10 highest powerplay scores in T20 world cup history

In ICC tournaments especially in T20 World Cup, Powerplay overs hold a lot of importance from a batting point of view. These first six overs provide an opportunity for the batting teams to collect runs at a painstaking pace while the innings limits are set, making the pitch incredibly valuable.

Initial collection and explosive run

For batting teams, the Powerplay represents an important phase to seize momentum and accumulate runs quickly. The openers are tasked with exploiting the limitations of the field by playing aggressive shots, targeting boundaries, and rotating the strike effectively to maximize scoring opportunities.

A strong Powerplay performance not only boosted the team’s run rate but also laid a solid foundation for the middle overs. It allows the next batsmen to build on the initial momentum, facilitating calculated risk and strategic shot selection to maintain or accelerate the batting rate throughout the innings.

Top 10 highest powerplay scores in T20 World Cup history:

1. The Netherlands vs. Ireland: A blitzkrieg of 91 runs

• Openers: Stephen Myburgh and Peter Borren
• Powerplay Score: 91 running

The highest powerplay score in T20 World Cup history is 91 runs, scored by the Netherlands against Ireland on March 21, 2014 in Sylhet. The Dutch batsmen came out all guns blazing in the second innings, showing explosive strokeplay. They amassed 91 runs off just 36 balls, showing an impressive strike rate of 244.44.

Their innings was decorated with 8 fours and an equal number of towering sixes. Despite their aggressive approach, they lost one wicket during their power play. This great start set the stage for a perfect score and propelled the Netherlands to a memorable victory.

2. England’s attack: 89 runs against South Africa

• Openers: Jason Roy and Alex Hales
• Powerplay Score: 89 running

The second highest score is England, who scored 89 runs against South Africa on March 18, 2016 at Wankhede. Chasing a difficult target, England’s batsmen went on the attack from the start. Their innings was highlighted by a strong performance, as they smashed 10 boundaries and 4 sixes in just 36 deliveries. However, their attacking intent led to the loss of three wickets during the power play. Nevertheless, England’s strong start set the stage for a thrilling encounter, which eventually resulted in a hard-fought victory.

3. Domination of South Africa: 83 runs against England

• Openers: Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock
• Powerplay Score: 83 runs

South Africa, in the same match against England, registered the third highest powerplay in T20 World Cup history by amassing 83 runs without losing a wicket. Their batsmen showed exemplary skill and aggression, sending the ball to all corners of the world with ease. With 13 boundaries and 4 sixes in their 36-ball attack, South Africa set a tough target for their opponents. Their formidable batting could not prove enough in the end as England ended up winning the high-scoring game.

4. Powerful chase by India: 82 runs against Scotland

India’s powerplay average of 82 runs against Scotland on November 5, 2021 in Dubai (DICS) is also worth mentioning. Batting second, India’s top order showed its batting prowess, keeping the Scottish bowlers under siege from the start. Their innings was highlighted by a string of boundaries, including 11 fours and 4 sixes in just 36 deliveries. Despite losing by two wickets, India’s start gave them the momentum they needed to chase the ball comfortably, securing a comprehensive victory.

5. England’s brutal attack: 70 runs against Sri Lanka

• Openers: Jos Buttler and Alex Hales
• Powerplay Score: 70 runs

In a top-class tournament against Sri Lanka in Sydney on November 5, 2022, England’s batting juggernaut showed its dominance by amassing a formidable 70 runs during a powerplay. The top-order batsmen orchestrated a relentless onslaught, punctuating the innings with 9 boundaries and 2 sixes in just 36 overs. With an impressive strike rate of 181.08, England showed their intent early on, setting a challenging target for Sri Lanka.

Despite a good start, Sri Lanka’s bowlers managed to stifle England’s batting line-up, preventing them from continuing to play. In a much-watched tournament, England’s excellent powerplay laid the foundation for a great performance again as they won a thrilling match by four wickets in hand.

READ MORE: Top five wickets with most appearances in T20 World Cup edition and Jos Buttler

6. Sri Lanka won at home: 68 runs against New Zealand

• Openers: Mahela Jayawardene and Tillakaratne Dilshan
• Powerplay Score: 68 runs

In a fiery match against New Zealand at Pallekele on September 27, 2012, Sri Lanka were on fire, amassing a solid 68 runs. Their batsmen showed ferocity, hitting boundaries with 4 fours and smashing the ball into the stands with 5 sixes in just 36 deliveries. With a strike rate of 186.11, Sri Lanka almost chased down the tough target set by New Zealand, but managed to tie the game in the end.

7. Strong effort by England: 67 Runs Against New Zealand

• Openers: Jason Roy and Alex Hales
• Powerplay Score: 67 runs

In a tense match against New Zealand in Delhi on March 30, 2016, England showed their batting prowess, scoring a solid 67 runs in the powerplay. With 10 boundaries and 2 towering sixes in just 36 deliveries, England’s top order batsmen unleashed a relentless onslaught, showing their intent from the start.

Their impressive strike rate of 180.55 set a challenging target for New Zealand, setting the stage for an exciting encounter. England maintained their streak throughout the innings, eventually winning against a determined New Zealand team.

8. Netherlands’ torrid start: 67 Runs Against UAE

• Openers: Stephen Myburgh and Michael Swart
• Powerplay Score: 67 runs

In the T20 World Cup match against the United Arab Emirates in Sylhet on March 17, 2014, the Netherlands showed their batting prowess, scoring a solid 67 runs in the powerplay. With 9 boundaries and 3 massive sixes in just 36 overs, the Dutch batsmen displayed a good balance of aggression and skill, setting a challenging target for their opponents.

Their impressive strike rate of 180.55 indicated their intention to dominate from the outset. The Netherlands made good use of their strong start and eventually defeated the UAE team by six wickets.

9. Australian attack: 67 Runs against Bangladesh

• Openers: Aaron Finch and David Warner
• Powerplay Score: 67 runs

In the one-sided match against Bangladesh in Dubai (DICS) on November 4, 2021, Australia showed its strong batting power, amassing an impressive total of 67 runs during the power play. With 6 boundaries and 4 towering sixes in just 36 overs, the Australian batsmen showed their intent to dominate right from the start.

Despite losing 2 wickets in this phase, their aggressive approach resulted in an impressive strike rate of 172.97. Australia ended up chasing a paltry target of 73 in just 6.2 overs with eight wickets in hand.

10. Pakistan’s innings total: 66 Runs Against New Zealand

• Openers: Sharjeel Khan and Ahmed Shehzad
• Powerplay Score: 66 runs

In a tense match against New Zealand in Mohali on March 22, 2016, Pakistan showed their batting prowess, amassing a total of 66 runs during the powerplay. With 11 boundaries and 1 high six in just 36 deliveries, the Pakistani batsmen displayed a mixture of aggression and stroke play.

Without losing a single wicket in this phase, their attack resulted in an impressive strike rate of 163.88. However, New Zealand’s bowling efficiency limited Pakistan from extending their strong start. Despite their impressive efforts, Pakistan faced a convincing performance from New Zealand, which resulted in a well-deserved victory for the Kiwi team by 22 runs.

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