Batters have come to dominate the shorter formats of cricket, such as T20, due to factors like the white ball, which doesn’t swing a lot, the size of the grounds, and the powerplay. The powerplay allows batters the opportunity to score the most runs possible in the first six overs. Here are some of the highest powerplay scores achieved in men’s T20 international cricket:
1) South Africa – 102 runs in Centurion, 2023
South Africa set an incredible record in the recently concluded match between West Indies and themselves in Centurion, scoring 102 runs in the powerplay without losing a single wicket. This impressive start set them up to chase down a target of 259 with seven balls left in the game – the highest successful chase in T20I history.
2) West Indies – 98 runs in Coolidge, 2021
West Indies put on a powerful display during the 2021 match against Sri Lanka, scoring an impressive 98 runs in the powerplay whilst trying to reach a target of 132. Although they lost four wickets in the process, the mighty Pollard was noteworthy in the innings, smashing six sixes off Akila Dananjaya’s spin bowling in a single over.
3) Ireland – 93 runs in Grenada, 2020
In an exciting game against the West Indies in 2020, Ireland started out strong, scoring 93 runs without losing any wickets during the powerplay. Paul Stirling was the standout performer of that six overs portion, scoring 67 runs off 25 deliveries. Kevin O’Brien chipped in with a further 23 runs off 11 balls, which gave them a total of 208 on the board. Ultimately, West Indies fell short by four runs, and Ireland emerged victorious.
