T20 cricket is fast-paced and exciting, which has produced several high-scoring and record-breaking encounters. One such statistic frequently overlooked is the total amount of extras given up in T20I matches. Wides, no-balls, and leg byes are extras that can significantly affect how a game turns out. The impact of these extra runs on the game and the teams involved will be examined as we examine the top ten extras given up in T20I matches. These matches have witnessed an astounding amount of extras, which have shaped the game's trajectory and included everything from thrilling thrillers to spectacular turnarounds.
1. Eswatini Vs Mozamique, 2022
In the fourth T20I between Mozambique and Eswatini, 72 extras were conceded in the match. Eswatini accounted for 41 of those, with the remaining given away by Mozambique. Of the total, 55 were wides, which indicates a lack of discipline among bowlers of both sides. The 41 extras took Mozambique to 190, without which, they would have been reduced to a chasable 140.
2. Romania Vs Czech Republic, 2021
The high-scoring encounter between Romania and the Czech Republic saw almost 400 runs being scored. There were 56 extras in total, with the majority being wides, followed by leg byes and then the others. Romania conceded 30 of the extras, while the Czech Republic conceded 26. This lack of bowling tight lines and lengths highlights the cause of big runs being scored.
3. Cameroon Vs Mali, 2023
The 31 extras conceded by Mali came to haunt them as they fell 39 runs short of the DLS target. Had they conceded fewer extras, the target would have been lesser. Similarly, Cameroon conceded a fair number of extras, 24, to be precise, but managed to win. This took the total number of extras in the match to 55.
4. Lesotho Vs Mali, 2022
Another instance where Mali conceded the same number of extras was against Lesotho. This time, they lost by precisely 31 runs, a defeat that could have been avoided had they bowled with discipline. Lesotho was not good with the extras, having given away 23 of them, but the 138 runs they had on board proved enough in the end.
5. Mongolia Vs Nepal, 2023
A match that features in many T20I records, also features in this list. Fifty-two extras were conceded in the game, of which, 29 came from Mongolia and 23 came from Nepal. Had Mongolia not conceded the 29, their task would not have been any easier. However, had Nepal not conceded the 23, Mongolia would have been all out for 18.
6. Eswatini Vs Gambia, 2022
Gambia had a boost from the 26 extras conceded by Eswatini, propelling them to 122 off their 20 overs. In response, Eswatini struggled at one point, as wickets kept falling off the other end. However, Gambia returned the favor of extras by giving away 26, taking Eswatini over the line, with five wickets.
7. Bulgaria Vs Turkey, 2023
The Turkish openers got some runs on a surface where the other batters in the team failed to deliver. They were helped along by the 28 extras conceded by Bulgaria, taking them to 147. In response, the Bulgarian top order scored the majority of runs, getting a little push from the 22 extras conceded by Turkey.
8. Bulgaria Vs Serbia, 2019
Serbia put up a defendable total of 156, thanks to a century from Leslie Dunbar. In response, the Bulgarian batters got a lot of help from the large number of extras conceded by Serbia. Of the total 50 extras in the match, 36 were conceded by Serbia, making it a big reason for their defeat.
9. Bulgaria Vs Malta, 2020
Bulgaria did well in comparison with Malta to concede 18 extras, but Malta got a massive score of 216. In response, Bulgaria could only reach 159, despite getting help from Malta regarding extras, with Malta giving away 32 of them. The Bulgarian batters could not capitalize on this and lost the game by 57 runs.
10. Greece Vs Serbia, 2021
The 32 extras conceded by Greece did not come to haunt them. Serbia reached a defendable total of 144 from their 20 overs. The Greek batters responded well, getting a little help from the 17 extras conceded by Serbia, taking the total to 49 in the match. They got their team over the line with five wickets in hand and 33 balls to spare.
