T20 cricket has revolutionized the game with its fast-paced action and explosive batting. Since its inception, we’ve seen some incredible high-scoring matches and individual performances.
Zimbabwe’s 344/4 stands at the top when it comes to the highest T20 score by team, while Aaron Finch is the highest individual T20 scorer with 172 runs in a single innings.
Let’s dive into the records for both team and individual scores in T20 internationals.
Highest T20 International Score: Innings Total
T20 internationals have produced some eye-popping team totals over the years.
Here’s a look at the top 21 highest team scores in T20Is:
| Rank | Score | Overs | Team | Opposition | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 344/4 | 20.0 | Zimbabwe | Gambia | 2024 |
| 2 | 314/3 | 20.0 | Nepal | Mongolia | 2023 |
| 3 | 297/6 | 20.0 | India | Bangladesh | 2024 |
| 4 | 278/3 | 20.0 | Afghanistan | Ireland | 2019 |
| 5 | 278/4 | 20.0 | Czech Republic | Turkey | 2019 |
| 6 | 268/4 | 20.0 | Malaysia | Thailand | 2023 |
| 7 | 267/3 | 20.0 | England | West Indies | 2023 |
| 8 | 263/3 | 20.0 | Australia | Sri Lanka | 2016 |
| 9 | 260/6 | 20.0 | Sri Lanka | Kenya | 2007 |
| 10 | 260/5 | 20.0 | India | Sri Lanka | 2017 |
| 11 | 259/4 | 18.5 | South Africa | West Indies | 2023 |
| 12 | 258/2 | 20.0 | Czech Republic | Bulgaria | 2022 |
| 13 | 258/5 | 20.0 | West Indies | South Africa | 2023 |
| 14 | 258/0 | 20.0 | Japan | China | 2024 |
| 15 | 256/5 | 20.0 | Denmark | Gibraltar | 2022 |
| 16 | 254/5 | 20.0 | New Zealand | Scotland | 2022 |
| 17 | 253/4 | 20.0 | Japan | Mongolia | 2024 |
| 18 | 252/3 | 20.0 | Scotland | Netherlands | 2019 |
| 19 | 248/6 | 20.0 | Australia | England | 2013 |
| 20 | 247/5 | 20.0 | Netherlands | Namibia | 2024 |
| 21 | 246/4 | 19.4 | Bulgaria | Serbia | 2022 |
On 23 October 2024, Zimbabwe scored the highest T20 score, 344 runs, with the loss of 4 wickets against Gambia in the World T20 Qualifier.
Zimbabwe’s mammoth total was built on a blistering 133* off just 43 balls by Sikandar Raza, which is also the fastest T20 century. Sikandar hit a total of 15 sixes in their innings, showcasing the explosive nature of T20 cricket.
The third-highest score is India’s 297/6 against Bangladesh in October 2024. This recent high-scoring encounter saw India’s batsmen, led by Sanju Samson’s quick-fire century (111 runs) and captain Surya Kumar’s 75 runs, dominate the Bangladesh bowling attack.
Highest T20 Score: Individual Scores
Individual batsmen have also produced some jaw-dropping performances in T20Is.
Here are the top 10 highest individual scores:
| Rank | Player | Score | Balls | 4s/6s | Team | Opposition | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aaron Finch | 172 | 76 | 16/10 | Australia | Zimbabwe | 2018 |
| 2 | Hazratullah Zazai | 162* | 62 | 11/16 | Afghanistan | Ireland | 2019 |
| 3 | Aaron Finch | 156 | 63 | 11/14 | Australia | England | 2013 |
| 4 | Glenn Maxwell | 145* | 65 | 14/9 | Australia | Sri Lanka | 2016 |
| 5 | Sahil Chauhan | 144* | 41 | 6/18 | Estonia | Cyprus | 2024 |
| 6 | Kushal Malla | 137* | 50 | 8/12 | Nepal | Mongolia | 2023 |
| 7 | Zeeshan Kukikhel | 137 | 49 | 7/15 | Hungary | Austria | 2022 |
| 8 | Finn Allen | 137 | 62 | 5/16 | New Zealand | Pakistan | 2024 |
| 9 | Sikandar Raza | 133* | 43 | 7/15 | Zimbabwe | Gambia | 2024 |
| 10 | Max O’Dowd | 133* | 73 | 15/6 | Netherlands | Malaysia | 2021 |
Aaron Finch holds the record for the highest individual score in T20Is. He smashed 172 off 76 balls against Zimbabwe in 2018. His innings included 16 fours and 10 sixes, demonstrating his power-hitting ability.
Hazratullah Zazai of Afghanistan holds the second spot with his unbeaten 162 against Ireland in 2019. His explosive innings came off just 62 balls and included 11 fours and 16 sixes.
Conclusion: Highest Scores in T20 International Cricket
T20 cricket continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in batting. The format has seen some incredible performances, both from teams and individuals.
Zimbabwe’s 344/4 stands as the pinnacle of team scoring in T20Is, while Aaron Finch’s 172 remains the benchmark for individual brilliance. These records showcase the evolution of T20 batting, with players developing new shots and strategies to score at unprecedented rates.
These records not only entertain fans but also challenge players to push their limits. They inspire the next generation of cricketers to dream big and aim for new heights in the shortest format of the game.
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