In the fast-paced T20I format, the batters need to score runs from the word go. The opening batters must use the powerplay to their benefit to set their team’s innings on a high note.
To do that, they must use aggressive tactics to boost the total and set the stage for the batters to have a go at the bowlers. Now there are high chances that the openers might lose their wickets while attempting risky shots, but if they consistently score runs, they might end up with a better average.
On that note, we’ll look at the top 10 openers with the highest batting average in T20I (min. 30 innings).
Highest Batting Average as Opener in T20I
| Player | Innings | Runs | Average as Opener |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammad Rizwan (PAK) | 76 | 3162 | 51.83 |
| Jos Buttler (ENG) | 58 | 2171 | 47.19 |
| Muhammad Waseem (UAE) | 72 | 2660 | 39.70 |
| Collins Obuya (KENYA) | 31 | 968 | 38.72 |
| Babar Azam (PAK) | 87 | 2973 | 38.11 |
| Abdul Waheed (KSA) | 35 | 1255 | 38.03 |
| Phil Salt (ENG) | 35 | 1115 | 37.16 |
| Brendon McCullum (NZ) | 41 | 1259 | 37.02 |
| KL Rahul (IND) | 54 | 1826 | 36.52 |
| Avinash Pai (GIBR) | 33 | 981 | 36.33 |
Key Insights
50: Pakistan’s keeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan is the only opener who has a 50+ batting average. And he is leading the chart with an impressive average of over 55.
25: Over 25 openers boast an average of 30+ in T20Is, with some batters from associate nations also marking their presence among the elites.
5: T20I centuries while opening the innings for India. This is the most centuries a batter has smashed at a particular position in T20Is.
