List of Highest T20 Scores: Totals in Cricket’s Shortest Format

The excitement and popularity of cricket have skyrocketed in recent decades, with Twenty20 (T20) cricket leading the charge. This shorter format, lasting only 20 overs per innings, is often dominated by aggressive batting displays, with towering sixes and swift boundaries keeping fans on the edge of their seats. In this article, we delve into the highest team scores in T20 cricket, showcasing the record-breaking performances from teams worldwide.

A New Record: Zimbabwe’s Highest T20 Score

Zimbabwe currently holds the record for the highest T20 score. They set this milestone with a colossal 344/4 against Gambia during a group game at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub Regional Africa Qualifier 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya. This record-breaking innings was led by captain Sikandar Raza, who scored an unbeaten 133 off 43 balls, propelling Zimbabwe to set a new benchmark in T20 internationals (T20I).

Key Highlights of Zimbabwe’s Record-Breaking Innings

• Score: 344/4
• Opponent: Gambia
• Date: October 23, 2024
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Star Performer: Sikandar Raza – 133 runs off 43 balls

Zimbabwe’s achievement shattered the previous highest T20 score held by Nepal, who scored 314/3 against Mongolia during the Asian Games 2023.

A Look Back: Nepal’s Historic 314/3 Against Mongolia

Before Zimbabwe’s feat, Nepal held the record with a total of 314/3 against Mongolia at the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, China. Nepal’s innings saw some record-breaking individual performances:

• Kushal Malla scored a 34-ball century, setting the record for the fastest T20I century.
• Dipendra Singh Airee scored a lightning-quick 50 off just nine balls, marking the fastest 50 in T20 cricket.

Nepal’s dominant performance led to a massive 273-run win, the biggest margin of victory in T20 cricket by runs, as Mongolia was bowled out for just 41 runs.

Other High Scores in T20 Cricket History

The list of highest team scores in T20 cricket includes several record-breaking performances by various teams, both international and domestic. Here are some of the notable achievements:

India’s Highest T20 Score by a Full-Member Team

Before Zimbabwe’s record-breaking performance, India held the record for the highest T20 score by a full-member team. India scored 297/6 against Bangladesh on October 12, 2024. Sanju Samson led the charge with a 40-ball century, guiding India to a massive total and a victory margin of 133 runs.

Afghanistan and Czechia’s Joint Record

In 2019, Afghanistan scored 278/3 against Ireland, with Hazratullah Zazai scoring a remarkable 162 off 62 balls. Soon after, Czechia matched this score of 278/4 against Turkey, with Sudesh Wickramasekara leading with a rapid 104 off 36 balls.

Record-Setting Scores in Non-International T20 Matches

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s 287/3 in IPL 2024

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) achieved the highest score in non-international T20 cricket with a staggering 287/3 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) during the IPL 2024 season. Travis Head scored 102 off 41 balls, and Heinrich Klaasen added a powerful half-century to help SRH set the record for the highest team score in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

List of Top Non-International T20 Scores

Notable Individual Performances in High-Scoring Games

Many of these high-scoring games have witnessed record-breaking individual achievements:

• Hazratullah Zazai scored an unbeaten 162 in Afghanistan’s record 278/3.
• Kushal Malla’s 34-ball century for Nepal and Dipendra Singh Airee’s 9-ball 50 were standout performances during their 314/3 innings against Mongolia.
• Travis Head and Heinrich Klaasen contributed to SRH’s IPL record of 287/3 with quickfire knocks.