T20 cricket is known for its explosive batting, high-scoring matches, and record-breaking performances. Over the years, teams have pushed the limits, setting massive totals in both international and domestic leagues like the IPL, BBL, and T20 Blast. Power-hitters like Chris Gayle, Hazratullah Zazai, and Glenn Maxwell have delivered breathtaking innings, helping their teams reach historic milestones.
From Afghanistan’s 278/3 against Ireland to RCB’s iconic 263/5 in the IPL, these matches have showcased incredible stroke play and relentless hitting. As the game continues to evolve, teams are finding new ways to dominate, thrilling fans with unprecedented totals. In this article, we explore the top 10 highest team scores in T20 history and the unforgettable moments behind them.
Highest Team Scores in T20 Internationals
1.Afghanistan vs Ireland – Record-Breaking T20I (23 February 2019, Dehradun)
Afghanistan set the highest-ever T20I total of 278/3 against Ireland, led by Hazratullah Zazai’s explosive 162 off 62 balls* with 16 sixes. His record 236-run opening stand with Usman Ghani (73 off 48) powered Afghanistan to an unforgettable total.
Ireland fought back with Paul Stirling (91 off 50) and Kevin O’Brien (74 off 47), but Rashid Khan’s 4/25 restricted them to 194/6, giving Afghanistan a dominant 84-run victory.
Match Summary
| Team | Score | Overs | Top Scorer (Runs) | Best Bowler (Wickets) | Result |
| Afghanistan | 278/3 | 20 | Hazratullah Zazai (162*) | Joshua Little (1/42) | Won by 84 runs |
| Ireland | 194/6 | 20 | Paul Stirling (91) | Rashid Khan (4/25) |
Player of the Match: Hazratullah Zazai (162* off 62)
This match remains a landmark in T20 cricket history, showcasing Afghanistan’s explosive batting and bowling dominance.
2.Czech Republic vs Turkey – Record-Equalling T20I (30 August 2019, Ilfov County, Romania)
The Czech Republic matched Afghanistan’s T20I record total of 278, scoring 278/4 against Turkey in an explosive batting display. Sudesh Wickramasekara starred with an unbeaten 104 off just 36 balls*, striking at an incredible 288.88, while his teammates provided solid support.
Turkey struggled in the chase, collapsing for just 21 runs in 8.3 overs, handing the Czech Republic a massive 257-run victory, the largest margin of victory in T20I history.
Match Summary
| Team | Score | Overs | Top Scorer (Runs) | Best Bowler (Wickets) | Result |
| Czech Republic | 278/4 | 20 | Sudesh Wickramasekara (104*) | Tunahan Turan (2/36) | Won by 257 runs |
| Turkey | 21/10 | 8.3 | Mehmet Sert (12) | Edward Knowles (4/6) |
Player of the Match: Sudesh Wickramasekara (104* off 36)
This match remains historic for both the record-equalling total and the largest-ever T20I victory margin.
3.Australia vs Sri Lanka – Maxwell’s Record-Breaking Knock (6 September 2016, Pallekele)
Australia smashed 263/3 against Sri Lanka, recording one of the highest T20I totals. Glenn Maxwell stole the show with a stunning 145 off 65 balls*, breaking the record for the highest individual T20I score at the time. His explosive hitting included 14 fours and 9 sixes, propelling Australia to a massive total.
Sri Lanka’s chase never gained momentum, as they managed 178/9 in 20 overs, with Sachithra Senanayake (27)* top-scoring. Scott Boland (3/26) and Mitchell Starc (3/26) led Australia’s bowling attack, securing a 85-run victory.
Match Summary
| Team | Score | Overs | Top Scorer (Runs) | Best Bowler (Wickets) | Result |
| Australia | 263/3 | 20 | Glenn Maxwell (145*) | Kasun Rajitha (1/45) | Won by 85 runs |
| Sri Lanka | 178/9 | 20 | Sachithra Senanayake (27*) | Scott Boland (3/26) |
Player of the Match: Glenn Maxwell (145* off 65)
This match remains unforgettable for Maxwell’s record-breaking knock and Australia’s dominant performance.
4.Sri Lanka vs Kenya – Dominant Display in T20 World Cup (14 September 2007, Johannesburg)
During the inaugural T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka demolished Kenya by posting 260/6, one of the highest T20I totals. Sanath Jayasuriya (88 off 44) and Mahela Jayawardene (65 off 27) led the charge with aggressive stroke play, propelling Sri Lanka to an unassailable total.
Kenya’s batting collapsed under pressure, getting bowled out for just 88 in 19.3 overs. Chaminda Vaas (2/14) and Tillakaratne Dilshan (2/11) led Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, securing a crushing 172-run victory, one of the biggest winning margins in T20I history.
Match Summary
| Team | Score | Overs | Top Scorer (Runs) | Best Bowler (Wickets) | Result |
| Sri Lanka | 260/6 | 20 | Sanath Jayasuriya (88) | Thomas Odoyo (2/49) | Won by 172 runs |
| Kenya | 88/10 | 19.3 | Collins Obuya (18) | Tillakaratne Dilshan (2/11) |
Player of the Match: Sanath Jayasuriya (88 off 44)
This match remains historic for Sri Lanka’s batting onslaught and one of the biggest victories in T20I history.
5. India – 277/3 vs Afghanistan (17 January 2024, Bengaluru, India)
On 17 January 2024, during the 3rd T20I at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, India posted a formidable total of 212/4 against Afghanistan. Captain Rohit Sharma delivered a stellar performance, scoring an unbeaten 121 runs off 69 balls, including 11 fours and 8 sixes. He was ably supported by Rinku Singh, who contributed a quickfire 69 off 39 balls*, featuring 2 fours and 6 sixes.
In response, Afghanistan matched India’s total, scoring 212/6 in their 20 overs. Notable contributions came from Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, each scoring 50 runs, while Gulbadin Naib added an explosive 55 off 23 balls*, with 4 fours and 4 sixes.
The match proceeded to a Super Over, which also ended in a tie. In the subsequent second Super Over, India emerged victorious, clinching the series with a clean sweep.
Match Summary:
| Team | Score | Overs | Top Scorer (Runs) | Best Bowler (Wickets) | Result |
| India | 212/4 | 20 | Rohit Sharma (121*) | Fareed Ahmad (3/20) | Match tied; India won in the second Super Over |
| Afghanistan | 212/6 | 20 | Gulbadin Naib (55*) | Washington Sundar (3/18) |
Player of the Match: Rohit Sharma (121* off 69)
This thrilling encounter showcased exceptional performances from both teams, culminating in a rare double Super Over finish.
Highest Team Scores in T20 Leagues
6. Kolkata Knight Riders – 273/7 vs Kings XI Punjab (12 April 2023, Eden Gardens, India)
KKR set the IPL record with 273/7. Sunil Narine’s explosive 112* off 51 balls powered them to this total.
7. Royal Challengers Bangalore – 263/5 vs Pune Warriors (23 April 2013, Bengaluru, India)
Chris Gayle’s unforgettable 175* off 66 balls helped RCB achieve this stunning total, including 17 sixes.
8. Melbourne Stars – 273/2 vs Hobart Hurricanes (19 January 2022, MCG, Australia)
BBL witnessed one of its highest totals when the Melbourne Stars smashed 273/2, with Marcus Stoinis scoring a remarkable 147*.
9. Rajasthan Royals – 265/6 vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (9 May 2023, Jaipur, India)
Jos Buttler’s century and Sanju Samson’s fireworks helped RR register a record-breaking 265/6.
10. Titans – 271/5 vs Knights (18 October 2022, South Africa Domestic T20 Challenge)
Titans posted 271/5 in a South African T20 match, thanks to a sensational hundred by Dewald Brevis.
Conclusion
T20 cricket keeps evolving with record-breaking scores and explosive batting displays. As teams adopt aggressive strategies, power-hitting, and innovative stroke play, the boundaries of the game continue to expand. With new talent emerging and fearless cricket on the rise, more milestones are set to be rewritten. Stay tuned for more electrifying T20 action and unforgettable moments in the future
Read more: Top 10 Best Openers in the World (Cricket History)
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