5 Batsmen with highest batting average in ODI cricket in 2018

Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan

2018 is nearing its end and there have been several scintillating batting performances in ODI cricket this year. Many records have been made and many others broken. Some new stars have emerged and some legends have just grown in stature.

Overall, 2018 has been a happy year for the batsmen all over the world. A total of 180 centuries and 306 fifties have been scored in the year. Which is actually disappointing for the bowlers around the world. After T20 format has come this is the scenario in ODI cricket, bowlers getting hit for huge scores

In this modern era with batsmen dominating bowlers with their explosive stroke play, the batting averages have soared up manifold. Here, we look at the top 5 batting averages in 2018 in ODI cricket (minimum 15 innings):

#5 Shikhar Dhawan (49.83)

The southpaw from Delhi had a dream run in ODIs in 2018, bulldozing oppositions at ease all over the world. Scoring an aggregate of 897 runs from 19 innings at a blazing strike rate of 102.28, Dhawan stands fifth in the list with an average of 49.83. He has been one of the best openers for Indian Cricket team till now and has been a consistent perform in ODI cricket

He had 3 hundreds and 2 fifties to his name in 2018, with a highest score of 127. With a total of 127 fours and 11 sixes, Dhawan scored 63.99% of his runs in boundaries.

Going forward, much is expected from him and his partnership with Rohit Sharma, which has blossomed consistently since 2013. So far they have been one of the most consistent opening pairs in ODIs, and if they manage to continue doing what they have been doing so far, India are all set to set the stage on fire in the 2019 World Cup.

Also Read: Best Batting Average in World Cups

#4 Jos Buttler (51.61)

The English wicket keeper had a fabulous year as a batsman. He also had a fantastic IPL where he was a contender for the Orange Cap too.

In 18 ODI innings played in 2018, Buttler scored 671 runs at a staggering strike rate of 113.53. His average of 51.61 puts him fourth on the list.

Jos Buttle
Jos Buttler

Buttler had 2 hundreds and 4 fifties in 2018, with a highest score of 110*. He hit 60 fours and 19 sixes, which is 52.75% of his total runs in 2018. He was particularly impressive against Australia at home.

Buttler remains an integral part in England's World Cup plans. If he continues his rich form, England have a great chance for their maiden World Cup triumph.

#3 Joe Root (59.12)

The English Test skipper had a superb run with the bat in ODIs, winning his side two consecutive games at home against India and scoring 2 outstanding hundreds.

Root played 24 innings in 2018, scoring 946 runs at an average of 59.12 and a strike rate of 83.93, which is the lowest in this list.

Joe Root
Joe Root

He had 3 hundreds and 5 fifties along with a solitary duck, with his highest score being 113*. Root struck 6 sixes and 65 fours, and had only 31% of his runs in boundaries, showing that you don't need to hit many boundaries to be successful.

Root is the anchor of the England lineup which is filled with explosive hitters. He remains the key for England's World Cup chances.

#2 Fakhar Zaman (67.30)

Ever since his arrival in international cricket, Zaman has grown with every game he has played. The Champions Trophy final hero is Pakistan's explosive yet reliable opener, who has been very consistent in 2018.

In 17 innings in 2018, Zaman has a total of 875 runs at an average of 67.30 and strike rate of 96.47.

Fakhar Zaman
Fakhar Zaman

Zaman has 2 hundreds and 6 fifties to his name along with 2 ducks. Out of the 2 hundreds, one was a scintillating double ton (210*) against Zimbabwe. He also hit 101 fours and 13 sixes in 2018, scoring 55.08% of his runs in boundaries.

Pakistan have found an opener of Fakhar's calibre after a long time, and he will be their trump card going into the World Cup next year.

#1 Rohit Sharma (73.57)

Rohit Sharma has been one of the most consistent batsmen in limited overs cricket ever since he was sent out to open in the 2013 Champions Trophy. His purple patch continued in 2018 too, where he scored a total of 1030 runs from 19 innings, at an average of 73.57 and strike rate of 100.29.

Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma

Rohit has 5 hundreds, the most in this list, along with 3 fifties and a single duck in 2018. His highest score was 162. He hit a total of 104 fours and 39 sixes, which is 20 more than the next best in this list.

Rohit's 650 runs in boundaries constitute 63.10% of his runs in 2018. His partnership with Dhawan is key for India's success in the World Cup, and considering the form he is in, it would not be a surprise if he smashes a few World Cup records as well.

#Notable Mention - Virat Kohli (133.50)

Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli has the highest batting average in 2018, the only one with an average above 100. He scored a total of 1202 runs from 14 innings in 2018, at an average of 133.50 and strike rate of 102.55. He also became the fastest man to reach the 10,000 run mark.

He scored 6 hundreds and 3 fifties in 2018 and scored 47.42% of his runs in boundaries. He had a highest score of 160* in South Africa, in a series where he scored 3 match winning hundreds

(Kohli is not included in the list since he has not played a minimum of 15 innings)

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Edited by Musab Abid