5 Batsmen with highest ODI average

The modern-day cricket is filled with fearless cricketers. Batsmen are always ready to make their chances count and are craving for runs. No total is difficult to chase these days with the kind of batsmen we have in today's cricket.

The current generation batsmen play all kinds of shot and always find ways to get runs on the board. The history of ODI cricket has been full of batsmen who have been an epitome of consistency. Their batting average gives us an insight into their consistent run making spree.

We dedicate this article to their batting greatness and take a look at five batsmen with highest ODI averages.

Criteria: The batsmen should have played at least 30 ODIs in his career.

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#5 Babar Azam (Batting Average- 53.20)

Babar Azam is the answer for Pakistan's batting woes

Babar Azam is one of the most popular batsmen in today's cricket. He is scoring runs heavily on any surface and has become the answer for Pakistan's batting woes. Babar's success in a very short span has been nothing short of a fairy-tale.

So far, he has represented the country in 50 matches and has scored 2128 runs at a staggering average of 53.20. The record includes 8 centuries and 8 half-centuries. He is currently the second joint fastest to reach 1000 and 2000 ODI runs.

After his arrival to the side, he has been carrying Pakistan's batting responsibilities on his back and the team's success is heavily dependent on his performance with the bat. He was the leading run-scorer for Pakistan in ODIs in 2016 and 2017.

#4 AB de Villiers (Batting Average- 53.50)

De Villiers is one of the most feared batsmen in the world

AB De Villiers is a name that needs no introduction. The former South African cricketer is one of the most destructive ODI batsmen of all-time. When on song, he was a nightmare for the bowlers. He used to play even the unorthodox shots without much difficulty; when in rhythm, he used to send the ball to all parts of the ground.

De Villiers holds the record for fastest 50, 100 and 150 in one-day internationals and is widely acclaimed as one of the most innovative batsmen to have played in the modern era.

He featured in 228 matches and scored 9577 runs at an average of 53.50, accompanied by 53 fifties and 25 hundreds. All of his 25 centuries were scored at a strike-rate of above 100, which is a mind-boggling stat.

#3 Michael Bevan (Batting Average- 53.58)

Michael Bevan is one of the greatest finishers of all-time

One of the greatest finishers the game has ever seen, Michael Bevan was known for playing match-winning knocks and winning the game single-handedly. He played fearless cricket and shouldered the burden of Australian middle-order batting.

On his day, Bevan was a very dangerous batsman and smashed even the best of the bowlers all around the park. His presence at one end gave much-needed confidence to the tailenders. He performed some great rescue acts in ODIs with the tailenders.

Bevan played in 232 matches and accumulated 6912 runs at a very good average of 53.58. He hit 46 half-centuries to go with 6 centuries. He holds the record for highest average by a retired player in one-day internationals.

#2 Virat Kohli (Batting Average- 58.20)

Virat Kohli is not a surprising name on this list

It is safe to say, Virat Kohli is the greatest batsman of the modern era. With an ability to milk runs irrespective of the format or the bowlers he is up against, he has been on a rampage for the last 6-7 years and looks far from done.

After making his debut in 2008 against Sri Lanka, Kohli has played 211 ODIs so far and has scored 9779 runs at an excellent average of 58.21. He has hit 35 hundreds and 48 fifties.

Many pundits and analysts are already calling him the greatest batsman of all-time, and are expecting him to break all the batting records established by another batting legend- Sachin Tendulkar.

#1 Ryan ten Doeschate (Batting Average- 67.00)

Ryan ten Doeschate is one of the greatest Associate players of all-time

Ryan ten Doeschate is the most popular cricketer to ever have played for the Netherlands. With a wide range of skills, he is a very valuable asset for his team. He was named the ICC Associate Player of the Year in 2008, 2010 and 2011.

He is an all-rounder and can bowl some overs when traditional bowlers go for runs. Ryan is known for his ability to break partnerships. He has picked up 55 wickets in 33 ODI matches so far in his career.

In 32 innings, Ryan ten Doeschate has amassed 1541 runs at a breath-taking average of 67.00, with 5 hundreds and 9 fifties. He is the record holder for highest average in one-day internationals. The record that might remain unscathed for a very long period of time.