ODI cricket is one of the fastest evolving formats of the game. Many players have developed new techniques to achieve success in this format. The batters have adopted new strokes and introduced innovation in the game to outwit the bowlers and achieve success.
In the past, a total of 230 or 240 was considered decent in the 50-over format, but now, the teams aim to score 330-340 runs in the first innings. Even that is not a safe score as teams tend to chase down even mammoth targets in the 50-over form now.
Some batters have recorded extraordinary numbers in this format of the game. There are two such batters in the 50-over format’s history who finished with an average and a strike rate of more than 100 each in more than five series. Here’s a list of those two batters.
(Stats Credit: Shebas)
1. Virat Kohli – 7 ODI series
Current Indian cricket team star Virat Kohli has achieved the feat seven times. The most recent one came in the home series against Sri Lanka, where he scored runs at an average of 141.50 and a strike rate of 137.37. Kohli won the Man of the Series award for his magnificent performance.
Before the series against Sri Lanka, Kohli achieved the feat in series against Australia (2013), Asia Cup (2012), New Zealand (2016), Sri Lanka (2017), West Indies (2018) and West Indies (2019).
2. AB de Villiers – 6 series
Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni and David Miller have achieved this feat in five series and tournaments. AB de Villiers achieved it in six series. Many regarded de Villiers as one of the greatest ODI players of all time, and this stat proves why he deserves the tag.
Speaking of the series where de Villiers had an average and strike rate of 100 or more, it was against New Zealand (2014/15), Zimbabwe tri-series (2014/15), Sri Lanka (2011/12), Zimbabwe (2010/11), India (2009/10) and New Zealand (2011/12).
