In the fast-paced world of T20 cricket, nothing quite ignites the excitement like a record-breaking run chase. From Jonny Bairstow’s blistering knocks to Rilee Rossouw’s explosive innings, the highest run chases in T20 cricket have seen some remarkable individual performances.
The record for the highest run chase in T20 international cricket currently belongs to South Africa. Facing West Indies, South Africa successfully chased down a daunting target of 259 runs, securing a memorable victory with four wickets in hand.
In this article, check out a list of the highest chases in the game’s shortest format.
List of Highest Run Chase in T20 Cricket
| Team | Score | Overs | Opposition | Ground | Match Date |
| Punjab Kings | 262/2 | 18.4 | v Kolkata Knight Riders | Eden Gardens | 26 Apr 2024 |
| South Africa | 259/4 | 18.5 | v West Indies | Centurion | 26 Mar 2023 |
| Middlesex | 254/3 | 19.2 | v Surrey | The Oval | 22 Jun 2023 |
| Bulgaria | 246/4 | 19.4 | v Serbia | Sofia | 26 Jun 2022 |
| Australia | 245/5 | 18.5 | v New Zealand | Auckland | 16 Feb 2018 |
| Multan Sultans | 244/6 | 19.1 | v Peshawar Zalmi | Rawalpindi | 10 Mar 2023 |
| Gladiators | 243/2 | 18.2 | v Zalmi | Rawalpindi | 8 Mar 2023 |
| Patriots | 242/6 | 18.5 | v Tallawahs | Basseterre | 10 Sep 2019 |
| West Indies | 236/6 | 19.2 | v South Africa | Johannesburg | 11 Jan 2015 |
| Islamabad United | 232/7 | 20 | v Multan Sultans | Rawalpindi | 10 Mar 2024 |
1. Punjab Kings – 262
In an electrifying match against Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024, Punjab Kings orchestrated a historic run-chase, surmounting a daunting target of 262 runs with stunning ease, clinching a resounding eight-wicket victory.
Jonny Bairstow, leading the charge with an explosive innings of 108 runs off a mere 48 deliveries, remained unbeaten, embellishing his performance with eight boundaries and nine colossal sixes. Bairstow’s fireworks provided the pivotal momentum for Punjab Kings, complemented by Prabhsimran Singh’s pivotal contribution of 54 runs off just 20 balls. This marked the highest successful run-chase in T20 history.
Read More: God of T20 Cricket in India
2. South Africa – 259-4
In March 2023, South Africa achieved a historic milestone by executing a huge successful chase, reaching 259-4 to secure a remarkable six-wicket victory over West Indies in the highest run chase in T20 international. West Indies, batting first in the second match of the series, posted a formidable total of 258-5.
However, South Africa chased down the imposing target with seven balls to spare, propelled by a scintillating century from Quinton de Kock, who smashed 100 runs off just 44 balls. Partnered by Reeza Hendricks, whose aggressive 68 off 28 deliveries bolstered the chase, the duo’s formidable 152-run partnership for the opening wicket set the stage for South Africa’s historic pursuit.
3. Middlesex – 254/3
In June 2023, Middlesex etched their name in the T20 Blast history books by achieving the highest successful run chase to clinch a thrilling seven-wicket victory over Surrey in a pulsating London derby at the Kia Oval.
Surrey set a formidable target of 252-7 in their allotted 20 overs, propelled by impressive performances from Will Jacks, who blazed his way to 96 runs off just 45 balls, and Laurie Evans, who contributed a quickfire 85 off 37 deliveries, establishing a formidable opening partnership of 177 runs in 12.4 overs. In response, Middlesex showcased remarkable resilience as Stephen Eskinazi’s gritty 73 and Max Holden’s unbeaten 68 provided crucial impetus to the chase.
Suggested Read: 10 Players with Most Runs in T20 Cricket
4. Bulgaria – 246/4
In the 4th T20I of the Sofia Twenty20 2022, Bulgaria defeated Serbia by 6 wickets in a record run chase. Serbia batted first, scoring 242/4 in 20 overs, with Adrian Dunbar top-scoring at 117 off 50 balls.
Bulgaria chased down the target in 19.4 overs, scoring 246/4. Key performances included Saim Hussain’s 71 off 24 balls and Kevin D’Souza’s 66 off 27 balls. For Serbia, Vukasin Zimonjic, Matija Sarenac, and Wintley Burton each took a wicket, but it wasn’t enough to stop Bulgaria from winning.
5. Australia – 245/5
In the 5th T20I of the Trans-Tasman series on February 16, 2018, Australia chased down a massive target set by New Zealand to win by 5 wickets. New Zealand posted 243/6 in their 20 overs, with Martin Guptill scoring 105 off 54 balls and Colin Munro adding 76 off 33. In response, Australia reached 245/5 in 18.5 overs. Key contributions came from David Warner (59 off 24), D’Arcy Short (76 off 44), and Glenn Maxwell (31 off 14).
Suggested Read: Cricket Records That May Never Be Broken
6. Multan Sultans – 244-6
In March 2023, Multan Sultans secured their berth in the PSL playoffs with a groundbreaking victory over Peshawar Zalmi. Peshawar Zalmi, batting first, amassed a formidable total of 242-6, which the Sultans successfully chased down with four wickets in hand.
Rilee Rossouw emerged as the hero of the chase, blazing his way to the fastest century in PSL history, eclipsing his own record, achieving the feat in just 41 deliveries. Rossouw’s explosive innings of 121 runs, embellished with eight towering sixes, proved pivotal in steering the Sultans towards victory, aided by a crucial 99-run partnership with Kieron Pollard, who contributed 52 runs to the cause.
7. Quetta Gladiators – 243/2
In the 25th match of the PSL 2022-23, Peshawar Zalmi scored 240/2 in their 20 overs, with Babar Azam hitting 115 off 65 balls and Saim Ayub contributing 74 off 34 balls. Despite their high score, Quetta Gladiators chased it down successfully, reaching 243/2 in 18.2 overs.
Jason Roy was the star for Quetta with an unbeaten 145 off 63 balls, while Mohammad Hafeez added 41 off 18 balls. The match featured a flurry of boundaries and an impressive chase by the Gladiators.
8. St Kitts and Nevis Patriots – 242/6
In the 7th match of the Caribbean Premier League 2019, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots achieved a record chase, defeating Jamaica Tallawahs by four wickets. Jamaica Tallawahs set a formidable target of 241/4, thanks to Chris Gayle’s 116 off 62 balls.
In response, the Patriots chased down the target in 18.5 overs, scoring 242/6. Evin Lewis led the charge with a blistering 53 off 18 balls, while Fabian Allen and Shamarh Brooks contributed crucial runs to seal the victory.
Suggested Read: 10 Highest Individual Score in T20 Cricket
9. West Indies – 236/6
In the 2nd T20I between South Africa and the West Indies on January 11, 2015, the West Indies pulled off a record-breaking chase to win by four wickets. South Africa set a daunting target of 231/7, led by Faf du Plessis’s stunning 119 off 56 balls.
In response, Chris Gayle’s explosive 90 off 41 balls and Marlon Samuels’ 60 off 39 balls powered the West Indies to 236/6 in 19.2 overs, achieving the highest successful chase in T20I history at the time. The match featured numerous records and high scores, making it an unforgettable encounter.
10. Islamabad United – 232-7
In the 27th match of the PSL 2023-24, Islamabad United defeated Multan Sultans by three wickets, chasing down a target of 229 off the last ball. Multan Sultans, led by Usman Khan’s 112 off 58 balls, posted 228/4. Islamabad’s chase was powered by Colin Munro’s 84 off 40 balls and Shadab Khan’s 54 off 31 balls.
Despite losing early wickets, Islamabad’s middle-order heroics, especially Imad Wasim’s 30 off 13 balls, ensured their victory and secured a playoff spot.
Further Read: Fastest Centuries in T20 Cricket
Such high-scoring contests have always been excellent for fantasy cricket players since batters race ahead and dominate bowlers. Get in on the WinZO Fantasy Cricket app, select your best picks and win big.
FAQs about Highest Run Chase in T20 Cricket
Q) Who holds the record for the highest successful run chase in T20 international cricket?
A) South Africa currently holds the record for the highest successful run chase in T20 cricket, achieving a monumental chase of 259 runs against West Indies in March 2023.
Q) What is the highest run chase in T20 cricket?
A) Punjab Kings’ remarkable run chase against Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024, where they successfully chased down a daunting target of 262 runs with ease, led by Jonny Bairstow’s explosive century.
Q) What is the highest run chase in the PSL?
A) What is the highest run chase in the PSL? The highest run chase in the PSL was achieved by Multan Sultans in March 2023. They successfully chased down a target of 243 runs against Peshawar Zalmi, securing a memorable victory with four wickets in hand, thanks to Rilee Rossouw’s explosive century.
