The evolution of the T20 format has significantly changed how cricket is played. Unlike traditional formats, T20 cricket pushes batters to be aggressive right from the beginning, with players looking to score quickly rather than playing conservatively at first. This is especially true during the initial six-over period, known as the powerplay, which allows only two fielders on the boundary, giving batters more freedom to score big. However, the conditions can sometimes turn this advantage into a challenge, as swing and seam movement can make runs difficult to come by in the powerplay overs. This article takes a closer look at both the highest and lowest powerplay scores in T20 Internationals.
Top 5 Highest Powerplay Scores in T20 Internationals
The powerplay overs can often see batters scoring explosively, leading to some record-breaking starts. Here are the top five highest powerplay scores in T20 internationals.
| S.No | Team | Opposition | Powerplay Score | Final Total | Year & Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | West Indies | 102/0 | 259/4 | 2023, Centurion |
| 2 | West Indies | Sri Lanka | 98/4 | 134/6 | 2021, Coolidge |
| 3 | Ireland | West Indies | 93/0 | 208/7 | 2020, St George’s |
| 4 | West Indies | Bangladesh | 91/1 | 130/2 | 2018, Sylhet |
| 5 | Netherlands | Ireland | 91/1 | 193/4 | 2014, Sylhet |
| 6 | Australia | New Zealand | 91/0 | 245/5 | 2018, Auckland |
| 7 | England | South Africa | 89/3 | 230/8 | 2016, Mumbai |
| 8 | West Indies | Bangladesh | 88/1 | 190/10 | 2018, Dhaka |
| 9 | South Africa | England | 88/0 | 172/1 | 2016, Johannesburg |
| 10 | New Zealand | West Indies | 86/2 | 102/4 | 2018, Mount Maunganui |
South Africa holds the highest powerplay score on record, amassing an impressive 102 runs without losing a wicket against the West Indies in 2023 at SuperSport Park in Centurion. The combination of Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks devastated the West Indies bowling attack, making history as the first team to surpass 100 runs in the powerplay overs in a T20I match.
The previous record was held by the West Indies, who scored 98 runs in a powerplay against Sri Lanka in 2021, despite losing four wickets during that period. The Caribbean team showed relentless aggression, reaching nearly 100 at Coolidge.
Read More:- Women’s T20 World Cup Winners (2009-2023): Full List
Ireland, known for their fearless approach, ranks third with 93 runs in the powerplay, a score they achieved against the West Indies in 2020 at St George’s. Paul Stirling and Kevin O’Brien led the attack, unsettling the opposition with an aggressive start.
The West Indies and Netherlands also feature on the list with powerplay scores of 91 each, recorded against Bangladesh in 2018 and Ireland in 2014, respectively. The Netherlands’ powerful start showcased their ability to dominate, while Australia scored an equally impressive 91 without losing a wicket against New Zealand in 2018.
Both West Indies and South Africa appear on the list twice, with England also making the list after scoring 89/3 against South Africa in 2016, and New Zealand closing out the top 10 with a score of 86/2 against the West Indies in 2018.
Top 5 Lowest Powerplay Scores in T20 Internationals
While the powerplay overs can be an opportunity to score big, they can also expose batters to challenging conditions, leading to some of the lowest scores in T20 internationals.
| S.No | Team | Opposition | Powerplay Score | Ground | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pakistan | West Indies | 13/4 | Mirpur | 2014 |
| 2 | West Indies | Pakistan | 13/3 | Kingstown | 2013 |
| 3 | Sri Lanka | West Indies | 14/2 | Colombo | 2012 |
| 4 | Netherlands | Sri Lanka | 15/4 | Chattogram | 2014 |
| 5 | Bangladesh | Pakistan | 16/3 | Mirpur | 2011 |
Pakistan holds the record for the lowest powerplay score in a T20I, with only 13 runs on the board while losing four wickets against the West Indies in Mirpur in 2014. The challenging conditions limited their scoring options, and frequent wicket losses made it a difficult start.
The West Indies also feature with a score of 13/3, achieved against Pakistan in 2013 in Kingstown. Similarly, Sri Lanka scored just 14/2 against the West Indies in Colombo in 2012, ranking third in terms of low powerplay scores.
The Netherlands also feature on this list, with a score of 15/4 against Sri Lanka in Chattogram in 2014. Bangladesh rounds out the top five with 16/3 against Pakistan in Mirpur in 2011.
India’s Highest Powerplay Scores in T20 Internationals
India’s top powerplay scores showcase their aggressive starts in T20 internationals.
| S.No | Opposition | Powerplay Score | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 78/2 | Johannesburg | 2018 |
| 2 | Sri Lanka | 77/1 | Nagpur | 2009 |
| 3 | New Zealand | 76/1 | Johannesburg | 2007 |
| 4 | Australia | 74/1 | Sydney | 2016 |
| 5 | Sri Lanka | 70/0 | Ranchi | 2016 |
India’s highest powerplay score in a T20I is 78/2, achieved against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2018. In that match, Shikhar Dhawan’s quick-fire innings were crucial in building a strong platform. India also scored 77/1 against Sri Lanka in Nagpur in 2009, with other notable starts against New Zealand, Australia, and Sri Lanka.
FAQs
- Who has the highest powerplay score in T20 history?
IPL franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad holds the record for the highest powerplay score in T20 history, with 125 runs in the first six overs against Delhi Capitals at Arun Jaitley Stadium in 2024. - What is India’s highest score in T20 powerplay?
India’s highest score in a T20I powerplay is 78/2, recorded against South Africa in 2018. - Who has the lowest powerplay score in IPL history?
Royal Challengers Bangalore recorded the lowest powerplay score in IPL history, scoring 14/2 against Rajasthan Royals in Cape Town in 2009.
Read More:- International Cricket: Players Who Hit 6 Sixes in 6 Balls