Top 5 highest team totals in T20 World Cup history

With the ninth edition of the T20 World Cup just around the corner, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the thrilling clashes in the USA and West Indies. England aims to maintain its title as defending champions, but all eyes are on the exhilarating performances expected from both batsmen and bowlers on the bouncy and pacy pitches.

As cricket fans gear up for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, they fondly reminisce about the electrifying moments from previous tournaments. Among the highlights are the awe-inspiring batting displays that resulted in record team totals, showcasing the power and finesse of T20 cricket.

1. Sri Lanka 260/6 vs Kenya, 2007 T20 WC

In a memorable group stage encounter during the T20 World Cup 2007, Sri Lanka unleashed a relentless assault on Kenya’s bowling lineup. Led by the legendary Sanath Jayasuriya’s blistering 88 off 44 balls and Mahela Jayawardene’s rapid 65 off 27 balls, Sri Lanka amassed a formidable total of 260/6 in their allotted 20 overs.

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Jehan Mubarak’s cameo of 46 off 13 balls further propelled Sri Lanka’s dominance. In response, Kenya faltered and was bundled out for 88, handing Sri Lanka a commanding victory by 172 runs.

2. England 230/8 vs South Africa, 2016 T20 WC

In a thrilling encounter against South Africa during the 2016 T20 World Cup at Wankhede Stadium, England showcased their batting prowess with a remarkable chase. Opening batter Jason Roy set the tone with a scintillating 43 off just 16 balls, while Joe Root’s composed 83 off 44 balls anchored England’s innings.

Despite facing a daunting target of 230, England displayed nerves of steel and managed to secure victory with just two balls remaining, clinching the match by two wickets.

3. South Africa 229/4 vs England, 2016 T20 WC

During a Super 10 group stage clash against England at Wankhede Stadium, South Africa’s batters unleashed a relentless assault on the opposition’s bowling attack. Openers Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock set the stage with fluent innings of 58 and 52 runs, respectively.

Jean-Paul Duminy’s unbeaten 54 off 28 balls and David Miller’s quickfire 28 off 12 balls propelled South Africa to an imposing total of 229/4. Their batting prowess proved too much for England as South Africa emerged victorious.

4. India 218/4 vs England, 2007 T20 WC

In a high-stakes encounter during the T20 World Cup 2007 Super 8 stage, India faced England in a virtual eliminator. Yuvraj Singh etched his name in cricketing folklore with a breathtaking display of power-hitting, smashing 58 runs off just 16 balls. His blitzkrieg included the fastest international fifty off 12 balls, which featured six consecutive sixes off Stuart Broad’s over, yielding 36 runs.

Supported by Gautam Gambhir’s 58 and Virender Sehwag’s 68, India posted a formidable total of 218/4. Despite England’s valiant efforts, they fell short, succumbing to defeat by 18 runs.

5. South Africa 211/5 vs Scotland, 2009 T20 WC

During a group stage encounter against Scotland in the T20 World Cup 2009, South Africa’s AB de Villiers delivered a batting masterclass. His unbeaten 79 off 34 balls, embellished with five fours and six sixes, propelled South Africa to a commanding total of 211/5.

Openers Jacques Kallis and Graeme Smith contributed vital runs, scoring 48 and 38, respectively, laying the foundation for de Villiers’ onslaught. In response, Scotland faltered and was bowled out for 81, succumbing to a crushing defeat by 130 runs.