Top 5 Players With Most Fifties In ICC Knockouts Ft. Virat Kohli And Sachin Tendulkar

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has witnessed some of the most intense battles in cricket, and India’s semi-final clash against Australia was no exception. In a high-pressure game at the Dubai International Stadium, India pulled off a composed and clinical run-chase to book their place in the grand finale.

While the victory was a collective team effort, one man stood tall amidst the pressure—Virat Kohli. The batting maestro delivered a crucial 84 off 98 balls, guiding India through a tricky chase and proving yet again why he is regarded as one of the best batsmen in modern-day cricket. His innings not only secured India’s place in the final but also helped him etch his name in history by surpassing cricketing legends with the most 50+ scores in ICC knockout matches.

India’s Emphatic Semi-Final Victory Over Australia

Chasing a modest yet tricky total, India displayed remarkable patience and composure, ensuring there were no unnecessary risks. The chase, much like some of India’s finest victories in past ICC tournaments, was built on calculated shot selection, intelligent partnerships, and an unwavering focus on the ultimate goal—victory.

A Steady Approach Despite Early Wickets

India did not have the perfect start. Losing Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill early put them in a slightly uncomfortable position, but the presence of Virat Kohli in the middle was a calming factor. As he has done on countless occasions, Kohli steadied the ship, building partnerships that anchored the chase.

Key Partnerships

The match’s turning point came when Kohli partnered with Shreyas Iyer for a 91-run stand, which neutralized Australia’s early breakthroughs. Later, smaller but crucial stands with Axar Patel and KL Rahul ensured that the momentum stayed with India.

Even though Kohli fell short of a century, his 84-run effort was the cornerstone of India’s chase. The finishing touches were applied by KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya, who ensured India crossed the finish line with four wickets in hand and 11 balls to spare.

This composed victory marked India’s entry into the Champions Trophy 2025 final, where they now await the winner of the second semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand.

Virat Kohli: The King of ICC Knockouts

Kohli’s brilliant innings in the semi-final added another feather to his already illustrious cap. His 84-run knock was not just another half-century—it was a record-breaking performance that placed him above cricketing legends.

With 9 scores of 50+ in ICC knockout matches, Kohli now holds the record for the most half-centuries in knockout games across all ICC tournaments. This achievement speaks volumes about his ability to perform under pressure, in matches where every run matters.

Let’s take a look at the top five players with the most 50+ scores in ICC knockout matches.

Top 5 Players With Most 50+ Scores in ICC Knockout Matches

While many cricketers have performed well in ICC tournaments, only a few have consistently delivered in high-stakes knockout matches, where the pressure is at its peak. Here are the top five players who have mastered the art of scoring in crucial moments.

1. Virat Kohli – 9 Half-Centuries

🇮🇳 939 runs | 20 matches | Average: 52.16 | Strike Rate: 92.23

Kohli is at the top of this elite list with 9 half-centuries in ICC knockout matches. Time and again, he has demonstrated why he is referred to as the “Chase Master”. His latest 84-run effort against Australia in the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final was just another example of his brilliance.

From his crucial 82 against Australia in the 2016 T20 World Cup* to his majestic 117 in the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final against New Zealand, Kohli has shown that he thrives when the stakes are high. His ability to soak in pressure, anchor innings, and guide his team to victories makes him the greatest knockout performer in ICC history.

2. Sachin Tendulkar – 6 Half-Centuries

🇮🇳 657 runs | 15 matches | Average: 50.53 | Strike Rate: 80.81

Before Kohli, the original ‘God of Cricket’, Sachin Tendulkar, was India’s biggest match-winner. With 6 half-centuries in ICC knockout matches, Sachin was a pillar of strength for India in crucial games.

One of his most iconic knockout performances came in the 2003 World Cup semi-final, where he played a match-winning 83 against Kenya, setting up India’s place in the final. His consistency and ability to play in high-pressure games made him a legend of ICC tournaments.

3. Jacques Kallis – 5 Half-Centuries

🇿🇦 539 runs | 11 matches | Average: 59.88

Jacques Kallis, one of the finest all-rounders cricket has ever seen, was also a dependable batter in ICC knockouts. With 5 half-centuries to his name, he played a crucial role in many of South Africa’s tournament campaigns.

His ability to build an innings, combined with his solid technique, made him one of South Africa’s most reliable players in crunch situations. Even though South Africa has faced heartbreaks in many ICC tournaments, Kallis was always one of their standout performers on the big stage.

4. Kumar Sangakkara – 5 Half-Centuries

🇱🇰 595 runs | 19 matches | Average: 39.66 | Strike Rate: 71.42

Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara was a true artist with the bat. His 5 half-centuries in ICC knockout matches showcased his ability to absorb pressure and guide Sri Lanka through challenging situations.

His most notable performance came in the 2011 ODI World Cup final, where he played a crucial knock of 48 against India, helping Sri Lanka post a competitive total. His ability to handle pressure and play the long innings made him a backbone of Sri Lankan cricket for over a decade.

5. Steve Smith – 5 Half-Centuries

🇦🇺 511 runs | 11 matches | Average: 56.77 | Strike Rate: 68.13

Steve Smith has been Australia’s go-to batter in ICC knockout matches. With 5 fifty-plus scores, Smith has played several match-winning innings for the Aussies.

His standout performance came in the 2015 ODI World Cup semi-final against India, where he scored a magnificent 105 to take Australia to the final. His calm and composed approach, much like Kohli’s, makes him one of the best ICC knockout performers in history.

Kohli’s Knockout Legacy Grows Stronger

Virat Kohli’s consistency in ICC knockout matches is unparalleled. With 9 half-centuries, he has cemented his place as the most reliable and dominant batsman in crucial ICC games.

His latest 84-run masterclass against Australia in the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final is just another testament to his unmatched ability to perform under pressure. As India prepares for the final in Dubai, fans will be hoping that King Kohli delivers yet another knockout punch and leads India to yet another ICC trophy.

One thing is certain—when the stakes are high, there’s no one better than Virat Kohli to rise to the occasion. 🏏🔥

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