T20 cricket is one of the most exciting formats of the game, packed with high scores and thrilling finishes. Among its many thrills, nothing captivates fans more than a team successfully chasing a massive target. In this article, we dig into the top ten highest run chase in T20 cricket history.
From record-breaking international matches to breathtaking league games, these chases remind us that no target is out of reach in this electrifying format.
Top 10 Highest Run Chase In T20 History
Here is a list of the highest run chase in T20 cricket. Then, we’ll look closely at each match to understand how the matches turned out.
| Team | Score | Result | Opposition | Ground | Match Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 259/4 | Won | West Indies | Centurion | 26 Mar 2023 |
| Bulgaria | 246/4 | Won | Serbia | Sofia | 26 Jun 2022 |
| Australia | 245/5 | Won | New Zealand | Auckland | 16 Feb 2018 |
| West Indies | 236/6 | Won | South Africa | Johannesburg | 11 Jan 2015 |
| England | 230/8 | Won | South Africa | Wankhede | 18 Mar 2016 |
| Bulgaria | 229/4 | Won | Serbia | Sofia | 24 June 2022 |
| England | 226/5 | Won | South Africa | Centurion | 16 Feb 2020 |
| England | 226/3 | Won | West Indies | St George’s | 16 Dec 2023 |
| Australia | 225/5 | Won | India | Guwahati | 28 Nov 2023 |
| Singapore | 216/2 | Won | Japan | Bangkok | 11 Feb 2024 |
Detailed Analysis Of Each Score
Here are the detailed descriptions for all 10 matches of the highest successful run chases in T20 history:
1. South Africa’s Record Chase Against West Indies (2023)
On 26th March 2023, South Africa set a new benchmark in T20 cricket by chasing down 259 runs against West Indies at Centurion. The West Indies, powered by Johnson Charles’ blazing 118 off just 46 balls, posted a daunting 258/5.
In reply, Quinton de Kock led South Africa with a blistering 100 off 44 balls, smashing 8 sixes and 9 fours. Reeza Hendricks contributed a crucial 68 off 28, while Aiden Markram sealed the chase with an unbeaten 38 off 21.
2. Bulgaria’s 246/4 Against Serbia (2022)
Bulgaria stunned Serbia on 26th June 2022 by successfully chasing 246 in Sofia, marking one of the most impressive T20 chases. Serbia had set a commanding total of 245/4, with a breathtaking century from Leisley Dunbar, who scored 117 off 50 balls.
Bulgaria responded in style, with Saim Hussain playing a knock of 71 off 24 balls, laced with 13 sixes. He was ably supported by Kevin D’Souza who smashed 66 off 27 balls. Bulgaria clinched the victory with two balls to spare, ending on 246/4 in 19.4 overs.
3. Australia’s Thrilling Chase Against New Zealand (2018)
On 16th February 2018, Australia successfully chased down 245 runs against New Zealand at Eden Park, Auckland. New Zealand’s total of 243/6 was powered by Martin Guptill’s incredible 105 off 54 balls and Colin Munro’s fiery 76 off 33.
Australia’s David Warner set the tone with a quickfire 59 off 24 balls, while D’Arcy Short anchored the chase with a composed 76 off 44. Glenn Maxwell’s late surge with 31 off 14 ensured Australia completed the chase in just 18.5 overs, finishing at 245/5 to secure an exhilarating win.
4. West Indies’ Chase Against South Africa (2015)
The West Indies pulled off a thrilling chase of 236 against South Africa on 11th January 2015 in Johannesburg. South Africa had posted 231/7, driven by Faf du Plessis’ brilliant 119 off 56 balls.
Chris Gayle, in his signature style, smashed 90 off 41 balls, including 9 sixes. Marlon Samuels chipped in with a vital 60 off 39. The West Indies chased down the target with four balls to spare, finishing at 236/6 and reinforcing their reputation as power-hitters.
5. England’s Epic Chase Against South Africa (2016)
On 18th March 2016, England chased down 230 against South Africa in a memorable match at Wankhede during the T20 World Cup. South Africa’s innings was powered by Hashim Amla’s 58 off 31 and contributions from Quinton de Kock and JP Duminy.
England’s Jason Roy blasted 78 off 44 balls to give them a flying start, while Joe Root’s masterclass of 83 off 44 anchored the innings. Despite some late drama, England reached 230/8 in 19.4 overs, sealing a remarkable victory.
6. Bulgaria’s Second Chase Against Serbia (2022)
Bulgaria demonstrated their chasing prowess again on 24th June 2022 by successfully chasing 229 against Serbia in Sofia. Serbia posted 228/6, with Wintley Burton leading the charge with 83 off 27.
Bulgaria’s response was spearheaded by Kevin D’Souza, who smashed 92 off 34 balls. With contributions from the middle order, Bulgaria crossed the finish line in 19.3 overs, ending at 229/4.
7. England’s Chase Against South Africa (2020)
England chased down 226 against South Africa on 16th February 2020 at Centurion in another thrilling contest. South Africa had posted 222/6, thanks to Temba Bavuma’s 49 and Heinrich Klaasen’s 66 off 33.
England’s Jonny Bairstow smashed 64 off 34, and Eoin Morgan played a captain’s knock of 57 off 22 balls. Ben Stokes’s late flourish ensured England reached 226/5 in 19.1 overs to claim a sensational win.
8. England’s Chase Against West Indies (2023)
On 16th December 2023, England successfully chased 226 against West Indies in St George’s. West Indies had posted 225/5, with Nicholas Pooran scoring a brisk 82 off 45 balls.
England’s Phil Salt stole the show with an unbeaten 109 off 56 balls, ably supported by Jos Buttler’s 51 off 34. England completed the chase in 19.5 overs, finishing at 226/3 in a dominant display.
9. Australia’s Chase Against India (2023)
Australia achieved a thrilling chase of 225 against India on 28th November 2023 in Guwahati. India had posted 222/3, courtesy of a rapid 123 by Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Australia’s Glenn Maxwell anchored the chase with an unbeaten 104 supported by Mathew Wade’s 28. Australia clinched the victory on the last ball, finishing at 225/5 in a nail-biting finish.
10. West Indies’ Breathtaking Chase Against England (2024)
In a thrilling contest at Gros Islet, West Indies pulled off an incredible run chase against England, scoring 221/5 in just 19 overs. Lewis blazed to a 31-ball 68, smashing seven sixes and four boundaries. Shai Hope matched him with a scintillating 54 off just 24 balls.
England struck thrice in the same over, dismissing Lewis, Hope, and Nicholas Pooran in quick succession. Rovman Powell (38 off 23) steadied the chase with some clever hitting, while Sherfane Rutherford’s unbeaten 29 off 17 sealed the game with an over to spare.
Also Read:
Conclusion: South Africa Has The Record Of The Highest Run Chase In T20
T20 cricket is full of excitement, and these matches show why it is loved by fans all over the world. The biggest run chases in the game have given us thrilling moments, with players showing incredible skill and bravery under pressure.
Whether it’s a quick start by openers or a match-winning finish, every moment counts in a T20 game. These matches remind us that anything can happen in cricket, and that’s what makes it so special.
As the game grows, new records will surely be made. But for now, these amazing matches will be remembered as some of the best ever in T20 cricket history.
Leave a Comment