Sourav Ganguly Tops All-Time ICC Knockout Averages List With Staggering 85.66: Top 9 Cricketers With Highest Averages In ICC Knockout Matches
In cricket's biggest moments, when pressure reaches its peak and mistakes are unforgivable, the greatest players rise above the rest. ICC knockout matches the semifinals and finals of World Cups and Champions Trophies are the ultimate test of composure, skill, and big-match temperament. While many have dazzled in league stages, only a few have consistently delivered when the stakes were highest.
A statistical dive into batting averages in ICC knockout matches reveals some stunning insights former India captain Sourav Ganguly leads the elite list with an extraordinary average of 85.66. Scroll down to check the list of batsmen with best average in ICC knockouts. https://zeenews.india.com/photos/sports/sourav-ganguly-tops-all-time-icc-knockout-averages-list-with-staggering-85-66-top-9-cricketers-with-highest-averages-in-icc-knockout-matches-in-pics-2928361 Updated:Jul 08, 2025, 10:58 AM IST Sourav Ganguly (India) - 85.66
1 / 9
The former Indian skipper was a giant in ICC knockouts, known for his flair and ability to rise when it mattered the most. His remarkable average stems from memorable knocks, including a century against Kenya in the 2003 World Cup semi-final. Jacques Kallis (South Africa) - 59.88
2 / 9
Often considered one of the finest all-rounders of all time, Kallis quietly amassed runs with calm assurance in ICC knockouts, despite South Africa's repeated heartbreaks at the big stage. Steve Smith (Australia) - 55.25
3 / 9
A modern-day big-match player, Smith's hunger for runs under pressure has stood out. His consistency in semifinals and finals, particularly in the 2015 World Cup, helped Australia dominate. Virat Kohli (India) - 51.20
4 / 9
Kohli's passion and intensity are well known, and his contributions in knockouts including crucial innings in the 2014 and 2016 ICC tournaments place him among the top under-pressure performers. Sachin Tendulkar (India) - 50.53
5 / 9
The Master Blaster has had his share of iconic moments in ICC knockouts, including the unforgettable 2003 World Cup semi-final against Pakistan. His average of over 50 in these games highlights his unmatched consistency. Kane Williamson (New Zealand) - 47.07
6 / 9
The Kiwi skipper's calm demeanor and elegant strokeplay have made him a pillar of New Zealand's recent success in ICC events, including the 2019 World Cup and 2021 WTC Final. Ricky Ponting (Australia) - 45.68
7 / 9
A three-time World Cup winner and an undisputed match-winner, Ponting's 140 in the 2003 final remains one of the greatest innings in knockout history. His average reflects his dominance in crucial fixtures. Rohit Sharma (India) - 44.20
8 / 9
While known for his record-breaking five centuries in a single World Cup (2019), Rohit has also delivered valuable contributions in knockouts, including key innings in Champions Trophy 2013. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) - 39.66
9 / 9
Sangakkara was part of multiple finals, including the 2007 and 2011 World Cups. Though a few short of clinching the trophy, his grace under pressure made him a valuable asset in big matches.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
ENG-W vs IND-W, 4th T20I: Spinners make merry as India beats England by six wickets to clinch series
The Indian women's team clinched the T20I series against England with an unassailable 3-1 lead after winning the fourth match by six wickets at the Old Trafford Ground in Manchester on Wednesday. With this, the India Women confirmed their first-ever T20I bilateral series win against the England women, either at home or away. Chasing a meagre 127, India openers Smriti Mandhana (32 off 31) and Shafali Verma (31 off 19) put on a 56-run stand till the seventh over before the latter was dismissed by offie Charlie Dean. Smriti too was sent back to the hut soon after and suddenly, England seemed to be back in the game. However, another partnership bloomed — a 48-run stand between skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (26 off 25) and Jemimah Rodrigues (24 not out off 22) — which helped the visitor win the match with three overs to spare. AS IT HAPPENED | ENG-W vs IND-W, 4th T20I Highlights After winning the toss for the fourth match in a row in the series, England chose to bat, perhaps hoping to emulate the start its openers gave in the third match. However, Sophia Dunkley (22 off 19) and Danni Wyatt-Hodge (five off seven) couldn't replicate their form from the evening in London. Indian spinners made merry on the track. After Dunkley and Wyatt-Hodge were removed in the PowerPlay by Deepti Sharma and N. Sree Charani respectively, the duo of Alice Capsey (18 off 21) and skipper Tammy Beaumont (20 off 19) looked settled to steady the ship. The visitor's tweakers, however, never gave the batters enough time to get comfortable and put on the squeeze with great effect. Between the 7th and 20th over, the spinners bowled nine and conceded 56 runs out of the total 88 runs, while taking five wickets between themselves. Radha Yadav emerged as pick of the bowlers with figures of 2/15 in four overs. A couple of sixes in the last over off of Sophie Ecclestone and Issy Wong's blades offered some hope for the host but the total was always going to be a below-par one to defend.
News18
an hour ago
- News18
India's Bangladesh Tour To Be Replaced By White-Ball Series Vs Sri Lanka: Report
Last Updated: The BCCI and Sri Lanka Cricket are reportedly discussing a bilateral series in mid-August, featuring 3 ODIs and as many T20Is. As India's white-ball tour of Bangladesh has been postponed, discussions are underway between the BCCI and Sri Lanka Cricket for a bilateral series in mid-August. India were supposed to travel to Bangladesh for a series comprising 3 T20Is and as many ODIs. However, the Indian cricket board confirmed last week that the tour shall take place in September 2026 as the decision has been made due to hectic international FTPs. As reported by Sri Lanka's the men in blue will fly to the island nation to play white-ball cricket. It added that the BCCI and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) are actively exploring the logistics and feasibility of a short series. The proposed series is expected to feature three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three T20 Internationals (T20Is), giving both sides valuable match practice ahead of their respective future assignments. Adding to the window of availability, the Lanka Premier League (LPL), which was originally slated to take place between July and August, has also been postponed. The tournament's rescheduling has further cleared Sri Lanka's domestic calendar, making space for international fixtures. The postponement of Bangladesh has led to a re-evaluation of available windows for bilateral series. On the other hand, Sri Lanka are scheduled to travel to Zimbabwe for a bilateral series starting August 29. That makes the mid-August window — possibly around the second and third weeks — the only viable period to host India without a scheduling clash. India's previous tour of Sri Lanka – in 2024 – marked the beginning of Gautam Gambhir's coaching tenure. The visitors clinched the T20I series before the hosts bounced back to thump India in the 3-match series 2-0. Though an official announcement is still awaited, fans could soon be treated to an unexpected but thrilling contest if negotiations materialise. An announcement is expected once the logistical and broadcast-related aspects are ironed out. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
BCCI mulls replacement series after Bangladesh tour postponed
After the white-ball bilateral series against Bangladesh was postponed, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has initiated conversations with multiple cricket boards to hold a bilateral series in the 'suddenly found window'. Sri Lankan media reported that talks are currently ongoing regarding a limited-overs series in mid-August. However, Sportstar understands that the BCCI is in conversation with a few other boards, including England, to figure out the possibility of conducting a series in the same window. However, the Board is yet to decide on whether to settle for a bilateral series or conduct a tri-nation tournament at a neutral venue. 'There have generally been discussions with a few cricket boards, but it would all depend on the government's decision on the Asia Cup,' say those tracking developments. The biggest threat to the Asia Cup is the worsening relationship between India and Pakistan following border tensions earlier this year. However, with the Indian government recently granting clearance for the Pakistan hockey team to participate in the upcoming Asia Cup in Rajgir and the FIH men's Junior World Cup in Tamil Nadu, the BCCI awaits a formal decision. If the Asia Cup takes place in the UAE, the BCCI might have to settle for a bilateral series in August. 'Now with no Bangladesh series, there is a long gap and the BCCI wants to ensure that the players have game time, and that's why a new limited-overs series is being explored,' the source indicated. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is expected to decide on the future of the Asia Cup during its meeting in Dhaka on July 24. However, given the prevailing political tensions in Bangladesh - which was also one of the reasons behind the postponement of the series - it is uncertain whether the BCCI will send its officials to Dhaka for the meeting or requests for a change in venue. Rajeev Shukla and Ashish Shelar are the BCCI's representatives in the ACC. Shukla, the BCCI vice-president and Congress Rajya Sabha MP, is in the Board of Directors, and Shelar, former treasurer of the BCCI, is an Executive Board Member of the continental body. Related Topics India / BCCI
