Top 10 highest powerplay scores in T20 international

In T20 international cricket, the first six overs—commonly referred to as the powerplay—offer batters a golden opportunity to seize control of the game. With fielding restrictions limiting teams to just two players outside the 30-yard circle, this is the phase where explosive strokeplay often dominates and momentum is built. Many of the highest powerplay scores in T20 history have come from teams looking to capitalize early, setting the tone for massive totals or chasing down daunting targets. These opening overs can often determine the outcome of the match, making them one of the most thrilling aspects of the modern game.

Over the years, fans have witnessed some record-breaking starts in the powerplay, leading to incredible totals and match-winning efforts. Teams like West Indies, South Africa, and Ireland have led the charge, often surprising even seasoned cricket analysts with their aggressive intent.

Let’s dive deep into the top 10 highest powerplay scores in T20 internationals, exploring the drama, the context, and the stars who made it happen.

10.West Indies – 86/1 vs South Africa (2015, Johannesburg)

In a match that became legendary for its sheer brutality with the bat, the West Indies pulled off one of the greatest run-chases in T20I history. Set a massive target of 232 by South Africa at the Wanderers, the Windies had no choice but to attack from the first ball.

Chris Gayle, known as the “Universe Boss,” launched a spectacular assault, scoring 90 off just 41 balls. He ripped into the South African bowlers, particularly during the powerplay, where West Indies reached 86/1. Gayle’s 38 runs off 14 balls during the powerplay gave the Caribbean side a huge head start, setting the tone for a chase completed with four balls to spare.

This innings was a reminder of Gayle’s unmatched ability to dominate any bowling attack and showcased how crucial the powerplay can be in high-stakes matches.

9.West Indies – 88/0 vs Bangladesh (2018, Dhaka)

Facing Bangladesh in the final T20I of a three-match series, West Indies needed a win to seal the series. They delivered in style, with opener Evin Lewis playing one of his finest innings in international cricket.

Lewis scored a blistering 89 off just 36 balls, and 62 of those came within the first six overs. Thanks to his ferocity, West Indies piled up 88 runs in the powerplay without losing a wicket. It was a clinic in clean hitting—Lewis targeted the spinners and seamers alike, striking sixes with minimal effort.

The dominance in the powerplay allowed the West Indies to post 190/4, and they later restricted Bangladesh to 140/9, sealing a comfortable 50-run win.

8.South Africa – 88/0 vs England (2016, Johannesburg)

This game at the Bullring saw South Africa dismantle England’s bowling unit in style. Set a target of 172, the Proteas launched a relentless attack during the powerplay led by Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers, two batters more often associated with elegance than raw power—but this day was different.

Both players scored 40+ runs inside the powerplay: Amla 40 off 18, and AB de Villiers 41 off 18. South Africa reached 88/0 after 6 overs, and the pair continued to score freely, building a 125-run opening stand. Their dominance demoralized England, and the chase was completed in just 14.4 overs.

This innings remains one of South Africa’s finest displays of controlled yet ruthless aggression in T20I cricket.

7.England – 89/1 vs South Africa (2016, Mumbai – T20 World Cup)

Chasing 230 runs in one of the highest-scoring T20 World Cup games, England needed a miracle—and they delivered. Jason Roy spearheaded the English charge with a dazzling knock of 43 from 16 balls, peppering the boundaries at Wankhede Stadium.

England scored 89/1 in the powerplay, thanks to Roy’s fireworks and quick contributions from the top order. Joe Root later anchored the innings with 83 off 44 balls, guiding England to a famous victory with just two balls remaining.

This game highlighted the importance of fast starts in T20 cricket, especially when facing a massive target.

6.West Indies – 91/1 vs Bangladesh (2018, Sylhet)

This match remains a standout not because of a big chase, but because of how quickly it was achieved. Set a modest target of 130, the West Indies raced to victory in just 10.5 overs, and the foundation was laid in the powerplay.

Shai Hope was the star, hammering 52 off 17 balls as the Windies reached 91/1 in just six overs. Hope’s timing and precision were sublime, and his half-century was the third-fastest in T20Is at that time.

The game was a reminder that aggression isn’t just for big chases—sometimes, even low totals can inspire spectacular starts.

5.Australia – 91/0 vs New Zealand (2018, Auckland)

In a run-fest at Eden Park, Australia chased down 244—one of the highest T20I chases ever. Openers David Warner and D’Arcy Short laid the foundation with an electrifying start.

They scored 91/0 in the powerplay, dismantling the Kiwi bowlers. Warner’s 39 off 16 and Short’s 38 off 20 were crucial in neutralizing the pressure of the massive total.

Australia eventually chased the target with seven balls remaining, marking it as one of the most iconic T20 matches in history.

4.Netherlands – 91/1 vs Ireland (2014, Sylhet – T20 World Cup)

One of the greatest underdog stories in T20 World Cup history unfolded when the Netherlands chased down Ireland’s 189 in just 13.5 overs to qualify for the Super 10s.

Dutch openers Stephan Myburgh (57 off 21) and Peter Borren (31 off 15) scored 91 runs in the powerplay, putting the game out of Ireland’s reach early. Myburgh’s fearless strokeplay—sixes over cover, pulls over midwicket—captured world attention.

The match remains one of the most stunning performances by an Associate Nation in T20 cricket.

3.Ireland – 93/0 vs West Indies (2020, St. George’s)

This game was defined by Ireland’s dream start. Paul Stirling (67 off 25) and Kevin O’Brien (23 off 11) combined to produce 93 runs in the powerplay, catching West Indies completely off guard.

Stirling was in punishing mood, smashing sixes into the stands at will. Ireland eventually made 208/7 and held their nerve to win by just 4 runs, despite a strong West Indies comeback.

It remains Ireland’s finest T20I powerplay to date and one of the best by any non-Test-playing side.

2.West Indies – 98/4 vs Sri Lanka (2021, Coolidge)

The scoreline might seem odd—98 runs and 4 wickets down? But context is everything.

After losing early wickets, Kieron Pollard produced one of the most explosive overs in T20I history by hitting six sixes in an over off Akila Dananjaya. That single over yielded 36 runs and catapulted the West Indies from 62 to 98 at the end of the powerplay.

Pollard’s brutal 38 off 11 balls reminded the world why he’s among the game’s most feared hitters.

1.South Africa – 102/0 vs West Indies (2023, Centurion)

Topping the list of the highest powerplay scores in T20, South Africa became the first team to cross the 100-run mark in the powerplay phase.

Facing West Indies in the second T20I, Quinton de Kock (62 off 24) and Reeza Hendricks (35 off 12) unleashed a rampage. De Kock reached his fifty in just 15 balls—the fastest ever by a South African—and by the end of the sixth over, the scoreboard read 102/0.

This historic moment redefined what was thought possible in the early stages of a T20I innings and proved that scoring centuries in the powerplay may soon be a reality.