When it comes to One Day International (ODI) cricket, a batsman’s average serves as one of the most significant indicators of consistency and performance over time. The higher the average a batter has, the better player he is considered to be.
Whether it’s Ryan ten Doeschate’s incredible average for the Netherlands or India’s MS Dhoni’s consistent contributions, these cricketers have repeatedly proven their worth.
Let’s take a closer look at the top players with the best batting averages in ODI cricket.
Best Batting Average in ODI Cricket
Here’s a look at the players with the highest batting averages in ODI cricket history:
| Player | Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RN ten Doeschate (NED) | 33 | 1541 | 119 | 67.00 |
| Shubman Gill (IND) | 47 | 2328 | 208 | 58.20 |
| Virat Kohli (IND) | 295 | 13906 | 183 | 58.18 |
| Babar Azam (PAK) | 120 | 5809 | 158 | 56.95 |
| Dawid Malan (ENG) | 30 | 1450 | 140 | 55.76 |
| MG Bevan (AUS) | 232 | 6912 | 108* | 53.58 |
| AB de Villiers (SA) | 228 | 9577 | 176 | 53.50 |
| DJ Mitchell (NZ) | 39 | 1577 | 134 | 52.56 |
| Jonathan Trott (ENG) | 68 | 2819 | 137 | 51.25 |
| MS Dhoni (IND) | 350 | 10773 | 183* | 50.57 |
Now have a look at the above players in detail. You’ll know exactly how well they performed in ODIs to achieve some of the best averages.
1. RN ten Doeschate (Netherlands) – 67.00 ODI Average
| Span | 2006-2011 |
| Matches | 33 |
| Innings | 32 |
| Runs | 1541 |
| 100s | 5 |
| 50s | 9 |
RN ten Doeschate, one of the most consistent performers in ODI cricket, set an incredible record with an average of 67.00 over 33 matches. His highest score of 119 and ability to score regularly at the top level, put him at the top of the list.
His contribution to Netherlands cricket remains unmatched in terms of consistency. Despite playing for a non-Test playing nation, ten Doeschate demonstrated world-class ability. His consistency against full-strength sides showed his class.
2. Shubman Gill (India) – 58.20 ODI Average
| Span | 2019-2024 |
| Matches | 47 |
| Innings | 47 |
| Runs | 2328 |
| 100s | 6 |
| 50s | 13 |
Shubman Gill is one of the most promising young talents in world cricket. With an average of 58.20 in ODIs, his ability to score runs at an impressive strike rate of 101.74 makes him one of the best players in the format.
His best score of 208 against New Zealand and his flair for converting starts into big innings highlight his immense potential. In his short career, Gill has already shown a remarkable level of maturity and adaptability, especially in high-pressure situations.
3. Virat Kohli (India) – 58.18 ODI Average
| Span | 2008-2024 |
| Matches | 295 |
| Innings | 283 |
| Runs | 13906 |
| 100s | 50 |
| 50s | 72 |
Virat Kohli’s remarkable consistency over a long career makes him one of the greatest ODI players ever, Holding record of most centuries in ODI With 50 centuries and 72 half-centuries, Kohli has been a dominant force for India. His average of 58.18 is a testament to his consistency and ability to perform under pressure.
Kohli’s ability to chase down targets and perform in crunch situations is what sets him apart from his peers. Whether it’s in Asia or abroad, his consistency across different conditions has made him one of the most influential players in ODI cricket history.
4. Babar Azam (Pakistan) – 56.95 ODI Average
| Span | 2015-2024 |
| Matches | 120 |
| Innings | 117 |
| Runs | 5809 |
| 100s | 19 |
| 50s | 32 |
Babar Azam has been a standout player for Pakistan, with his elegant stroke play and ability to anchor innings. With an average of 56.95, he has consistently delivered in ODIs. His highest score of 158 shows his ability to perform in pressure situations.
Azam has quickly established himself as one of the best modern-day batsmen in limited-overs cricket. His ability to play all around the ground, combined with his sound technique, has made him a key figure for Pakistan.
5. Dawid Malan (England) – 55.76 ODI Average
| Span | 2019-2023 |
| Matches | 30 |
| Innings | 30 |
| Runs | 1450 |
| 100s | 6 |
| 50s | 7 |
Dawid Malan’s rapid rise in ODIs has been marked by an impressive average of 55.76. Known for his consistency and ability to score runs quickly, he has played several key innings for England, including his career-best of 140 against Bangladesh.
Malan’s adaptability to different match situations, along with his steady strike rate, makes him a key asset in England’s middle order. His contributions in crucial moments, including his steady presence in high-pressure matches, highlight his value in limited-overs cricket.
6. MG Bevan (Australia) – 53.58 ODI Average
| Span | 1994-2004 |
| Matches | 232 |
| Innings | 196 |
| Runs | 6912 |
| 100s | 6 |
| 50s | 46 |
MG Bevan was one of the most dependable finishers in world cricket, especially for Australia. His average of 53.58 over 232 matches highlights his consistency in the middle and lower order.
Bevan’s ability to score quick runs in the latter stages of an innings made him a key player in the Australian lineup during the 1990s and 2000s. His exceptional control over the game in crunch situations made him one of the finest limited-overs players.
7. AB de Villiers (South Africa) – 53.50 ODI Average
| Span | 2005-2018 |
| Matches | 228 |
| Innings | 218 |
| Runs | 9577 |
| 100s | 25 |
| 50s | 53 |
AB de Villiers, known as “Mr. 360” for his ability to play shots all around the ground, was one of the most dynamic and innovative players in ODI cricket. With a batting average of 53.50, de Villiers’ attacking mindset set him apart in limited-overs cricket.
His consistency and versatility were crucial in various ODI tournaments, including the World Cup. A combination of technique, power, and innovation made him one of the greatest batsmen of the modern era.
8. DJ Mitchell (New Zealand) – 52.56 ODI Average
| Span | 2021-2024 |
| Matches | 39 |
| Innings | 35 |
| Runs | 1577 |
| 100s | 6 |
| 50s | 5 |
DJ Mitchell, a recent addition to New Zealand’s ODI roster, has quickly established himself as one of the top performers with an average of 52.56. Mitchell has made contributions with the bat, highlighted by his career-best 134 against the West Indies.
Mitchell’s adaptability and skill in different match situations make him one of New Zealand’s rising stars. If he continues on his current trajectory, he could become one of the most reliable batsmen in ODIs for the future.
9. Jonathan Trott (England) – 51.25 ODI Average
| Span | 2009-2013 |
| Matches | 68 |
| Innings | 65 |
| Runs | 2819 |
| 100s | 4 |
| 50s | 22 |
Jonathan Trott was known for his rock-solid technique and dependable performances for England in ODI cricket. His average of 51.25 over 68 matches speaks to his consistency, particularly in building partnerships and stabilizing innings.
Trott’s 137 against India remains one of his most significant individual contributions. Although his career was relatively short, Trott’s contributions were invaluable during his tenure with the England team.
10. MS Dhoni (India) – 50.57 ODI Average
| Span | 2004-2019 |
| Matches | 350 |
| Innings | 297 |
| Runs | 10773 |
| 100s | 10 |
| 50s | 73 |
MS Dhoni, one of the One of the Best wicketkeeper-batsmen in the history of ODI cricket, has an impressive average of 50.57 in ODIs. His ability to finish games, as seen in countless high-pressure situations, set him apart from other players.
With 10 centuries and 73 half-centuries to his name, Dhoni’s role as a finisher made him invaluable to India’s success. His impact on the game transcends numbers. Dhoni’s success as a captain and finisher has left a lasting legacy in the cricketing world.
Who Has The Best Average In Test And T20?
In Test cricket, Don Bradman (Australia) holds the highest batting average of 99.94, while in T20Is, Sami Sohail (Malawi) has the best average of 55.06.
Don Bradman (Test):
- Span: 1928-1948
- Matches: 52
- Runs: 6996
- Average: 99.94
- 100s: 29
- HS: 334
Sami Sohail (T20I):
- Span: 2019-2024
- Matches: 46
- Runs: 1347
- Average: 56.12
- 100s: 0
- HS: 94*
Conclusion: Ryan Ten Doeschate Has The Best Average In ODI
The players mentioned in this article have established themselves as some of the finest ODI batsmen in history, with exceptional consistency, technique, and adaptability.
Whether it’s the groundbreaking performances of RN ten Doeschate from the Netherlands or the explosive brilliance of Shubman Gill, these players have redefined what it means to succeed in ODI cricket.
As we continue to witness new talents emerging, these players have set the benchmark for excellence in ODI cricket. Their records inspire the next generation of cricketers, who want to etch their names into the annals of ODI cricket history.
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