T20 International Records — The Highest Peaks of Twenty20 Cricket
A guide to T20 International records: highest individual innings, most runs, most wickets, fastest fifties, highest team totals, and the statistical landmarks of the shortest international format.
T20 Internationals have been played since 2005 and have expanded rapidly as the format grew in popularity. The records in this format differ significantly from Tests and ODIs: the premium on power-hitting means individual scores can be spectacular but innings are short, and bowlers who master the death overs and variations hold the key records.
Batting Records
The highest individual T20I score is 172 not out by Hazratullah Zazai for Afghanistan against Ireland in 2019 — a stunning innings of just 62 balls that included 16 sixes. Rohit Sharma of India holds the record for most T20I runs with over 4,000 across his career. Virat Kohli holds the record for most T20I half-centuries.
| Record | Player | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Highest T20I score | Hazratullah Zazai (AFG) | 172* vs Ireland, 2019 |
| Most T20I runs | Rohit Sharma (IND) | 4,000+ runs in 150+ matches |
| Most T20I centuries | Multiple (tied) | 4 players have scored 1 T20I hundred each — centuries are extremely rare |
| Fastest T20I fifty | Yuvraj Singh (IND) | 12 balls vs England, 2007 World T20 |
Bowling Records
Shaheen Shah Afridi of Pakistan and various other fast bowlers lead the pace wicket-taking charts in T20Is, while Wanindu Hasaranga of Sri Lanka leads the all-time wicket chart with 100+ wickets. The best bowling figures in a T20I innings are 6 for 8 by Sri Lanka's Ajantha Mendis against Zimbabwe in 2012. At the death, Jasprit Bumrah is widely considered the world's most economical bowler in the final five overs.
Team Records
The highest team total in T20 Internationals is Nepal's 314 for 3 against Mongolia in an Asia Regional Qualifier in 2023. Among Full Member nations, the record is 278 for 3 by Afghanistan against Ireland in 2019 (the same match where Zazai scored 172). The lowest T20I total is 21 all out by Turkey against Czech Republic in a regional qualifier.
The Evolution of T20I Records
T20I records have shifted dramatically with each cycle of the T20 World Cup. Batting scores that seemed extraordinary in 2007 (150–160) became routine by 2021, and 200+ team totals — rare before 2015 — are now achieved multiple times per year. The format continues to evolve as franchise leagues develop new techniques and players arrive better conditioned for the format from an early age.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest individual score in T20 Internationals?
Hazratullah Zazai's 172 not out for Afghanistan against Ireland in February 2019. The innings lasted 62 balls and contained 16 sixes.
Who has the most T20I wickets?
Wanindu Hasaranga of Sri Lanka holds the record for most T20I wickets among Full Member nations, with over 100 wickets. Among all nations including associates, other bowlers have similar or higher counts in regional qualifying cricket.
What is the highest T20I team total?
Nepal scored 314 for 3 in a qualifying match against Mongolia. Among Full Members, Afghanistan's 278 for 3 against Ireland in 2019 is the record.