4 players with highest ODI batting average while chasing in the last 2 decades
Batting second is always considered to be an uphill task which requires immense calculation with the batsmen needing to know when to accelerate and defend almost simultaneously. Both the temperament and experience of the batsmen are specially tested while chasing.
There are a few cricketers who have made chasing look so easy that even totals of 300+ in ODIs seem highly achievable. A batting average of 40-45 is considered to be a towering achievement in ODI cricket but the 4 cricketers discussed below have averages of over 50 in a minimum of 80 innings that too while chasing. The 4 cricketers are as follows:
#1 Virat Kohli (Average of 68.40 in 123 innings)
Virat Kohli was not even 6 years old when legends like Michael Bevan and Graham Thorpe were hailed as the best chasers of the game. The Indian skipper is currently one of the best cricketers in the world in all forms of the game.
Kohli is a player who can single-handedly take the game away from the opposition. He is one of the most feared batsmen in all forms of the game. In ODI cricket, Kohli has 10,533 runs to his name at an average of 59.50.
The Indian run machine has 6430 runs while chasing in 123 innings at an outstanding average of 68.40. What makes this feat more remarkable is his strike rate of 93.94. Kohli is known for the passion with which he plays the game, giving his all out in every delivery, be it while batting or while fielding.
A Kohli century while chasing is generally considered to be an Indian win. Kohli has carried his bat 37 times in ODI cricket out of which 29 times have come while chasing. The Indian skipper has 24 centuries and 29 50s to his name while chasing.
Best innings while chasing
His best innings of 183 while chasing came against Pakistan in an Asia Cup game in Dhaka on 18th March 2012. The Indian team was set a total of 330 by Pakistan. India lost Gautam Gambhir in the second ball of their chase and in walked Virat Kohli. The then 23-year-old smashed the Pakistani bowlers all around the park as he scored 183 off 148 balls.