T20 cricket has revolutionized the sport, bringing explosive batting and sky-high scores to the forefront. When it comes to individual brilliance, one name stands out: Aaron Finch. The Australian opener holds the record for the highest individual score in T20 international cricket, smashing an incredible 172 runs off just 76 balls against Zimbabwe in 2018.
In this article, we’ll explore the most spectacular batting performances in T20 history. We’ll dive into the top individual scores in international T20 matches, examining the players who’ve pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in this fast-paced format. We’ll also take a look at the Indian Premier League (IPL), where some of the most memorable innings have been played.
Highest Individual Score In T20 International
The shortest format of cricket has seen some truly remarkable individual performances. Here’s a table showcasing the 30 highest individual scores in T20 international cricket:
| Player | Runs | B | SR | 4s | 6s | Team | Opponent | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AJ Finch | 172 | 76 | 226.31 | 16 | 10 | Australia | Zimbabwe | Harare | 03 Jul 2018 |
| Hazratullah Zazai | 162* | 62 | 261.29 | 11 | 16 | Afghanistan | Ireland | Dehradun | 23 Feb 2019 |
| AJ Finch | 156 | 63 | 247.61 | 11 | 14 | Australia | England | Southampton | 29 Aug 2013 |
| GJ Maxwell | 145* | 65 | 223.07 | 14 | 9 | Australia | Sri Lanka | Pallekele | 06 Sep 2016 |
| Sahil Chauhan | 144* | 41 | 351.21 | 6 | 18 | Estonia | Cyprus | Episkopi | 17 Jun 2024 |
| Kushal Malla | 137* | 50 | 274.00 | 8 | 12 | Nepal | Mongolia | Hangzhou | 27 Sep 2023 |
| Zeeshan Kukikhel | 137 | 49 | 279.59 | 7 | 15 | Hungary | Austria | Lower Austria | 05 Jun 2022 |
| FH Allen | 137 | 62 | 220.96 | 5 | 16 | New Zealand | Pakistan | Dunedin | 17 Jan 2024 |
| M Levitt | 135 | 62 | 217.74 | 11 | 10 | Netherlands | Namibia | Kirtipur | 29 Feb 2024 |
| L Yamamoto-Lake | 134* | 68 | 197.05 | 8 | 12 | Japan | China | Mong Kok | 15 Feb 2024 |
| Sikandar Raza | 133* | 43 | 309.30 | 7 | 15 | Zimbabwe | Gambia | Ruaraka | 23 Oct 2024 |
| MP O’Dowd | 133* | 73 | 182.19 | 15 | 6 | Netherlands | Malaysia | Kirtipur | 18 Apr 2021 |
| HG Munsey | 132 | 61 | 216.39 | 15 | 6 | Scotland | Austria | Edinburgh | 25 Jul 2023 |
| D Visser | 132 | 62 | 212.90 | 5 | 14 | Samoa | Vanuatu | Apia | 20 Aug 2024 |
| HG Munsey | 127* | 56 | 226.78 | 5 | 14 | Scotland | Netherlands | Dublin | 16 Sep 2019 |
| OJ Hairs | 127* | 53 | 239.62 | 14 | 8 | Scotland | Italy | Edinburgh | 24 Jul 2023 |
| Shubman Gill | 126* | 63 | 200.00 | 12 | 7 | India | New Zealand | Ahmedabad | 01 Feb 2023 |
| Syed Aziz | 126 | 56 | 225.00 | 13 | 9 | Malaysia | Thailand | Hangzhou | 02 Oct 2023 |
| E Lewis | 125* | 62 | 201.61 | 6 | 12 | West Indies | India | Kingston | 09 Jul 2017 |
| Shaheryar Butt | 125* | 50 | 250.00 | 11 | 9 | Belgium | Czech Rep. | Walferdange | 29 Aug 2020 |
| SR Watson | 124* | 71 | 174.64 | 10 | 6 | Australia | India | Sydney | 31 Jan 2016 |
| KJ O’Brien | 124 | 62 | 200.00 | 12 | 7 | Ireland | Hong Kong | Al Amerat | 07 Oct 2019 |
| RD Gaikwad | 123* | 57 | 215.78 | 13 | 7 | India | Australia | Guwahati | 28 Nov 2023 |
| BB McCullum | 123 | 58 | 212.06 | 11 | 7 | New Zealand | Bangladesh | Pallekele | 21 Sep 2012 |
| V Kohli | 122* | 61 | 200.00 | 12 | 6 | India | Afghanistan | Dubai | 08 Sep 2022 |
| Babar Hayat | 122 | 60 | 203.33 | 9 | 7 | Hong Kong | Oman | Fatullah | 19 Feb 2016 |
| Babar Azam | 122 | 59 | 206.77 | 15 | 4 | Pakistan | South Africa | Centurion | 14 Apr 2021 |
| Aritra Dutta | 122 | 63 | 193.65 | 15 | 7 | Singapore | Japan | Bangkok | 11 Feb 2024 |
| A Johnson | 121* | 59 | 205.08 | 6 | 11 | Canada | Panama | Hamilton | 03 Oct 2023 |
| RG Sharma | 121* | 69 | 175.36 | 11 | 8 | India | Afghanistan | Bengaluru | 17 Jan 2024 |
| GJ Maxwell | 120* | 55 | 218.18 | 12 | 8 | Australia | West Indies | Adelaide | 11 Feb 2024 |
Now, let’s take a closer look at the top 10 individual performances in T20 international cricket:
1. Aaron Finch – 172 vs Zimbabwe
Aaron Finch’s monumental 172 against Zimbabwe in 2018 remains the pinnacle of T20 batting. The Australian captain unleashed a barrage of boundaries, smashing 16 fours and 10 sixes in just 76 balls. His innings was a masterclass in power-hitting and shot selection, as he effortlessly dispatched the Zimbabwean bowlers to all parts of the ground.
2. Hazratullah Zazai – 162* vs Ireland
Afghanistan’s Hazratullah Zazai announced himself on the world stage with a blistering 162* against Ireland in 2019. His 62-ball innings included 11 fours and a staggering 16 sixes, demonstrating the raw power and fearless approach that has become a hallmark of Afghan cricket.
3. Aaron Finch – 156 vs England
Finch makes another appearance on this list with his 156 against England in 2013. This innings was particularly impressive as it came against a strong English bowling attack. Finch’s 63-ball blitz featured 11 fours and 14 sixes, setting the tone for Australia’s dominant victory.
4. Glenn Maxwell – 145* vs Sri Lanka
Glenn Maxwell’s unbeaten 145 against Sri Lanka in 2016 was a showcase of his unique batting style. Known as “The Big Show,” Maxwell lived up to his nickname with a dazzling display of innovative shots and brute force, hitting 14 fours and 9 sixes in just 65 balls.
5. Sahil Chauhan – 144* vs Cyprus
Estonia’s Sahil Chauhan makes a surprise entry on this list with his blistering 144* against Cyprus. His strike rate of 351.21 is the highest on this list, achieved through a remarkable 18 sixes in just 41 balls. This innings highlights the global spread of T20 cricket and the emerging talent in associate nations.
6. Kushal Malla – 137* vs Mongolia
Nepal’s Kushal Malla showcased his talent with a brilliant 137* against Mongolia. At just 20 years old, Malla’s innings demonstrated maturity beyond his years, as he paced his innings perfectly before accelerating to finish with 8 fours and 12 sixes.
7. Zeeshan Kukikhel – 137 vs Austria
Hungary’s Zeeshan Kukikhel makes the list with his explosive 137 against Austria. His 49-ball innings included 7 fours and 15 sixes, highlighting the power-hitting prowess that’s becoming increasingly common in associate nation cricket.
8. Finn Allen – 137 vs Pakistan
New Zealand’s Finn Allen announced himself as a future star with his 137 against Pakistan. The young opener’s fearless approach was evident as he took on one of the world’s best bowling attacks, hitting 5 fours and 16 sixes in his 62-ball innings.
9. Michael Levitt – 135 vs Namibia
The Netherlands’ Michael Levitt rounds out the top 10 with his 135 against Namibia. His innings was a perfect blend of power and finesse, featuring 11 fours and 10 sixes in 62 balls. Levitt’s performance underscores the rising standard of Dutch cricket on the international stage.
10. Lalchan Yamamoto-Lake – 134* vs China
Japan’s Lalchan Yamamoto-Lake completes our top 10 with his unbeaten 134 against China. His innings was a testament to his stamina and shot-making ability, as he carried his bat through the innings, hitting 8 fours and 12 sixes in 68 balls.
Highest Individual Scores In IPL
The Indian Premier League has seen some extraordinary batting performances over the years. Here’s a table showcasing the top 10 individual scores in IPL history:
| Player | Score | Team | Against | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Gayle | 175* | RCB | PWI | 2013 |
| Brendon McCullum | 158* | KKR | RCB | 2008 |
| Quinton de Kock | 140* | LSG | KKR | 2022 |
| AB de Villiers | 133* | RCB | MI | 2015 |
| KL Rahul | 132* | KXIP | RCB | 2020 |
| AB de Villiers | 129* | RCB | GL | 2016 |
| Shubman Gill | 129 | GT | MI | 2023 |
| Rishabh Pant | 128* | DD | SRH | 2018 |
| Murali Vijay | 127 | CSK | RR | 2010 |
| David Warner | 126 | SRH | KKR | 2017 |
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Conclusion: Aaron Finch’s 172 Against Zimbabwe Is The Highest Individual Score In T20 International
T20 cricket has redefined what’s possible in the sport, with batsmen pushing the boundaries of scoring rates and individual totals. From Aaron Finch’s record-breaking 172 to Chris Gayle’s unforgettable 175* in the IPL, these innings represent the pinnacle of T20 batting.
What’s particularly exciting is the global nature of these achievements. While traditional powerhouses like Australia and India are well-represented, we’re seeing incredible performances from players representing nations like Estonia, Nepal, and Hungary. This demonstrates the truly global appeal of T20 cricket and hints at an exciting future for the sport.
As T20 cricket continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more breathtaking innings and perhaps new records set. The combination of improved fitness, innovative shot-making, and fearless approach means that no total is safe in the modern game. Whether in international matches or domestic leagues like the IPL, T20 cricket promises to keep delivering spectacular individual performances that captivate fans around the world.
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