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5 Batters With Highest Average While Chasing In T20Is

image-lrerafw4Kohli boasts the highest average in T20I chases [AP Photo]

The T20I format is known for its fast-paced nature and requires players to score quickly and play extraordinary cricket. In this game format, the batsmen often need to balance scoring quickly with minimising the risk of getting out. This can make consistency challenging, as there is a fine line between attacking and being reckless. Players who can strike this balance effectively are highly successful in T20I cricket. 

T20I cricket demands a unique combination of skills, blending innovation with aggression, and the ability to adapt to dynamic match situations. The aggressive mindset is a hallmark of successful T20I batsmen. Players are often required to take calculated risks, play attacking shots, and capitalise on scoring opportunities. 

T20I chases often require a combination of skill, adaptability, and mental toughness. Batsmen who can read the game well, play innovative shots, and maintain composure under pressure are highly valued in this format. It adds an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to T20I cricket, making it a favourite worldwide. Maintaining a high batting average in T20Is is indeed challenging, and it becomes even more daunting when a batsman is tasked with chasing a target. 

On that note, let us look at the top batters with highest average in T20I chases

1.  Virat Kohli (82.15)

image-lrelg56qVirat Kohli in T20I (X.COM)

A run-machine like none other, Virat Kohli has an impressive record in T20I International run chases. He takes the pride to top the list of batsmen with the highest averages in T20I run chases. The champion batter averages a breathtaking 82.15 while batting second in T20I cricket. To have an average of over 80 while chasing that too in the shortest format of the game, it’s insane and unheard of. 

Virat Kohli is the highest run-scorer in T20I cricket, with 4037 runs in 108 innings. But the more remarkable aspect is that he has scored these runs at an average of 52.42, the highest among all batsmen who have scored a minimum of 1000 runs in T20I cricket. 

2.  MS Dhoni (47.71)

image-lremz89cMS Dhoni in T20I (X.COM)

The talismanic wicket-keeper batsman MS Dhoni averages a healthy 47.71 while batting second in T20I cricket. MS Dhoni has the 2nd best batting average in T20I run chases. The former Indian skipper has an overall average of 37.60 in T20I cricket but this goes up while chasing the target. Dhoni has scored 668 runs in the 46 matches that India has batted second.

The surprising aspect is that the star wicket-keeper batsman has managed to keep such a high average without scoring a half-century in T20I run chases. His highest score of 49 runs while batting second came in a losing cause against New Zealand at Rajkot in November 2017.

3. KL Rahul (46.78)

image-lren6nc8KL Rahul averages 46.78 in T20I run chases

KL Rahul has indeed been a key player for India in T20I Internationals. It's notable that Rahul has maintained a high average while chasing targets, showcasing his ability to contribute consistently in pressure situations. KL Rahul sits at the 3rd spot in the list of batsmen with the highest averages in T20I run chases. The Indian opener averages 46.78 while batting second in T20I cricket.

Rahul's overall average of 45.65 in the 21 matches where India has batted second, he has contributed 655 runs. Both his centuries in T20I cricket have come while chasing a target, with the highest score of an unbeaten 110 in a heart-breaking one-run loss against the West Indies at Lauderhill in August 2016. Apart from the two hundreds, he has also struck three half-centuries in pursuit of a target. 

His overall T20I average being similar to his average while chasing indicates a level of consistency across various match scenarios.KL Rahul's adaptability, stroke-play, and ability to anchor the innings make him a valuable asset in T20I cricket.

4.  Jean-Paul Duminy (45.55)

image-lreo07egJean-Paul Duminy has an average of 45.55 in T20I run chases

Jean-Paul Duminy has indeed been a prominent figure in South African cricket, known for his skills as a left-handed middle-order batsman. He holds the fourth-highest average in T20I run chases, it underline his effectiveness in contributing to his team's success while chasing targets.

Duminy has been a seasoned campaigner in limited-overs cricket, and his ability to play crucial innings in run chases has likely contributed to his high average. His experience and skill set make him a valuable asset for the South African team in the T20I format.

The left-handed middle-order batsman averages 45.55 while chasing a target. The South African batter has a decent overall average of 38.68 in T20I cricket. But he is even more consistent while batting second and has scored 820 runs in 34 matches.

5.  Kumar Sangakkara (44.93)

Kumar Sangakkara, legendary cricketer from Sri Lanka known for his exceptional skills as a wicket-keeper batter, is on the 5th spot in the list of batsmen with the highest averages in T20I run chases. The wicket-keeper batsman averages 44.93 while batting second in T20 internationals.

Although Sangakkara has a career average of just 31.40 in T20Is, he has displayed greater consistency in run chases. The classy Sri Lankan has scored 674 runs in the 25 matches his team has batted second. This includes 4 half-centuries with a highest score of 69 runs against New Zealand at Colombo, in September 2009, although that effort came in a losing cause.