Highest Powerplay Scores In T20Is

Soumyajit Dutta

New Zealand [Source: @BLACKCAPS/X]New Zealand [Source: @BLACKCAPS/X]

T20I games nowadays are all about action where spectators are left gasping for breath while transitioning from one six to another. While these sights are common in league crickets, International games are also showing their might with high-scoring thrillers.

These high-scoring matches though, have the powerplay build-up that leads to those humongous numbers. Let's take a look at which and how teams have scored inside the powerplay in T20Is that outwits normal cricket any day.

6) 92/0 Runs by NZ (vs PAK)

New Zealand delivered a sensational start in the powerplay while chasing Pakistan's 132 in Wellington for the five-match T20I series. New Zealand amassed 92 runs inside the powerplay. Finn Allen set the tone with a blistering knock, smashing 27 off just 12 balls with 5 fours and a six before falling to Sufiyan Muqeem. 

Tim Seifert also unleashed an onslaught on the Pakistani bowlers. He hammered boundaries and cleared the ropes effortlessly, racing to 97* off just 38 balls, including 6 fours and 10 sixes. The aggressive approach by Allen and Seifert ensured that New Zealand dominated the powerplay, putting them well on course for a comfortable chase.

5) 92/1 by WI (vs AFG)

West Indies destroyed Afghanistan during the T20 World Cup in 2024 managing 92 runs inside the powerplay. Brandon King departed early after scoring 7 off 6 balls, falling to Azmatullah Omarzai. However, Johnson Charles kept the momentum going with a brisk 43 off 27 balls, hitting 8 boundaries. 

Nicholas Pooran joined Charles and began aggressively, maintaining a high strike rate. Despite the early loss of King, Charles and Pooran ensured that West Indies capitalized on the powerplay, setting a solid platform for the middle order to capitalize on.

4) 93/0 by IRE (vs WI)

Ireland came out with an aggressive approach against West Indies during the T20I series in 2020, reaching 93 runs in 6 overs during the powerplay. Paul Stirling led the charge with a quickfire 35 off 18 balls, smashing 4 fours and 2 sixes to keep the scoreboard ticking. 

However, West Indies struck early as Akeal Hosein dismissed Andy Balbirnie for 12 off 9 balls, while Alzarri Joseph sent back Lorcan Tucker for just 5. Despite losing two wickets, Stirling’s attacking intent ensured that Ireland maintained a brisk scoring rate, giving them a solid foundation to build on after the powerplay.

3) 98/4 by WI (vs SL)

West Indies produced a high-octane yet turbulent display inside the powerplay against Sri Lanka back in 2021, racing to 98/4 in 6 overs. Evin Lewis blazed away with a 10-ball 28, smashing 2 fours and 3 sixes at a strike rate of 280.00, while Lendl Simmons contributed 26 off 15 balls. 

However, Sri Lanka hit back quickly, with Akila Dananjaya dismissing Lewis and removing Chris Gayle and Nicholas Pooran in consecutive deliveries, leaving West Indies at 52/3. Kieron Pollard launched a counterattack, smashing 38 off just 11 balls with 6 sixes to reach 98 for Windies in 6 overs.

2) 102/0 by SA (vs WI)

South Africa produced a stunning batting display to crush West Indies’ bowling attack in 2023, chasing down a mammoth target of 259 runs. Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks led the onslaught, smashing 102 runs in just 6 overs to dismantle the hosts inside the powerplay.

De Kock, currently with KKR for IPL 2025, tore apart the West Indian bowlers as he raced to a breathtaking 100 off just 44 balls, hitting 9 fours and 8 sixes at a strike rate of 227.27. His partner, Hendricks, matched the aggression, scoring a blistering 68 off 28 balls with 11 boundaries and 2 sixes, striking at an impressive 242.85. The duo’s fearless batting left West Indies stunned as they crossed the 100-run mark before the 6th over. 

1) 113/1 by AUS (vs SCO)

Australia showcased an extraordinary batting display to chase down 155 runs in just 9.4 overs against Scotland in a T20I clash back in 2024. Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh went berserk, making a mockery of the target by unleashing brutal power-hitting during the powerplay.

After Jake Fraser-McGurk fell for a three-ball duck, Head and Marsh tore into the Scottish attack. Australia had already amassed 102/2 by the end of the 5th over, reducing the target to a mere formality. Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis ensured a swift finish as Australia reached 155/3 in just 9.4 overs.