One of the most telling statistics of a batsman’s calibre in the two longer formats of the game is their batting average. For starters, a batting average measures how many runs a batsman scores on average per innings. It is calculated by dividing the total number of runs scored by the number of times the batsman has been out.
The record for the best batting average in ODIs is held by Netherland’s Ryan Ten Doeschate. Some of the game’s biggest names are a part of this elite list.Â
Check out the complete list of the top 10 batsmen with the best batting average in ODI cricket.
10 Best Battting Average in ODI CricketÂ
| Player | Span | Mat | Runs | HS | Avg | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s |
| RN ten Doeschate (NED) | 2006-2011 | 33 | 1541 | 119 | 67.00 | 87.70 | 5 | 9 | 130 | 29 |
| Shubman Gill (IND) | 2019-2023 | 44 | 2271 | 208 | 61.37 | 103.46 | 6 | 13 | 254 | 52 |
| Virat Kohli (IND) | 2008-2023 | 292 | 13848 | 183 | 58.67 | 93.58 | 50 | 72 | 1294 | 151 |
| Babar Azam (PAK) | 2015-2023 | 117 | 5729 | 158 | 56.72 | 88.75 | 19 | 32 | 520 | 60 |
| Dawid Malan (ENG) | 2019-2023 | 30 | 1450 | 140 | 55.76 | 97.44 | 6 | 7 | 150 | 32 |
| Michael Bevan (AUS) | 1994-2004 | 232 | 6912 | 108* | 53.58 | 74.16 | 6 | 46 | 450 | 21 |
| AB de Villiers (SA) | 2005-2018 | 228 | 9577 | 176 | 53.50 | 101.09 | 25 | 53 | 840 | 204 |
| Daryl Mitchell (NZ) | 2021-2023 | 39 | 1577 | 134 | 52.56 | 98.07 | 6 | 5 | 128 | 44 |
| Rassie van der Dussen (SA) | 2019-2023 | 62 | 2360 | 134 | 52.44 | 87.21 | 6 | 14 | 184 | 41 |
| Jonathan Trott (ENG) | 2009-2013 | 68 | 2819 | 137 | 51.25 | 77.06 | 4 | 22 | 216 | 3 |
1. Ryan ten Doeschate
Ryan ten Doeschate, the Dutch batter, holds the record for the best batting average in ODI with an astonishing average of 67.00. Representing the Netherlands from 2006 to 2011, ten Doeschate’s ODI career, although brief with only 33 matches, was nothing short of spectacular.
His ability to consistently score big, amassing 1541 runs, was a key asset for the Dutch side. Notably, he scored five centuries and nine half-centuries in just 32 innings, with a highest score of 119. Despite playing for an associate nation, his performances earned him global recognition and respect.Â
Read More: Highest Run Partnership in ODI Cricket History
2. Shubman Gill
India’s young prodigy, Shubman Gill, has rapidly climbed the ranks with an average of 61.37. Since making his debut in 2019, Gill has displayed immense potential and class. In 44 matches, he has accumulated 2271 runs, including six centuries and 13 fifties.
His highest score is a double century of 208 runs. What sets Gill apart is his strike rate of 103.46, demonstrating his aggressive yet composed batting style. At such a young age, his consistency and technique have drawn comparisons with some of India’s greatest batsmen.
3. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli, often hailed as one of the modern-day greats, boasts an average of 58.67 over a career spanning from 2008 to 2023. Over the years, Kohli has broken several records in ODI cricket. With 13848 runs in 292 matches, Kohli has an unparalleled record. His 50 centuries and 72 fifties highlight his knack for scoring consistently across different conditions and against varied bowling attacks.
At the 2023 World Cup held in India, Kohli broke Sachin Tendulkar’s record of most centuries in ODI cricket. Beyond the numbers, Kohli’s passion and intensity on the field have made him a fan favourite worldwide.
4. Babar Azam
Pakistan’s Babar Azam, with an average of 56.72, has established himself as one of the most elegant and reliable batsmen in modern cricket. Since his debut in 2015, Babar has amassed 5729 runs in 117 matches, which makes him the highest run-scorer for Pakistan in ODIs from among the current lot. His run tally includes 19 centuries and 32 half-centuries.Â
Suggested Read: Highest Individual Score in ODI
5. Dawid Malan
England’s Dawid Malan finds himself on the fifth spot in this list with an average of 55.76. Despite playing only 30 matches since his debut in 2019, Malan has made a significant impact. He has scored 1450 runs, including six centuries and seven fifties, with a highest score of 140. In June 2022 against the Netherlands, Malan hit his maiden ODI century. This contribution was part of England’s record-breaking total of 498 runs, the highest team score in ODI history.
6. Michael Bevan
Michael Bevan, Australia’s ODI legend, was renowned for his ability to finish games. With an average of 53.58 from 1994 to 2004, Bevan was the quintessential middle-order batsman. He scored 6912 runs in 232 matches, including six centuries and 46 half-centuries. Bevan’s highest score of 108* and a strike rate of 74.16 may seem modest by today’s standards, but his ability to steer Australia out of precarious situations made him invaluable.
7. AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers, one of cricket’s most innovative and explosive batters, averaged 53.50 in ODIs. Playing from 2005 to 2018, de Villiers scored 9577 runs in 228 matches. This includes 25 centuries and 53 fifties and a highest score of 176. De Villiers redefined the art of batting with his 360-degree shot-making ability. His dynamic and fearless approach made him a nightmare for bowlers and a delight for spectators, earning him the nickname “Mr. 360.”
8. Daryl Mitchell
New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell, with an average of 52.56, is a relatively new entrant to this elite list. Since his debut in 2021, Mitchell has scored 1577 runs in 39 matches. This includes six centuries and five half-centuries, along with a highest score of 134 which came in the 2023 World Cup semifinal against India in a losing cause. His performances have bolstered New Zealand’s batting lineup, making him a key player for the Kiwis in recent years.
Further Read: Best Bowling Figures in ODIs History
9. Rassie van der Dussen
South Africa’s Rassie van der Dussen, averaging 52.44, finds himself on the ninth spot in the list. In his debut ODI series, Dussen finished with 241 runs, averaging a remarkable 120.5 in five ODIs. In 62 matches, he has accumulated 2360 runs, including six centuries and 14 fifties, with a highest score of 134.
10. Jonathan Trott
Jonathan Trott completes the list of best batting average in ODI with an average of 51.25 in ODIs. From 2009 to 2013, Trott scored 2819 runs in 68 matches. This includes four centuries and 22 half-centuries and a highest score of 137 and a strike rate of 77.06. After retiring from international cricket in May 2015, Trott retired from all forms of the game in 2018. He currently serves as the head coach of the Afghanistan Cricket Team.
Conclusion
The players listed above have not only achieved remarkable batting averages but have also brought a unique style and flair to the game. Their contributions have provided countless memorable moments for cricket fans around the world. From ten Doeschate’s brief but exceptional run for the Netherlands to Kohli’s relentless pursuit of excellence, each of these batsmen created a legacy for themselves.
All these batters have always dominated fantasy cricket and have always yielded good results. You can download the WinZO fantasy cricket app and enjoy the game.
