Best run-chasers of all-time in limited-overs cricket

Chasing in any format of cricket is a difficult task and it’s not easy to master the art. In limited-overs format, the task becomes more difficult with the added pressure of the required-rate. Batting while chasing is a different ball game altogether, performing under scoreboard pressure requires immense mental strength and confidence.While batting first there is no scoreboard pressure and the batsman can score freely without any problems. That’s why some of the best run-chasers in limited-overs cricket are regarded so highly by the cricketing fraternity. The hardest test for any batsman is to perform consistently while chasing under pressure.In the past, Australia’s Michael Bevan was regarded as the master of run-chases. More recently, Virat Kohli has emerged as one of the best run chasers in world cricket for his numerous brilliant innings for India. But does it make him among the best run-chaser in the world? Here we take a look at the top six run-chasers in world cricket:

#6 MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni playing his trademark “Helicopter-shot”

The Indian skipper is regarded as one of the greatest ever finishers in the limited-overs format. From being the hard-hitting aggressive batsman he has come a long way to become one of the best run-chasers in the world as he likes to finish games.

The responsibility of captaincy made him a different player and certainly made him a more mature batsman. His approach to batting has changed ever since he took the responsibility of finishing matches and his stats while chasing are phenomenal.

In 143 ODI innings, he has scored 3933 runs with an average of 51.07 and with a strike-rate of 83.20 while chasing. He has scored two centuries including a brilliant knock of 183* and has 27 fifties to his name while chasing.

#5 Shane Watson

Shane Watson playing a square-cut

From being a promising but inconsistent ODI all-rounder to one of Australia’s most prolific ODI match winners. Shane Watson has come a long way in his career and has become a pillar of the Australian top-order.

Even while chasing Watson has been a very consistent performer for his nation. The scoreboard pressure brings the best out of the Queensland-born player when Australia eyes a run-chase.

Watson has played 77 innings while chasing and scored 2640 runs at an average of a staggering 52.80 and with a strike-rate of 90.75 in ODIs. He has five centuries including an innings of 185* and 15 half-centuries to his name while chasing. His promotion to the top-order has transformed him into a different player.

While chasing in T20Is he has also scored 759 runs in 33 innings at an average of 26.17 and with a strike-rate of 141.07. His power hitting makes him a very dangerous player in the shortest format apart from his run-chasing skills.

#4 Michael Clarke

Michael Clarke celebrating a hundred

The former Australian captain is one of the best limited-overs batsmen the country has ever produced. He was the only consistent member of the batting order when Australia went through the transition period and took additional responsibility at that time.

While chasing a target he has been a very important and more importantly, a consistent performer for the Australian team. He added a sense of calmness into the Australian middle-order every time he walked onto the crease.

In 90 ODI innings, he has scored 2696 runs at an average of 53.92 and with a strike-rate of 80.77 while chasing. He has also scored three centuries including an unbeaten knock of 105 and 21 half-centuries while chasing.

In 15 T20I innings, he has scored 257 runs at an average of 28.55 and with a strike-rate of 109.82. His performance especially while chasing is one of the major factors that Australia has a good limited-overs record despite going through a transition period.

#3 Michael Bevan

Michael Bevan the “original finisher”

A list of best run-chasers in limited-overs cricket can’t be done with the Australian batting legend. The man who pioneered the role of a finisher in ODI cricket is undoubtedly the original finisher of the game.

His superb temperament was the reason behind Australia’s domination in ODI cricket for a long time. His run chasing skills were also as potent as his finishing abilities as he won numerous matches for his team.

In 112 ODI innings, he scored 2882 runs at an average of 56.50 and with a strike-rate of 73.93 while chasing. He has scored three hundreds and 19 fifties while chasing a target. Whatever the situation demanded Bevan always took the responsibility and finished things off for Australia.

Although he hasn’t played a single T20I match in his illustrious career, his contribution to limited-overs batting will always be remembered.

#2 AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers hits one of his self-improvised shots

Arguably he is one of the best batsmen in world cricket and certainly one of the most entertaining. The South African can play every shot in the book and his ability to score all around the park makes him a nightmare for the opposition.

“Mr 360 degree” makes battings look ridiculously easy even in some of the most difficult of pitches against quality bowling. But it is his run-chasing ability which takes him into the list, like all the pressure he also handles the scoreboard pressure with ease.

In 95 ODI innings, he has scored 3812 runs at an average of 57.75 with a strike-rate of 94.21 while chasing. He has scored seven hundreds and 26 fifties, with 136* being his highest score while chasing.

In 34 T20I innings, he has also scored 585 runs at an average of 21.66 and with a strike-rate of 127.72. It is his run-chasing ability that makes him a standout among a group of talented batsmen and makes him great.

#1 Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli in action during a run-chase

Right now very few batsmen in world cricket can play better or even close to the way Virat Kohli do. The Indian vice-captain has been the most consistent run getter in limited-overs format for the last 4-5 years.

The Delhi-born batsman is currently in a league of his own with his various brilliant performances for his country. No other batsmen looks more pleasing to the eye than him when he is in full flow. He makes batting look like paradise even in the worst of conditions. While chasing a total he has undoubtedly proved his worth as the most dangerous batsman the game has ever seen.

In 95 ODI innings, he has scored 4408 runs at an average of 61.22 and with a strike-rate of 92.39 while chasing. He has scored a staggering 15 hundreds including a superb knock of 183 and 22 fifties while chasing. His stats are a reflection of his masterful batting, strong adaptability and tremendous mental strength. Every time he gets a good start, more often than not he transforms into a big score and guides India over the victory line.

In 21 T20I innings, he has scored 836 runs at a mind-boggling average of 83.60 and with a strike-rate of 130.42. At the age of 27 he has already achieved the legend status and with time can emerge as one of all time bests.