli’s adaptability in different match situations and his calmness under pressure have helped India win critical games in the tournament. His performances continue to inspire future generations of cricketers.
Notable Mentions: Other Top Performers
In addition to the above stars, several other players have had a lasting impact on the Champions Trophy:
- Russel Arnold (Sri Lanka) – With an average of 87.50 in 5 innings, Arnold has been a consistent contributor to his team.
- Shikhar Dhawan (India) – Dhawan scored 701 runs in 10 innings, with an average of 77.88, including 3 centuries.
- Mohammad Kaif (India) – Kaif has been an important player for India, with an average of 78.66.
Other players like Damien Martyn (Australia), Joe Root (England), and Shahriar Nafees (Bangladesh) have also contributed significantly to their teams’ success in the ICC Champions Trophy.
Top Batting Averages in ICC Champions Trophy
| Sr | Player (Team) | Matches | Innings | Runs | Batting Avg | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saeed Anwar (Pakistan) | 3 | 3 | 261 | 130.50 | 2 | 1 |
| 2 | Ravindra Jadeja (India) | 10 | 4 | 95 | 95.00 | 0 | 0 |
| 3 | Arjuna Ranatunga (Sri Lanka) | 2 | 2 | 94 | 94.00 | 0 | 1 |
| 4 | Ben Stokes (England) | 4 | 3 | 184 | 92.00 | 1 | 0 |
| 5 | Virat Kohli (India) | 12 | 12 | 529 | 88.16 | 0 | 5 |
| 6 | Russel Arnold (Sri Lanka) | 7 | 5 | 175 | 87.50 | 0 | 1 |
| 7 | Steve Smith (Australia) | 3 | 3 | 86 | 86.00 | 0 | 1 |
| 8 | Shahriar Nafees (Bangladesh) | 3 | 3 | 166 | 83.00 | 1 | 0 |
| 9 | Alec Stewart (England) | 4 | 4 | 163 | 81.50 | 0 | 1 |
| 10 | Mohammad Kaif (India) | 8 | 5 | 236 | 78.66 | 1 | 0 |
| 11 | Shikhar Dhawan (India) | 10 | 10 | 701 | 77.88 | 3 | 3 |
| 12 | Robin Singh (India) | 2 | 2 | 76 | 76.00 | 0 | 1 |
| 13 | Sarfaraz Ahmed (Pakistan) | 5 | 2 | 76 | 76.00 | 0 | 1 |
| 14 | Hansie Cronje (South Africa) | 3 | 3 | 148 | 74.00 | 0 | 2 |
| 15 | Sourav Ganguly (India) | 13 | 11 | 665 | 73.88 | 3 | 3 |
| 16 | Philo Wallace (West Indies) | 3 | 3 | 221 | 73.66 | 1 | 1 |
| 17 | Tamim Iqbal (Bangladesh) | 4 | 4 | 293 | 73.25 | 1 | 2 |
| 18 | Kane Williamson (New Zealand) | 6 | 6 | 345 | 69.00 | 1 | 3 |
| 19 | Mahmudullah (Bangladesh) | 4 | 4 | 137 | 68.50 | 1 | 0 |
| 20 | Roger Twose (New Zealand) | 3 | 3 | 203 | 67.66 | 0 | 2 |
| 21 | Andy Flower (Zimbabwe) | 4 | 4 | 267 | 66.75 | 1 | 1 |
| 22 | Albie Morkel (South Africa) | 3 | 3 | 65 | 65.00 | 0 | 0 |
| 23 | Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan) | 4 | 4 | 185 | 61.66 | 0 | 2 |
| 24 | Michael Clarke (Australia) | 2 | 2 | 102 | 51.00 | 0 | 1 |