Arshdeep Singh’s 7-wide over (Source: AFP Photos)
In T20 cricket, every run counts, and wides can quickly add pressure on a team. India has had matches where the team collectively struggled with extras, going down in records for conceding the most wides in a single T20I.
This listicle highlights the most wides bowled by India as a team in T20I matches. From chaotic overs to unusually high extra runs, these games show how even a strong side can sometimes lose control, creating memorable and costly moments.
3. 15 wides by India vs South Africa in Durban, 2007
Starting the list is India’s famous win in what was effectively a virtual quarter-final at the 2007 ICC World T20 against hosts South Africa in a group stage match in Durban. Despite the victory, India’s bowling was unusually erratic, conceding 15 wides, a record for the team at the time.
Sreesanth alone sent down six wides, followed by three from RP Singh, struggling with their lines and control at times as India still went on to defend a modest 153-run total under captain MS Dhoni with a memorable win to secure their place in the semi-final.
2. 16 wides by India vs South Africa in Mullanpur, 2025
The newest entrant on this list comes from India’s latest wide-ball chaos against South Africa in the second T20I at New Chandigarh. Arshdeep Singh found himself at the centre of the meltdown as the Indian left-arm quick lost all control with his lines.
One disastrous over featured seven wides from Arshdeep alone, contributing heavily to a tally of 16 extras through wides. The undisciplined spell helped South Africa surge to a mammoth 213-run total, marking one of India’s most bizarre bowling outings in T20Is.
2. 16 wides by India vs West Indies in Chennai, 2018
The joint second spot comes from India’s wayward bowling performance against West Indies in Chennai in 2018. Asked to bowl first under the lights, India’s attack repeatedly missed their lines and some even slipped past wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik, racing to the boundary and adding to the chaos.
The spin trio of Washington Sundar, Krunal Pandya and Yuzvendra Chahal bowled three wides each in their four-over spells, taking India’s total extras through wides to 16, their second highest in T20Is even today.
1. 17 wides by India vs Sri Lanka in Mohali, 2009
The top spot belongs to India’s bowling outing against Sri Lanka in Mohali back in 2009. After being asked to bowl first by the Lankans, Indian bowlers had a tough evening as Sri Lanka powered to 206 with the bat.
Ishant Sharma, Ashish Nehra, Yuvraj Singh and others all leaked extras, with Ishant and Suresh Raina sending down three wides each. India’s total of 17 wides in that game remains their highest in T20Is till date.
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