Since the T20 International format’s inception, several talented athletes have given spectators unforgettable performances. It’s held its own against the other two forms and, in some ways, even gained more traction than them.
However, the players’ ultimate objective has not changed: to help the team win games. Of course, that’s not always the case. Players often find themselves on the losing team even if they do their best.
That being said, let’s look back on five great T20I innings that ultimately resulted in defeat.
Liam Livingstone (103 vs Pakistan)
Immediately getting out to a fast start, Livingstone scored England’s quickest fifty and hundred.
In the first of three Twenty20 Internationals between England and Pakistan in 2021, Liam Livingstone hit an unbelievable 103 off of just 43 balls.
These innings, which included six fours and sixes, were not enough to save the game. With a total of 201 in their second go-around, England was ultimately beaten by Pakistan by 31 runs.
Kane Williamson (85 vs Australia)
Kane Williamson, who has one of the most likeable personalities in the game, stepped up for New Zealand against Australia in the final of the 2021 T20 World Cup. He scored 85 runs off of 48 balls, which was a tough inning.
The Kiwi star made up for it, though, when he went after the other team and helped New Zealand score 172 runs.
Australia reached the goal because Mitchell Marsh played a great inning and was in great form during the game.
Chris Gayle (117 vs South Africa)
The 2007 Twenty20 World Cup got off to a great beginning when Chris Gayle hit a century in the opening match. West Indies reached 205 for 5 in 20 overs thanks to his innings, which they played against South Africa’s Graeme Smith-led squad. However, the Proteas made light of the chase by reaching their mark with 14 balls to spare because of the brilliance of Herchelle Gibbs.
Gayle is still a regular in the Twenty20 tournaments, and he will soon be featured in the brand new Sixty Twenty League. He is not only the face of the event but also the inspiration for its trophy’s moniker: “The Universe Boss Trophy.”
KL Rahul (110 vs West Indies)
KL, One of the most flashy players of the current age, Rahul scored a superb century in a three-game series against the West Indies in 2016. Although India lost the game by one run, Rahul’s performance was pivotal in his bid to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup.
Due to an injury, he had to forego the tour of England and instead make the journey to Germany for treatment. Given how close the T20 World Cup is, he surely hopes to make a comeback to the field very soon. Rahul led the Lucknow Super Giants to victory as captain of the IPL this season.
Suryakumar Yadav (117 vs England)
Suryakumar Yadav nearly won the game for India against England in the third Twenty20 International of 2022 with his first international century.
There were numerous bold swings made during the inning that completely overwhelmed the opposition. Surya got very little help from the other batters and was ultimately killed off while he was trying to reach the outfield. In light of India’s upcoming reliance on him at the Twenty20 World Cup, he’ll be hoping to maintain this level of performance.
