Highest individual score in T20 World Cup

The T20 World Cup, first played in 2007, has seen some of the most explosive batting performances in cricket history. The list of the highest individual scores in the tournament is headed by Brendon McCullum, whose remarkable 123 against Bangladesh in 2012 remains unmatched. 

We could see changes to this list at the end of the 2024 T20 World Cup, which is set to begin on June 2. Ahead of the mega ICC event, take a look at the top 10 highest individual scores in the T20 World Cup. 

Brendon McCullum 

In the T20 World Cup 2012, Brendon McCullum delivered an unforgettable innings in Pallekele, Sri Lanka. Facing Bangladesh, McCullum hammered an explosive 123 runs off 58 balls, featuring 11 fours and 7 sixes. This assault helped New Zealand post a formidable total of 191/3. Bangladesh, in response, could only manage 132/8, giving New Zealand a convincing 59-run victory. McCullum’s performance remains the highest individual score in T20 World Cup history.

Chris Gayle

Chris Gayle's 117-run blitz against South Africa came in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007.  Playing in Johannesburg, Gayle's innings included 7 fours and 10 towering sixes from 57 balls, maintaining a strike rate of 205.26. His powerful hitting helped West Indies reach 205/6. Despite Gayle's heroics, South Africa chased down the target with ease, scoring 208/2 in 17.4 overs, thanks to Herschelle Gibbs' unbeaten 90 off 55 balls, marking one of the few instances where such a high individual score did not lead to a team victory.

Alex Hales

Alex Hales’ unbeaten 116 against Sri Lanka in the 2014 T20 World Cup is the highest individual score by an England batsman in the tournament. Chasing 190, England found themselves struggling at 0/2. Hales, however, anchored the innings with a scintillating knock that included 11 fours and 6 sixes off 64 balls. His efforts ensured England chased down the target with four balls to spare, securing a six-wicket win. Hales’ ability to stay calm and build his innings under pressure was instrumental in England’s successful chase.

Ahmed Shehzad

Ahmed Shehzad’s unbeaten 111 against Bangladesh in 2014 came in Mirpur. Opening the batting for Pakistan, Shehzad faced 62 balls, striking 10 fours and 5 sixes, guiding his team to a total of 190/5. Bangladesh, in reply, was restricted to 140/7, giving Pakistan a comfortable 50-run win. Shehzad is the only Pakistan batsman on the list of the top 10 highest individual scores in the T20 World Cup. 

Rilee Rossouw

Rilee Rossouw’s 109 off 56 balls against Bangladesh came in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Sydney. Rossouw’s innings, featuring 7 fours and 8 sixes, propelled South Africa to a daunting 205/5. Bangladesh struggled in their chase, collapsing to 101 all out in 16.3 overs, handing South Africa a massive 104-run victory. Rossouw’s aggressive batting at a strike rate of 194.64 highlighted his capability to turn the game around single-handedly.

Glenn Phillips

Sydney witnessed another spectacular knock in the 2022 T20 World Cup when Glenn Phillips scored 104 against Sri Lanka. His 64-ball innings included 10 fours and 4 sixes, lifting New Zealand to e total of 167/7. At one point, it looked like New Zealand would go on to lose the match – openers Finn Allen and Devon Conway scored a run each, while captain Kane Williamson departed for 8 runs. However, Phillips’ knock stabilised the ship. Sri Lanka’s chase faltered as they were bowled out for 102 in 19.2 overs, giving New Zealand a resounding 65-run win. Trent Boult was the wrecker-in-chief with 4 wickets. 

Tamim Iqbal

Tamim Iqbal’s unbeaten 103 against Oman came in the 2016 T20 World held in India. Facing 63 balls, Tamim struck 10 fours and 5 sixes to lead Bangladesh to a score of 180/2 in Dharamshala. Sabbir Rahman (44 off 26) also contributed significantly. Oman, in response, was bowled out for 65 in 16 overs, giving Bangladesh a dominant 145-run win. Shakib Al Hasan delivered a memorable performance with the ball, picking up 4 wickets for 15 runs in 3 overs. 

Jos Buttler

Jos Buttler delivered one of his finest T20I performances in the 2021 T20 World Cup. Batting in Sharjah against Sri Lanka, Buttler scored 101 not out in 67 balls with the help of 6 fours and 6 sixes, leading England to a competitive total of 163/4. Sri Lanka, in reply, was bowled out for 137, giving England a 26-run victory. Buttler, with 269 runs in 6 matches at a strike rate of 151.12, was England's best batsmen in the 2021 T20 World Cup. 

Suresh Raina

The only Indian on the list is Suresh Raina, who scored 101 against South Africa in the 2010 T20 World Cup. Raina’s innings off 60 balls, featuring 9 fours and 5 sixes, helped India post 186/5. South Africa’s chase ended at 172/5, giving India a 14-run win. Raina was India's highest run-scorer in the 2010 T20 World Cup, with 219 runs in 5 matches at an average of 43.80 and a strike rate of 146. 

Chris Gayle 

Gayle features on the list once again with his 100 not out against England in the 2016 T20 World Cup. Batting at Mumbai's Wankhede stadium, Gayle blasted 5 fours and 11 sixes, taking West Indies over the line in 18.1 overs. His strike rate of 208.33 ensured a comprehensive six-wicket win for the Windies, who went on to win their second T20 World Cup title that year. Gayle’s innings was a mix of brute force and clever shot selection, reinforcing his reputation as a T20 legend.