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5 batsmen with most runs in ODI finals

Jayawardene became only the second cricketer to appear in 600 international matches
Jayawardene became only the second cricketer to appear in 600 international matches

What separates a great player from a good one is the ability to rise to the occasion and display nerves of steel at crunch moments.

When there is a massive weight of expectations and the pressure is amplified, the spotlight is on the clutch player to take his team out of troubled waters.

Therefore, performing well in the final of a tournament is a Herculean task and a matter of immense pride.

Great performances in title-defining clashes are etched in the game's history forever.

Perhaps this is the reason why not many players are able to handle the pressure associated with the ultimate battle and those who do are remembered forever.

So now, let's take a trip down memory lane and relive the performances that deserve all the accolades.


#5 Mahela Jayawardene - 1103 runs

Former Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardene, who made his ODI debut in 1998 against Zimbabwe, played 32 tournament finals in his 17-year-long ODI career.

Jayawardene, who became only the second cricketer after Sachin Tendulkar to appear in 600 international matches, scored 1,103 runs at an average of 38.03 in the finals.

Six years ago, Sri Lanka, led by Kumar Sangakkara lost to Mahendra Singh Dhoni's India in the 2011 ICC World Cup final at the Wankhede Stadium and the game's lone centurion Jayawardene ended up on the losing side.

Riding on Jayawardene's 103* off 88 balls, his highest score in a final, the visitors posted a total of 274/6 in 50 overs.

The Men in Blue chased down Sri Lanka's 275 and lifted the elusive trophy, winning the game by six wickets.

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