Shreyas Iyer's stunning 87* runs against MI in IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 puts him at the forefront of most 50+ scores as a captain in IPL playoffs. Explore the complete list and key performances!
In a crucial stage like IPL playoffs, captains are expected to not only lead their team but also deliver crucial performances. The ability to score big when the team need you the most sets certain leaders apart.
We bring you the most 50+ scoresas a captain in IPL playoffs. See how Shreyas Iyer is leading this elite group with being the exceptional captain that he is.
1. Shreyas Iyer (3 times) | DC, KKR, PBKS
Shreyas Iyer during his unbeaten 87 vs MI in IPL 2025 Qualifier 2. Image | Instagram
Shreyas Iyer has swiftly risen as a captain who performs under pressure in IPL playoffs. He holds an exceptional record of being the only captain to lead 3 different franchises to the final (Delhi Capitals in 2020, Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024, and Punjab Kings in 2025).
He has also delivered 50+ scores thrice for his team in IPL playoffs. Here's a breakdown of that:
65* vs MI (Final, IPL 2020): An unbeaten 65* off 50 balls in the vital match while captaining DC, which came off when the team's top-order collapsed early. Despite their defeat in that match, Iyer's knock helped them reach a hopeful total.
58* vs SRH (Qualifier 1, IPL 2024): A captain's knock of 58* runs (from 24 balls) that set the tone for KKR's successful victory in the Q1 and led them into the finals.
87* vs MI (Qualifier 2, IPL2025): From handling Bumrah's brilliant yorkers and turning them into boundaries, to keeping the asking rate down with towering sixes, this man has done it all in this match under pressure! Iyer's 87* off 41 balls (featuring five 4s and eight 6s) took PBKS to the final after 11 long years.
Rohit Sharma hitting a six against DC in IPL 2020 Final. Image | NDTV
The five-time IPL winning captain, Rohit Sharma, holds a place with his 2 times delivering 50+ scores as a captain in IPL playoffs, playing for Mumbai Indians.
He scored both of them in Finals, contributing to MI's title-winning years. Here's a breakdown of that:
50 vs CSK (Final, IPL 2015): Helped MI set a strong total with his 50 runs off just 26 balls, showcasing his leadership in the team's title-winning efforts for the 2nd time in IPL.
68 vs DC (Final, IPL 2020): Played a captain's knock of 68 runs (from 51 balls) to control the chase and secure their 5th IPL title.
3. MS Dhoni (2 times) | CSK
Dhoni in action against DC in IPL 2012 Qualifier 2. Image | NDTV
One of the most successful captains in IPL history, MS Dhoni has played a significant role with the bat along with wicket-keeping and strategising overall. He scored 50+ knocks 2times as a captain in IPL playoffs for Chennai Super Kings.
He scored both of them against MI, in different IPL seasons. Here's a breakdown of that:
51* vs MI (Eliminator, IPL 2012): Dhoni's explosive knock of 51* runs from just 20 balls helped CSK post a competitive total which eventually converted to a victory.
63* vs MI (Final, IPL 2013): In a hard-fought final against MI, his unbeaten 63 off 45 balls kept the hopes alive for CSK, but fell short of 23 runs in the end.
David Warner celebrating after his match-winning 93 against GL in IPL 2016 Qualifier 2. Image | Instagram
David Warner was a dominant force at the top of the order for Sunrisers Hyderabad and an equally good captain. He delivered many impactful performances throughout, along with 50+ scores 2 times in playoffs.
He scored both of them in IPL 2016, the season when SRH became champions. Here's a breakdown of that:
93* vs GL (Qualifier 2, IPL 2016): A sensational match-winning knock of 93* runs off 58 balls when the team needed it the most. He single-handedly chased down and took the match out of a poor situation, securing the win.
69 vs RCB (Final, IPL 2016): A classy knock in the final of the same season, where his explosive 69 runs (off 38 balls) helped SRH set 208 runs on board. They successfully defended and lifted their maiden IPL title by winning that match.
Abhishek Sharma smashed 23-ball half-century during India vs Australia 2nd T20I match at MCG. In this article, we will take a look at the fastest fifties for India vs Australia in T20Is.
Abhishek Sharma has continued his great form in T20Is and has fought a lone battle against the mighty Australia in the 2nd T20I at the MCG. He scored three back-to-back fifties in the Asia Cup and has now smashed another half-century in just his second outing in Australia. With this, he also notched up the third fastest T20I fifty against Australia after Rohit Sharma and Yuvraj Singh.
In this article, we will take a look at the fastest fifties for India vs Australia in T20Is.
Rohit Sharma smashed a blistering half-century in just 19 balls during T20 World Cup 2024 clash against Australia at Gros Islet. Rohit's 19-ball fifty is the fastest fifties for India vs Australia in T20Is. This is also the third-fastest fifty by an Indian in all editions of the T20 World Cup. Rohit reached the 50-run mark off just 19 balls with a single on the last ball of the fifth over, bowled by Pat Cummins.
During his innings, Rohit also became India's top scorer in T20Is, surpassing Virat Kohli. He also became the first batter to hit 200 sixes in T20Is.
2. Yuvraj Singh | 20 balls (2007)
Yuvraj Singh smashed a blistering 20-ball half-century to help MS Dhoni-led India thrash Australia in the semi-final and storm into the final of the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup (2007). Under the leadership of MS Dhoni, India registered a thrilling 15-run win, setting up a historic final clash against arch-rivals Pakistan.
Fresh from his unforgettable six sixes in an over against England's Stuart Broad, Yuvraj continued his aggressive form. Right from the outset, Yuvraj took the Australian bowlers to task. His fluent driving, coupled with his trademark effortless pulls, sent the ball flying to all parts of the ground.
3. Abhishek Sharma | 23* balls (2025)
India's star T20I batter Abhishek Sharma's bat blazed in the second T20I match between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. While other Indian batsmen struggled, Abhishek took on the Australian bowlers aggressively. He completed his half-century in just 23 balls in this match. With this, he moved to third place in the list of batsmen who have scored the fastest fifty for India against Australia. This is also the joint-fastest T20I fifty by an Indian batter on Australian soil. He was eventually dismissed after scoring 68 runs.
Abhishek smashed eight fours and two sixes en route to his 37-ball 68. This was his sixth T20I fifty as he also boasts a couple of tons. The top-ranked T20I batter has now raced to 936 runs from 26 T20Is at an average of 37.44. His strike rate is a stunning 193.38. 338 of his T20I runs have come in away games at 30.72.
India youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed a blistering half-century during the second India-Australia T20I in Thiruvananthapuram in 2023. He got to his half-century off 24 balls as India scored 77 runs in the powerplay. In the fourth over of the Indian innings, he took 24 runs off fast bowler Sean Abbott. The southpaw scored 53 runs off 25 balls with nine fours and two sixes. Jaiswal also helped India make their highest score against the Aussies in the powerplay in T20Is.
Jaiswal, in the meantime, became the third Indian after Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul to score a half-century in the powerplay of a T20I.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli combined for an unbroken 169-run stand to see India to a comfortable nine-wicket win in the 3rd ODI. Let's take a look at the most 100+ partnerships in ODIs.
In a dead-rubber clash that felt anything but, the iconic duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli turned the third ODI against Australia into a personal batting masterclass, guiding India to a commanding 9-wicket victory. Their unbroken 168-run partnership was a stark reminder of their class, effortlessly chasing down 237 and ensuring India avoided a series whitewash on Australian soil. Let's take a look at the most 100+ partnerships in ODIs.
Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar have scored the most 100+ partnerships in ODIs. The Indian pair stitched 26 century stands from 176 innings. In fact, Ganguly and Tendulkar have also registered the most century partnerships (21) among the opening pairs in ODI cricket. Apart from their 21 opening hundred stands, they added three century partnerships for the second wicket and two for the third.
The Indian pair has also racked up the most opening partnership runs in ODIs. Ganguly and Tendulkar scored 6609 opening runs while batting together.
2. Tillakaratne Dilshan-Kumar Sangakkara | 20
Tillakaratne Dilshan and Kumar Sangakkara of Sri Lanka have shared 20 100-plus stands among themselves in ODI cricket. Dilshan was a brutal hitter in his prime and accompanied by one of the best wicketkeeper-batsman Sangakarra haunted many bowling lineups. They have a batting average of 53.67 and have scored 5475 runs in 108 innings.
Their highest stand as a pair came in the 2015 World Cup against Bangladesh. They beat Bangladesh by 92 runs because of solid performances from Dilshan (161* off 146 balls) and Sangakkara (105 off 76 balls).
3. Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma | 19*
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli combined for an unbroken 169-run stand to see India to a comfortable nine-wicket win in the 3rd ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. With this, they have now 19 hundred plus partnership record in ODI cricket. Rohit ended with 121*(125) with 13 fours and three maximums while Kohli ended with 74*(81) with seven boundaries to his name.
This was also the 12th 150-plus partnership between Kohli and Rohit in ODIs, equalling Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly for the most 150-plus partnerships in the format.
Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma have been a force to be reckoned with in the cricketing world from 2011 to 2022. They formed a formidable batting pair at the top of the order for India, especially in ODIs. Whether it’s against fierce rivals Pakistan or quality teams like Australia, their consistency and understanding have made them one of the most successful opening pairs in international cricket.
In 117 innings, they scored an impressive 5193 runs with an average of 45.15. Their partnership included 18 centuries and 15 fifties.
Top 10 players with most runs in ICC knockout matches
From Kohli to Tendulkar, explore the list of legendary batsmen who consistently delivered in crucial matches under pressure. Here are the top 10 players with most runs in ICC knockout matches.
In the high-stakes world of international cricket, the pressure of ICC knockout matches can make or break careers. Every player steps in with the mindset of taking their nation ahead in the game, leaving no room for regrets. However, only a few can actually stay consistent under such highly competitive environment.
No matter how a player performed throughout the tournament, the ultimate test always awaits in the knockouts. ICC knockouts' history have seen extremely talented players scoring for their teams and keeping the flow going.
The question is, out of all the consistent scorers round the globe, who scored the most runs? We have the answer to it. Check out the list of top 10 players with most runs in ICC knockout matches.
10. Mahela Jayawardene (499 runs) | Sri Lanka
Mahela Jayawardene celebrates a century for Sri Lanka. Image | X
Mahela Jayawardene, a true master of elegant batting, consistently delivered for Sri Lanka in crucial matches throughout his international career. He holds the 10th position with 499 runs in 18 innings played in ICC knockout matches.
One of his iconic knock among all is undoubtedly his century in the 2011 World Cup Final against India (103* off 88 balls). Though the match result was not in their favour, Mahela's contribution was the sole reason SL could reach a defendable target after the early collapse of the batting line-up.
Sourav Ganguly celebrates an international century for India. Image | TOI
The former captain and aggressive left-handed opener, Sourav Ganguly, led India with passion in high-stakes games. He often contributed with the bat which laid the foundation of a huge total for the team.
Ganguly scored 514 runs in only 8 innings played in ICC knockouts! His unbeaten141 against South Africa in the 2000 Champions Trophy semi-final is the highest among all his other knockout performances.
Ganguly stats in ICC knockout matches:
Span
Matches
Innings
Runs
HS
Avg
SR
100
50
1998-2003
10
8
514
141*
85.66
87.41
3
1
8. Jacques Kallis (539) | South Africa
Jacques Kallis representing South Africa in international cricket. Image | Facebook
Jacques Kallis, the greatest all-rounder of his generation, was a pillar of the South African team. His contributions in the knockout matches for SA were not always marked by centuries, but they had solid consistency.
He scored 539 runs in only 11 matches, which says a lot about his dedication and hard work for winning. His highest among all was a notable 113* against Sri Lanka in the semi-final of the inaugural season (1998) of the ICC Champions Trophy, which led to a big victory.
Kumar Sangakkara in action for Sri Lanka in an ICC knockout match. Image | X
Another Sri Lankan legend makes it to the top 10 for most runs in ICC knockout matches with his quality batting. It is none other than Kumar Sangakkara, who was the cornerstone of SL in white-ball cricket for over a decade.
He was a part of several Sri Lankan teams that reached major ICC Finals, like the 2011 WC final, and the victorious 2014 T20 World Cup. Sangakkara scored 595 runs in 19 matches, at an average of 39.66.
His contributions were one of the key aspects of the team's success in reaching these finals.
Sangakkara stats in ICC knockout matches:
Span
Matches
Innings
Runs
HS
Avg
SR
100
50
2000-2015
19
18
595
64*
39.66
71.47
0
4
6. Sachin Tendulkar (657) | India
Sachin Tendulkar after the 2011 World Cup triumph. Image | Olympics.com
The 'Little Master,' Sachin Tendulkar, played in an era where India reached multiple ICC knockout stages. He scored 657 runs in 14 innings, including a century. In knockouts, his vital half-centuries saved the team from choking in several matches.
One of his most remembered fifties is the 85 runs against Pakistan in the 2011 World Cup semi-final. Tendulkar's only century in a knockout game came against Australia in the 1998 quarter-final match of the Champions Trophy, where he scored 141 off 128 balls.
Kane Williamson celebrating an ODI century in 2025 for NZ. Image | Mint
Kane Williamson is the only cricketer from New Zealand to feature in this list, and that too in the top 5. He scored 659 runs in 15 matches and has always been a great support to the team's batting lineup.
His century in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy semi-final against South Africa played a significant role in setting a good total, which led to a victory. Williamson played many such match-winning knocks for NZ in knockouts.
Williamson stats in ICC knockout matches:
Span
Matches
Innings
Runs
HS
Avg
SR
100
50
2011-2025
15
16
659
102
47.07
76.62
1
4
4. Steve Smith (663 runs) | Australia
Steve Smith celebrates a fifty for Australia in an ICC knockout match. Image | Sky Sports
The Australian star player, Steve Smith, always showed a knack for performing on the big stage for his team. He stands 4th with 663 runs scored in 13 matches. One of his most memorable centuries in knockouts came in the 2015 World Cup semi-final against India.
Smith has consistently performed in every format, each time Australia reached the highly competitive stage of the game of cricket.
Ricky Ponting in action for Australia. Image | Mint
The legendary Australian batter, Ricky Ponting, led his side to unmatched dominance in ICC tournaments. He scored 731 runs in 18 matches, with 3 centuries and 1 half-century.
His most iconic ICC knockout moment is the 2003 World Cup Final, where he scored a phenomenal 140* runs against India. Australia winning the title that year made Ponting's knock more memorable.
Ponting stats in ICC knockout matches:
Span
Matches
Innings
Runs
HS
Avg
SR
100
50
1996-2011
18
18
731
140*
45.68
81.58
3
1
2. Rohit Sharma (884 runs) | India
Rohit Sharma celebrates a century against Bangladesh in Aisa Cup. Image | ESPNcricinfo
The 3rd Indian batter to dominate the list, the 'Hitman' of cricket, Rohit Sharma, stands tall with 884 runs in 21 matches. He has a long experience of playing in high-pressure ICC knockout matches and acing them.
While he has multiple centuries in the World Cup, his highest in an ICC knockout is 137 runs, scored against Bangladesh in the 2015 World Cup quarter-final. From giving a solid start to carrying the momentum and building partnerships, Rohit has done it all to fetch those magnificent knockout victories.
Virat Kohli celebrates his 50th century in the 2023 World Cup against NZ. Image | X
Virat Kohli, the chase master and modern-day legend, sits atop this list with 1024 runs in ICC knockout matches. He is the only player ever to score over a thousand runs in knockouts, having 1 century and 9 half centuries.
Kohli's hunger for runs and victory makes him the most reliable player in vital matches. He reached his 50th ODI century by scoring 117 runs against New Zealand in the 2023 WC semi-final. He has often guided India through tricky chases or helped set up formidable totals.
IND vs AUS: Highest Individual ODI Scores by Indians vs Australia
India and Australia are all set to face off in Perth for the first of three ODIs on October 19. So, before the start of the IND vs AUS 1st ODI, let's take a look at the highest individual ODI scores by Indians vs Australia.
India and Australia are all set to face off in Perth for the first of three ODIs on October 19. They last played each other in an ODI during the Champions Trophy semifinal in March which was won by the Men in Blue. Whatever be the result, fans from both sides look forward to IND vs AUS ODI games. Since we entered the 21st century, it has developed into the fiercest ODI rivalry.
So, before the start of the IND vs AUS 1st ODI, let's take a look at the highest individual ODI scores by Indians vs Australia.
IND vs AUS: Highest Individual ODI Scores by Indians
5. Sachin Tendulkar | 143 (1998)
The legendary Sachin Tendulkar produced one of his finest knocks in ODI cricket over 27 years ago. Representing the Men in Blue, a young Master Blaster smashed a masterful century against Australia in the sixth group fixture of the 1998 Coca-Cola Cup. The Indian icon showcased his batting technique on the familiar grounds of Sharjah on this day.
He scored 143 runs in 131 deliveries while also taking a wicket during India’s bowling display. While Tendulkar’s standout performance failed to secure a victory for the Mohammad Azharuddin-led side, it did win him the Player of the Match award.
4. Shikhar Dhawan | 143 (2019)
Former opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan played a blistering innings of 143 runs off 115 balls against Australia in Mohali in 2019. Dhawan's aggressive innings featured many brilliant shots that left the Australian bowlers helpless. Thanks to this innings, India posted a large total, and Dhawan proved his ability to score big in important matches.
3. Rohit Sharma | 171* (2016)
In 2016, against Australia in Perth, Rohit Sharma layed a brilliant unbeaten innings of 171 runs. This innings was a testament to his technique and patience. Although India lost the match, Rohit's innings troubled the Australian bowlers significantly. It was the highest ODI innings by an Indian batsman on Australian soiHe
2. Sachin Tendulkar | 175 (2009)
Sachin Tendulkar, often referred to as the 'God of Cricket', played a brilliant innings of 175 runs against Australia in Hyderabad in 2009. In this 141-ball innings, Sachin showcased an unparalleled display of his class and aggression. India was chasing a target of 351 runs, and Tendulkar's innings had ignited hopes of victory. Although India lost the match by 3 runs, Sachin's innings remains etched in the memories of fans.
One of the most memorable innings in Indian cricket history is Rohit Sharma's 209, which he played against Australia in Bengaluru in November 2013. This was his first double century in ODI cricket. Rohit faced 158 balls, hitting 12 fours and 16 sixes, helping India post a massive total of 383 runs. This innings earned Rohit the title of 'Hitman' and set the record for the highest ODI score by an Indian batsman against Australia.
India and Australia have a long-standing rivalry in ODI cricket. In this article, we will take a look at the batters who have scored the most runs for India against Australia in ODIs.
The three-match ODI series between India and Australia begins on October 19. The Indian squad for the upcoming series was announced on October 4. Shubman Gill replaced Rohit Sharma as the captain of the ODI team. Several surprising changes were also made to the team. Rohit and Virat returned to the team after a long absence.
India and Australia have a long-standing rivalry in ODI cricket. The two countries face fierce competition in ODIs. In this article, we will take a look at the batters who have scored the most runs for India against Australia in ODIs.
Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan comes fifth on this list scoring 1265 runs in 29 innings against Australia. He scored four hundreds and seven half-centuries against Australia with a best of 143 and at an average of 45.17.
Shikhar Dhawan played 21 ODIs in Australia and scored 819 runs at an average of 39 and a strike rate of 88.25. The southpaw struck two hundreds and four fifties in ODIs Down Under. Dhawan's best one-day score in Australia was 137 off 146 balls against South Africa in Melbourne in the 2015 World Cup. The knock featured 16 fours and two sixes. The left-handed batter also struck 126 off 113 balls against Australia in Canberra in January 2016, hitting 14 fours and two sixes.
4. MS Dhoni | 1660 Runs
Former India skipper and wicket-keeper batter MS Dhoni has the fourth-highest runs for India in India vs Australia ODIs. The 'Captain Cool' scored 1660 runs in 55 ODIs against Australia at an average of 44.86. He played his best inning of 139 not out in Mohali against the Kangaroo team in ODIs. He had scored two centuries and 11 half-centuries against them.
MS Dhoni also has a great record against Australia as captain. He tops the list of captains who have scored most runs against the Kangaroos. MS Dhoni during his career as a captain scored 1,204 runs against Australia. He slammed 87* off 114 balls against Australia in Melbourne in January 2019, a watchful knock which included six fours.
3. Rohit Sharma | 2407 Runs
Few batsmen can compare to Rohit Sharma when it comes to batting finesse. Against Australia, he’s turned that elegance into destruction. In 46 ODIs, Rohit has scored 2407 runs at an average of 57.30, including 8 hundreds 9 half-centuries and a record-breaking 209 in Bengaluru. That double century remains one of the most brutal innings ever played in ODI cricket.
Rohit also has a strong record in Australia. The right-handed opener has scored 1,328 runs in Australia, including four centuries and four fifties, maintaining a high average (53.12) across different venues and match situations.
2. Virat Kohli | 2451 Runs
Virat Kohli has witnessed cricket excellence across formats. However, when it comes to facing Australia, Kohli’s record has stood out. Ever since his debut against the Aussies in 2009, Kohli has played in 50 ODIs against Australia, scoring 2,451 runs at an average of 54.46, including eight centuries and 15 fifties, with a top score of 123.
Out of those 50 matches he played against Australia, 29 have come in Australia, where he has scored 1,327 runs at an average of 51.90, smashing five centuries and six fifties. His highest score Down Under is an unbeaten 133, which is one of the finest ODI knocks ever played in Australia.
Former captain and legend Sachin Tendulkar tops the list of most runs for India against Australia in ODIs. Between 1991 and 2012, Tendulkar played 71 ODIs against Australia, amassing a staggering 3,077 runs at an average of 44.59. His tally includes nine centuries and 15 fifties. Tendulkar also has the most runs for a batter against Australia in ODI cricket. No other player has over 2,500 runs in this regard. Tendulkar's nine tons are also the most for a batter against the Aussies.
Notably, Tendulkar scored 1,491 runs in Australia alone, adapting brilliantly to pace-friendly conditions that often troubled many visiting batters. Moreover, Tendulkar thrived in the challenging one-ball era. One of his tons came Down Under (10 half-centuries).
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