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India.com
08-07-2025
- Sport
- India.com
Sourav Ganguly Tops All-Time ICC Knockout Averages List With Staggering 85.66: Top 9 Cricketers With Highest Averages In ICC Knockout Matches
photoDetails english 2928336 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. 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.
News18
26-06-2025
- Sport
- News18
'Not Just Another Sports Memoir' Shikhar Dhawan To Release Autobiography: Report
Last Updated: Shikhar Dhawan is reportedly set to release his autobiography, possibly with HarperCollins. Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan could soon be adding 'author' to his list of achievements. According to a report by Hindustan Times, citing sources close to the cricketer, suggests that Dhawan may be preparing to release his autobiography. An image shared exclusively with the publication reportedly shows Dhawan at home, holding what appears to be a manuscript or pre-publication proof, hinting at a forthcoming book project. The report also claims that publishing heavyweight HarperCollins may be involved, although no official statement has been issued by either the publisher or Dhawan. 'This is not just another sports memoir," a source close to the development was quoted as saying by the report. 'If it is indeed what we believe it is, this book could be Dhawan's way of reflecting on his journey — from the cricket fields of Delhi to global stardom," the source added. Gabbar's Cricketing Career Known affectionately as 'Gabbar," Dhawan was a regular feature in Indian cricket for over a decade. Shikhar's remarkable consistency in global tournaments makes his name stand out, as the left-handed boasts an average of 65.15 across ICC World Cups and Champions Trophies, the highest among batters with at least 1,000 runs in those competitions. He was named Player of the Tournament in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy and finished as India's top scorer in the 2015 Cricket World Cup. Dhawan made his ODI debut against Australia in October 2010 at Visakhapatnam. His Test debut came in March 2013 against the same team at Mohali, where he scored a blistering 187 off 174 balls, which still holds the record for the fastest century on debut (in 85 balls) and the highest score by an Indian debutant in Test history. In August 2013, he hammered 248 off 150 balls for India A against South Africa A in Pretoria, which was the then-second-highest score in List A cricket. He also became the first Indian to score a century in his 100th ODI, achieving the feat against South Africa in Johannesburg. On 14 June 2018, he became the first Indian and sixth overall to score a century before lunch on day one of a Test, doing so against Afghanistan Dhawan announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on 24 August 2024.
India Today
14-06-2025
- Sport
- India Today
Pat Cummins hints at top-order reset after WTC Final loss to South Africa
Captain Pat Cummins has hinted at a possible overhaul in Australia's batting order following their 5-wicket loss to South Africa in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final at Lord's on June 14. The defeat marked Australia's first loss in an ICC final in 15 years and exposed glaring cracks in their top-order stability — a concern that the captain acknowledged needs addressing as the team heads into a new WTC entered the final as firm favourites, boasting a glittering ICC record: 10 major men's trophies including six ODI World Cups, two Champions Trophies, and one title each in T20 World Cup and WTC. But the Proteas, led by Temba Bavuma, pulled off one of the most memorable wins in their history, ending a 27-year wait for an ICC vs AUS, WTC Final: Highlights Speaking after the defeat, Cummins admitted the side would 'have a bit of a think' about the makeup of the Test XI ahead of their next series. 'It does feel like a little bit of a fresh start,' he said, adding that with a new WTC cycle underway, the team might use the opportunity to reassess and reset.'Losing the toss on day one and being sent into bat is never going to be easy for the top three. But yeah, I think there's probably quite a few people in the line-up that kind of wish they could have done a little bit more and the top three was an obvious one in this game," Cummins said in the post-match press does feel like a little bit of a fresh start,' Cummins said. 'Do we feel like now's the right time to change or do you hold with the team that got us to the final? I think we've got a couple of weeks before the first test of the Windies so I think we'll sit down and have a bit of a think after we digest this game," Cummins of the major talking points from the final was the underperformance of the top order. Usman Khawaja, who had already been under scrutiny for a dip in form, failed again with scores of 0 and 6 in the two innings. Marnus Labuschagne, promoted to open the innings alongside Khawaja, did little to justify the call, continuing a run of middling form stretching back several Green, tried at number three, also failed to make a mark, which only compounded Australia's batting woes. Cummins defended his senior players but acknowledged the importance of re-evaluating combinations. He hinted that fringe players like Sam Konstas, Josh Inglis, and even a possible Test return for Scott Boland could be part of the conversation heading into the next series against the West for me I think a new WTC cycle in some ways does feel like a bit of a reset. Coming to this match you've got guys like Sam Konstas and Scotty Boland, Josh Inglis all those guys who are right on the fringes so I think again after this Test match everyone gets thrown back into the conversation and it's a little bit of a reset for that first Test," he Australia's batters struggled to assert dominance, their bowlers kept them in the contest for as long as possible. Cummins himself picked up a five-wicket haul in South Africa's second innings, while Mitchell Starc took five wickets across the match. However, without meaningful contributions from the top order, the bowling efforts were in vain against a relentless South African side led by the resolute Aiden Markram and a gritty the dust settles on their Lord's heartbreak, Cummins and the Australian selectors will now be forced to consider bold decisions. With the WTC cycle resetting, the captain's comments suggest that Australia's golden era may be on the cusp of evolution — a blend of established names and rising talent to take on the next phase.
New Indian Express
14-06-2025
- Sport
- New Indian Express
South Africa cruises past final frontier: Rainbow nation's redemption in whites
On June 14, 2025, at Lord's, the most storied ground in cricket, a nation's 27-year wait for redemption ended. South Africa, so often the nearly men of world cricket, finally scaled their Everest. The scoreboard read: South Africa 282 for 5, victorious by five wickets over Australia, crowned World Test Champions. For a generation of Proteas, and for the millions who have lived every heartbreak, this was more than a win. It was the exorcism of ghosts, the breaking of a curse, and the rewriting of a national sporting narrative that had been defined for too long by the word 'chokers'. The scenes at Lord's were electric. South African flags fluttered, tears flowed, and the chorus of 'Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika' rang out from the stands, echoing across continents. The players, many of whom had grown up idolizing the likes of Graeme Smith, AB de Villiers and Shaun Pollock, embraced in disbelief and joy. For the first time since 1998, South Africa held an ICC trophy aloft. The chokers tag: Burying the ghosts For decades, the Proteas' story was one of promise and pain. The 'chokers' tag, as cruel as it was persistent, clung to them through World Cups and Champions Trophies, through rain rules and run-outs. The 1999 World Cup semi-final at Edgbaston remains the most infamous: Lance Klusener's heroics undone by a calamitous run-out, Allan Donald stranded, dreams dashed. In 2003, at home, a misread Duckworth-Lewis calculation sent them crashing out in the group stage. In 2015, heartbreak in Auckland as Grant Elliott's six consigned AB de Villiers' men to another semi-final defeat. Even the inaugural WTC cycle (2021–23) ended in disappointment, South Africa falling short of the final. Each failure etched the 'chokers' narrative deeper.
News18
14-06-2025
- Sport
- News18
2025 - A Year Of Firsts For RCB, Harry Kane, Crystal Palace And Now South Africa
Last Updated: South Africa won their first senior men's title in 27 years by defeating Australia at Lord's, joining several other sporting fairytales in this 'year of firsts'. The 27-year-long streak is over. South Africa have won a senior men's title in this century, after years and years of tantalizing near-misses in World Cups and Champions Trophies. They beat none other than the most successful side of this period, Australia, by five wickets, at no lesser place than the Home of Cricket, Lord's, to commemorate it. The win was set up by the bowlers, who reduced the Aussies to 212 and 207 respectively in their batting essays, keeping the leash on knockout demons like Steve Smith, Travis Head and even, to a part, Pat Cummins. Cummins wasn't quiet with the ball as he shot Temba Bavuma's team for just 138 in the second innings, which meant the target was a hefty 282. South Africa were in early trouble after losing two wickets for 70, but centurion Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma's sensational 147-run partnership broke the back of the chase. South Africa's special triumph is just another enhancement to this stunning year for sport (it's not over yet), where many trophy droughts have ended around the world. Here's a look at other major teams/players who've won a major trophy in 2025 so far after years of waiting. Cricket 2. Royal Challengers Bengaluru win IPL: One of the only three original-eight teams to have never won the IPL title, RCB ended their 18-year-long wait by finishing second in the 2025 points table and then thumping Punjab Kings in the final in Ahmedabad. Virat Kohli top-scored in the first innings (as he did for RCB throughout the season), and important wickets from Krunal Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar sealed the deal. Andy Flower's revolutionary mentorship and Rajat Patidar's fresh-ideas-filled captaincy turned around what had become one of the biggest memes in the sport. RCB could finally say Ee Saala Cup Namdu (This year, the cup is ours). However, most of the euphoria was marred by the deaths of 11 people in the stampede outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium during the team's celebrations. 3. Hobart Hurricanes win BBL: Nathan Ellis-led Hobart Hurricanes were also one of the two teams to have never won the Big Bash League (BBL) until earlier this year. They beat David Warner's Sydney Thunder in the final played at the Ninja Stadium in front of their home crowd on January 27 to end the 14-year-long wait. Mitchell Owen's jaw-dropping 42-ball 108 led them to chasing 183 runs in less than 15 overs. Football 1. Newcastle United: English football club Newcastle United secured their first major trophy since 1954-55 (70 years!) by beating eventual Premier League Champions Liverpool in the 2024-25 League Cup final played at Wembley on March 16. Defender and boyhood Magpie, Dan Burn, and Alexander Isak scored in the 2-1 win. 2. Crystal Palace: London club Crystal Palace, despite having a huge legacy, had never won a major domestic title in its 119-year-long history. They changed that in the FA Cup 2025 final against Manchester City at Wembley on May 17, securing a famous one-goal win. 26-year-old attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze scored the solitary goal in the 16th minute. 3. PSG: French Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain smashed multiple-time champions Inter Milan 5-0 in the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League final played at Allianz Arena in Munich on Saturday (May 31), in one of the most resounding wins ever in Europe's most prestigious football competition. It was the Paris-based club's first-ever European Championship title. What the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr, and several other legends failed to do for the Parisians, despite their relentless wins domestically, Ousmane Dembele and his young team achieved under Luis Enrique's mentorship. 4. Spurs win Europa League: North London-based Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur defeated Manchester United 1-0 to win the 2024-25 Europa League title. The Lilywhites' previous major title came back in the 2007-08 season when they bagged the League Cup. Like RCB, their lack of trophies was joked about regularly, but Australian coach Ange Postecoglou came through with his prophecy that he 'always wins trophies in his second season' to end them once and for all. Postecoglu has since been let go of, with the more pragmatic Thomas Frank taking over. 5. Harry Kane wins first major trophy: Talking about Spurs, their former captain and arguably English football's greatest footballer, Harry Kane, had never won a major trophy until this year. His move from Spurs to Bundesliga's serial winners Bayern Munich seemed like the end of that curse, but they went trophyless, too. Germany finally awarded him as Bayern comfortably won the Bundesliga in the 2024-25 season, and he played a big role by finishing as the leading goal scorer. 5. Bologna: Italian club Bologna defeated AC Milan 1-0 in the Coppa Italia final played on May 15. The narrow win over Rossoneri at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome helped the Serie A club win its first major trophy since the 1973-74 Coppa Italia title win — another historic achievement. Tennis I did it📸 @AustralianOpen — Madison Keys (@Madison_Keys) January 25, 2025 Madison Keys wins US Open: Madison Keys, an American tennis professional, has been competing at the highest level since 2009. This year, she achieved her first Grand Slam title. In the 2025 AUS Open final against Aryna Sabalenka, Keys secured a memorable victory with scores of 6–3, 2–6, 7–5. Get latest Cricket news, live score and match results on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : aiden markram Australia cricket team Crystal Palace Hobart Hurricanes Pat Cummins RCB South Africa Cricket team Spurs temba bavuma WTC Final 2025 Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 14, 2025, 20:06 IST News cricket 2025 - A Year Of Firsts For RCB, Harry Kane, Crystal Palace And Now South Africa
