Over time, cricket has changed, and Twenty20 cricket has added a new element to the sport. Teams attempt to score as many runs as they can in 20 overs, and as a result, some of the highest run rates in cricket history have resulted from this format. We shall examine ten of the highest run rates in a finished T20I innings in this article. Some of the top T20I teams in the globe have participated in these innings, which have highlighted the strength and talent of the players. These innings have given T20 cricket fans some of the most exciting moments, from explosive finishes to searing opening partnerships.
1. Nepal Vs Mongolia, 2023
The highest-ever total in a T20 international came two months ago when Nepal took on Mongolia. The incredible hitting from Malla, and Paudel, who scored at a strike rate over 200, and Airee, who was a notch above them, with a strike rate over 500, took Nepal to a massive score of 314, at a run rate of 15.7.
2. Afghanistan Vs Ireland, 2019
Hazratullah Zazai was the entertainer of the match, scoring 162 off just 62 deliveries. He was supported by Usman Ghani, who scored 73 and a cameo by Nabi towards the end. Thanks to them, Afghanistan reached 278, with a run rate of 13.9, showcasing their batting prowess and getting the second-highest run rate.
3. Czech Republic Vs Turkey, 2019
With a run rate that matches that of Afghanistan, the Czech Republic put up 278, thanks to an incredible batting display. Sudesh Wickramasekara was the main act, with 104 off just 36 deliveries. He was supported by Gori, and Pokhriyal, the latter with a half-century, who played at a strike rate of over 150. The 39 extras conceded also played an equally important role.
4. Malaysia Vs Thailand, 2023
Three of the four leading run getters for Malaysia scored at a strike rate over 200. The most immense contribution came from Syed Aziz, followed by Amir, Singh, and Zulkifle. Thanks to some great power hitting from these batters, Malaysia scored 268, having played at a run rate of 13.4, making it one of the highest scores in T20Is.
5. Australia Vs Sri Lanka, 2016
Glenn Maxwell, who opened the innings alongside, David Warner, scored more than half of the runs for Australia, knocking 145 off just 65 balls. He was supported by Head, Warner and Khawaja, all of whom, maintained a healthy strike rate. The result was that Australia reached 263, scoring at a run rate of 13.15.
6. Sri Lanka Vs Kenya, 2007
It was in the 2007 T20 World Cup that Sri Lanka ran a rampage through the Kenyan bowling unit. Jayasuriya and Jayawardene scored most runs, as Sangakkara, and Mubarak played supporting knocks. Sri Lanka finished with 260 on the board, thanks to these knocks, with a run rate of 13.
7. India Vs Sri Lanka, 2017
Sri Lanka's World Cup feat was mirrored by India against them, a decade later. The Indian openers stole the game from Sri Lanka, putting on a 165-run partnership. Rohit Sharma scored a century, and KL Rahul supported him with an innings of 89. Dhoni and Pandya provided the finishing touches to the Indian innings.
8. Czech Republic Vs Bulgaria, 2022
Putting on 220 runs for the first wicket, the Czech openers were the stars of their team. Sabawoon Davizi scored 115, and Dylan Steyn scored 106. A quickfire 20 off just five balls from Wickramasekara, closed the innings for the Czech Republic, as they reached 258 from their 20 overs, at a run rate of 12.90.
9. West Indies Vs South Africa, 2023
West Indies scored the same amount of runs as Czech Repulic, thanks to a 135 run stand between Kyle Mayers and Johnson Charles. Cameos from Shepherd and Powell closed out the innings. If this was not unbelievable enough, South Africa managed to chase this massive score with seven deliveries left!
10. Denmark Vs Gibraltar, 2022
Nicolaj Laegsgaard was the only top-order batter who scored big. He was supported by the middle order, all of whom played handy knocks, with Saif Ahmad getting a half-century. The result was that Denmark scored 256 in their 20 overs, having played at a run rate of 12.80.
