The dynamic nature of T20 cricket often produces explosive starts where teams aim to maximize their power play and put pressure on the opposition. Over the years, several teams have set new benchmarks for powerplay scoring, pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved in the top six. From calculated risks to aggression, these innings defined some of the most memorable moments in T20I cricket. Recently, Australia recorded a breathtaking record in the first T20I against Scotland.
Australia is setting a new benchmark
A masterclass in powerplay batting was held at the Grange Cricket Club in Edinburgh, Australia. After Scotland posted a competitive total of 154/9 in 20 overs, the visitors chased it down at 156/3 in just 9.4 overs.
Australian stars Head of Travis He was an outstanding performer with a brilliant knock of 80 runs off just 25 balls including 12 fours and 5 sixes. Australia’s aggression in the powerplay was unparalleled as they scored a remarkable 113 runs in the top six to set a new record for the highest powerplay score in T20I cricket. That explosive start laid the foundation for a comfortable victory and underlined Australia’s dominance in the shortest format of the game.
Also READ: Highest power play in T20I history: Travis Head steers Australia to quick win over Scotland in series opener
Top 7 highest powerplay scores in T20Is
1) Australia (113 runs v Scotland, 2024): Australia’s explosive start against Scotland set a new record for the highest powerplay score in T20Is, with aggressive batting taking them to a mammoth total in just six overs. Head was the star of the show as he scored 73 off 22 balls during the powerplay.
2) South Africa (102 runs v West Indies, 2023): South Africa’s dominant batting performance against the West Indies highlighted their ability to control the powerplay and gave them a high-scoring start that set the tone for the entire innings. Quinton de Kock He was instrumental in this explosive display, smashing 64 off just 24 balls during the powerplay.
3) West Indies (98 runs vs Sri Lanka, 2021): West Indies’ strong batting display against Sri Lanka highlighted their aggressive style of cricket as they relentlessly found the boundary to post a huge powerplay score. Kieron Pollard He was instrumental in the effort, scoring 38 runs off just 10 balls, including six consecutive sixes off Akila Dananjaya.
4) Ireland (93 runs vs West Indies, 2020): Ireland stunned many with their aggressive approach against the West Indies, winning a high-scoring power play that laid a solid foundation for the rest of the match. In the first T20I, Ireland scored 93 runs in the first six overs. Paul Stirling leads the way, cracking 67 off just 25 balls during the power play.
5) West Indies (92 runs vs Afghanistan, 2024): In the 40th match of T20 World Cup 2024, West Indies put up an impressive show against Afghanistan. Seizing the loose deliveries with aggressive batting, the Caribbean side scored 92 runs in the first six overs. Nicholas Pooran 36 off 13 balls crushing and Johnson Charles adding 35 off 19 balls during an explosive start.
6) Australia (91 runs vs New Zealand, 2018): Australia’s commanding start against New Zealand in the fifth T20I of the 2018 Trans-Tasman series highlighted their aggressive approach and resulted in a strong power play against high-quality opposition. D’Arcy Short He led the attack with 38 off 20 balls David Warner contributed a quick fire 39 off just 16 deliveries during the powerplay.
7) Netherlands (91 runs vs Ireland, 2021): In the match between Ireland and Netherlands in Group B of the 2014 T20 World Championship, the Dutch team made history with their performance. They won the first 6 overs with a score of 91/1 and took complete control of the match. Stephen Myburgh Was instrumental in blasting 57 off 21 balls including 4 fours and 6 sixes.
