The dynamic nature of T20 cricket has often delivered explosive starts, where teams aim to maximize the powerplay overs and put pressure on the opposition. Over the years, several teams have pushed the boundaries of what is achievable in the first six overs, setting new benchmarks for powerplay scores. From calculated risks to sheer aggression, these innings have defined some of the most memorable moments in T20I cricket. Recently, Australia registered a breathtaking record in the first T20I against Scotland.
Australia sets a new benchmark
In the contest that took place at Grange Cricket Club in Edinburgh, Australia put on a masterclass in powerplay batting. After Scotland posted a competitive total of 154/9 in their 20 overs, the visitors chased it down in just 9.4 overs, finishing at 156/3.
Aussie star Travis Head was the standout performer, smashing a brilliant knock of 80 runs off just 25 balls, including 12 fours and 5 sixes. Australia’s aggression in the powerplay was unmatched as they scored a remarkable 113 runs in the first six overs, setting a new record for the highest powerplay score in T20I cricket. This explosive start laid the foundation for a comfortable victory and highlighted Australia’s dominance in the shortest format of the game.
Also READ: Highest powerplay total 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 vs. Scotland, 2024): Australia’s explosive start against Scotland set a new record for the highest powerplay score in T20Is, with aggressive batting propelling them to a formidable 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 vs. West Indies, 2023): South Africa’s dominant batting performance against the West Indies underscored their ability to control the powerplay, producing a high-scoring start that set the tone for the entire innings. Quinton de Kock was instrumental in this explosive display, smashing 64 off just 24 balls during the powerplay.
3) West Indies (98 runs vs. Sri Lanka, 2021): The West Indies’ powerful batting display against Sri Lanka highlighted their aggressive cricketing style, as they relentlessly found the boundary to post a huge powerplay score. Kieron Pollard was pivotal in this effort, blasting 38 runs off just 10 balls, including six consecutive sixes in a single over from Akila Dananjaya.
4) Ireland (93 runs vs. West Indies, 2020): Ireland stunned many with their aggressive approach against the West Indies, racking up a high-scoring powerplay that laid a solid foundation for the rest of the match. In the first T20I, the Irish team amassed 93 runs in the opening six overs, with Paul Stirling leading the charge, smashing 67 off just 25 balls during the powerplay.
5) West Indies (92 runs vs. Afghanistan, 2024): In Match 40 of the T20 World Cup 2024, the West Indies delivered an impressive show against Afghanistan. Seizing on loose deliveries with aggressive batting, the Caribbean side racked up 92 runs in the first six overs, with Nicholas Pooran smashing 36 off 13 balls and Johnson Charles adding 35 off 19 balls during the 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, resulting in a strong powerplay score against a high-quality opponent. D’Arcy Short led the charge with a 38 off 20 balls, while David Warner contributed a quickfire 39 off just 16 deliveries during the powerplay.
7) Netherlands (91 runs vs. Ireland, 2021): In the Group B clash of the 2014 T20 World Cup between Ireland and the Netherlands, the Dutch team made history with their performance. They amassed 91/1 in the first 6 overs, taking full control of the match. Stephan Myburgh was instrumental, blasting 57 off 21 balls, including 4 fours and 6 sixes.
