Over the years, we have seen several batsmen produce remarkable performances in T20 cricket. While no batsman has ever scored 200 in the format, which is practically impossible, several batsmen have scored multiple centuries in the shortest format of the game.
The record for the highest individual score in T20s is held by none other than the Universe Boss, Chris Gayle, who scored an unbeaten 175 in the Indian Premier League 2013.Â
From the towering sixes of Chris Gayle to the audacious strokeplay of Aaron Finch, the list is adorned with names from over the world.
Top 10 Highest Individual Score in T20 Cricket
| Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR | Team | Opposition | Ground | Year |
| Chris Gayle | 175* | 66 | 13 | 17 | 265.15 | RCB | v Warriors | Bengaluru | 2013 |
| Aaron Finch | 172 | 76 | 16 | 10 | 226.31 | Australia | v Zimbabwe | Harare | 2018 |
| Hamilton Masakadza | 162* | 71 | 14 | 11 | 228.16 | Mountaineers | v Eagles | Bulawayo | 2016 |
| Hazratullah Zazai | 162* | 62 | 11 | 16 | 261.29 | Afghanistan | v Ireland | Dehradun | 2019 |
| David Brevis | 162 | 57 | 13 | 13 | 284.21 | Titans | v Knights | Potchefstroom | 2022 |
| Adam Lyth | 161 | 73 | 20 | 7 | 220.54 | Yorkshire | v Northants | Leeds | 2017 |
| Brendon McCullum | 158* | 73 | 10 | 13 | 216.43 | KKR | v RCB | Bengaluru | 2008 |
| Brendon McCullum | 158* | 64 | 13 | 11 | 246.87 | Warwickshire | v Derbyshire | Birmingham | 2015 |
| Aaron Finch | 156 | 63 | 11 | 14 | 247.61 | Australia | v England | Southampton | 2013 |
| Glenn Maxwell | 154* | 64 | 22 | 4 | 240.62 | Stars | v Hurricanes | Melbourne | 2022 |
1. Chris Gayle – 175 (RCB vs. Pune Warriors, 23 Apr 2013)
In a breathtaking display of power hitting, Chris Gayle rewrote the record books with his unbeaten knock of 175 runs off just 66 balls for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Pune Warriors in the 2013 edition of the Indian Premier League.
Gayle’s innings was nothing short of sensational, smashing 13 fours and a staggering 17 sixes, propelling his team to a mammoth total. This is the highest individual score in T20s. His strike rate of 265 displayed his sheer dominance and left the opposition in awe. Gayle’s innings remains etched in cricketing folklore as one of the most memorable T20 performances of all time.
Read More: Highest Individual Score in IPL
2. Aaron Finch – 172 (Australia vs. Zimbabwe, 3 Jul 2018)
Aaron Finch’s blistering innings of 172 runs off 76 balls against Zimbabwe in Harare is the highest individual score in T20. Leading from the front, Finch orchestrated a batting masterclass, comprising 16 fours and 10 sixes, at a staggering strike rate of 226.31.
His innings displayed exemplary timing and power, solidifying his reputation as a formidable batsman in the shortest format of the game. Finch’s record-breaking knock propelled Australia to a total of 229 runs in reply to which Zimbabwe could manage just 129.Â
3. Hamilton Masakadza – 162 (Mountaineers vs. Eagles, 11 Feb 2016)
Hamilton Masakadza’s unbeaten innings of 162 runs off 71 balls for Mountaineers against Eagles reflected his ability to single-handedly dismantle opposition bowling line-ups.
Masakadza’s innings, which included 14 fours and 11 sixes, was a masterclass in controlled aggression, as he effortlessly sent the ball to all parts of the ground. His remarkable strike rate of 228.16 reflected his ability to go for the big shots. The Mountaineers scored 242 in 20 overs, in reply to which the Eagles managed only 107.Â
4. Hazratullah Zazai – 162 (Afghanistan vs. Ireland, 23 Feb 2019)
Hazratullah Zazai’s explosive innings of 162 runs off 62 balls for Afghanistan against Ireland in Dehradun is one of the best knocks seen in T20. Zazai’s innings, embellished with 11 fours and an astonishing 16 sixes, left the crowd in awe of his power-hitting.
With a blistering strike rate of 261.29, Zazai demonstrated his ability to decimate bowling attacks with ease and helped Afghanistan win the match by 84 runs after successfully defending 279.Â
Suggested Read: Highest Individual Score in ODI
5. Darren Brevis – 162 (Titans vs. Knights, 31 Oct 2022)
Darren Brevis’ explosive innings of 162 runs off just 57 balls for Titans against Knights occupies the fifth spot in this list. Brevis’ innings was laced by 13 fours and 13 sixes.
With a staggering strike rate of 284.21, Brevis stamped his authority on the game, guiding his team to a formidable total and leaving the opposition hapless in their pursuit. Chasing 272 to win, the Knights fell short of the target by 41 runs.Â
6. Adam Lyth – 161 (Yorkshire vs. Northants, 17 Aug 2017)
Adam Lyth’s majestic innings of 161 runs off 73 balls for Yorkshire against Northants was a display of elegance and power. Lyth’s innings, embellished with 20 fours and 7 sixes, came at a formidable strike rate of 220.54.
His knock propelled Yorkshire to a total of 260/4 in 20 overs, chasing which Northamptonshire were bowled out for just 136.Â
7. Brendon McCullum – 158 (KKR vs. RCB, 18 Apr 2008)
Brendon McCullum’s explosive innings of 158* runs off 73 balls for Kolkata Knight Riders against Royal Challengers Bangalore in the inaugural match of the IPL set the stage on fire. McCullum’s innings, comprising 10 fours and 13 sixes, was the first-ever century in the IPL.
With a staggering strike rate of 216.43, McCullum captivated the audience with his audacious strokeplay, laying the foundation for a memorable victory.
Suggested Read: 10 Players with Most Runs in T20 Cricket
8. Brendon McCullum – 158 (Warwickshire vs. Derbyshire, 3 Jul 2015)
Brendon McCullum finds himself on the list again with his scintillating innings of 158* runs off 64 balls for Warwickshire against Derbyshire in 2015. McCullum’s innings, adorned with 13 fours and 11 sixes, came at a strike rate of 246.87. Thanks to McCullum’s knock, Warwickshire posted a total of 242, in reply to which Derbyshire were bowled out for 182.
9. Aaron Finch – 156 (Australia vs. England, 29 Aug 2013)
Aaron Finch’s explosive innings of 156 runs off 63 balls for Australia against England in Southampton is ninth on the list. Finch’s innings, comprising 11 fours and 14 sixes, came at strike rate of 247.61. Finch led from the front, orchestrating a batting masterclass that left the opposition reeling and eventually falling short of the target of 284 by 39 runs.
10. Glenn Maxwell – 154 (Stars vs. Hurricanes, 19 Jan 2022)
Glenn Maxwell’s sublime innings of 154* runs off 64 balls for Melbourne Stars against Hobart Hurricanes in the 2022 edition of the Big Bash League occupies the 10th spot in this list. Maxwell’s innings, adorned with 22 fours and 4 sixes, came at strike rate of 240.62. With the help of Maxwell’s knock, the Stars posted a total of 273/2 in their 20 overs, before successfully defending it.
Further Read: Fastest 50 in T20 Cricket History
Conclusion
In conclusion, the highest individual scores in T20 cricket show some remarkable batting performances. Chris Gayle’s unbeaten 175 stands out as the top score. Other notable performances include Aaron Finch’s 172 and Hamilton Masakadza’s 162*.
These scores highlight the ability of these players to dominate in a format that demands quick scoring and strategic play. Each player on this list has made a significant impact in their respective matches, contributing to the exciting and dynamic nature of T20 cricket.
T20 cricket has been a great addition to cricket and it also gives fans plenty of opportunities to pick their own sides and take part in fantasy cricket. Download WinZO Fantasy app and get in on the action.
