5 Highest Individual Scores In T20 World Cup

Brendon McCullum is the highest run scorer in T20 WC history [X.com]Brendon McCullum is the highest run scorer in T20 WC history [X.com]

The ninth edition of the T20 World Cup is set to commence on June 1, with 20 teams aiming for supremacy in the West Indies and the USA, it's the perfect time to walk down memory lane and revisit some of the most scintillating batting performances that have lit up this prestigious tournament over the years.

From Brendon McCullum's record-smashing fireworks to Chris Gayle's thunderous storms at the crease, we've witnessed it all. These knocks have had fans on their feet, cheering and gasping as records were shattered and cricket history was scripted right before their eyes.

Here’s a look at the top five highest individual scores in T20 World Cup history.

5. Rilee Rossouw - 109 vs Bangladesh, 2022

5. Rilee Rossouw - 109 (56) vs Bangladesh [X.com]5. Rilee Rossouw - 109 (56) vs Bangladesh [X.com]

Rilee Rossouw’s 109 off 56 balls against Bangladesh in Sydney during the T20 World Cup 2022 was a spectacle of power hitting.

Rossouw’s onslaught included 7 fours and 8 sixes, propelling South Africa to a massive score of 205/5. His innings was crucial in setting up a match-winning total, as South Africa then went on to restrict Bangladesh to 101, thereby winning by a margin of 104 runs.

Rossouw’s knock was not just about the runs but the manner in which they were scored, rapidly and decisively, leaving the opposition in disarray.

4. Ahmed Shehzad - 111* vs Bangladesh, 2014

4. Ahmed Shehzad - 111* (62) vs Bangladesh [X.com]4. Ahmed Shehzad - 111* (62) vs Bangladesh [X.com]

Ahmed Shehzad put on a show against Bangladesh in Mirpur, scoring 111* off 62 balls. His century helped Pakistan set a mammoth target of 191.

Shehzad’s innings which was highlighted by his elegance and aggression, was filled with 10 fours and 5 sixes.

The innings was crucial as it not only helped Pakistan secure a significant victory by 50 runs but also boosted their Net Run Rate. Shehzad’s innings stood out for its timing and the way he handled the spinners and pacers alike.

3. Alex Hales -  116* vs Sri Lanka, 2014

3. Alex Hales - 116* (64) vs Sri Lanks [X.com]3. Alex Hales - 116* (64) vs Sri Lanks [X.com]

Alex Hales’ unbeaten 116 from 64 balls came during a tense 190-run chase against Sri Lanka in Chattogram in 2014. England needed a win to stay alive in the tournament, and Hales stepped up under pressure when they were reduced to 0/2.

His innings, loaded with 11 fours and 6 sixes, was a display of controlled aggression and sheer determination. Hales took England from an abysmal position to overhauling Sri Lanka’s total of 189 with just four balls to spare.

This innings is often cited as one of the great T20 World Cup innings for its timing and the sheer will to carry his team across the line under immense pressure.

2. Chris Gayle - 117 vs South Africa, 2007

2. Chris Gayle - 117 (57) vs South Africa [X.com]2. Chris Gayle - 117 (57) vs South Africa [X.com]

In the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, Chris Gayle scored a historic 117 from 57 deliveries against South Africa in Johannesburg.

His was the first-ever century in T20 World Cup history and it came in a high-stakes match against the host nation. Gayle’s explosive hitting helped West Indies to post 205/6. His innings included seven fours and 10 massive sixes, setting the template for future T20 batting.

Despite the match ending in a loss for West Indies, as South Africa chased down the total, Gayle’s knock remains a watershed moment in T20 cricket, showcasing the dramatic impact of aggressive batting in the shortest format.

1. Brendon McCullum - 123 vs Bangladesh, 2012

1. Brendan McCullum - 123 (58) vs Bangladesh [X.com]1. Brendan McCullum - 123 (58) vs Bangladesh [X.com]

Brendon McCullum’s blistering 123 off 58 balls in the 2012 edition against Bangladesh at Pallekele was a masterclass in destructive batting.

His record-setting innings is still the highest T20 World Cup score by a player, McCullum’s knock propelled New Zealand to a huge total of 191/3. His onslaught included 11 fours and 7 sixes, demonstrating his ability to dominate the bowling attack right from the outset.

His innings set up a comfortable win for New Zealand, as they restricted Bangladesh to 132/8, showcasing how a single explosive performance can demoralize the opposition and swing the momentum in his team’s favour in a jiffy.