Highest Individual Score in T20 For South Africa

Without a doubt, South Africa is one of the strongest teams in any form of cricket. They are known for playing tough cricket. However, the only concern for them is their luck during the ICC tournaments. Apart from that, it is very hard to face the Proteas. South Africa holds many records in the white-ball format.

They are the team with the two highest chases and most 400+ totals in ODIs. That shows the kind of batting firepower they have within their team. Notably, South Africa has registered four centuries in T20 cricket so far.

So, in this article, we will discuss the highest individual scores by a South African batter in the history of T20 internationals.

3. Morne van Wyk (114* runs) against West Indies at Durban

The third century and third highest individual score for South Africa came in January 2015. It was the third game of the three-match T20 series at Durban. It was the West Indies that won the toss and chose to bowl first. South Africa had a good start and added 111 runs in 12.4 overs. But it was Morne van Wyk that held the innings together and remained unbeaten till the very end.

He hit his maiden T20 century and South Africa made 195/3 in their 20 overs. Van Wyk scored an unbeaten 114 off 70 balls, including nine fours and seven maximums. In reply, West Indies had a bad start and they kept losing wickets in the middle. In the end, the Caribbean team got all out for 126 in 19 overs and South Africa won the match by 69 runs.

2. Richard Levi (117* runs) against New Zealand at Hamilton

The very first centurion for South Africa was former opener Richard Levi. In a match against New Zealand at Hamilton, he scored the first century for his country. After winning the toss, South Africa chose to bowl first. New Zealand batted first and had some good partnerships in the middle. The Black Caps scored 173/4 in their 20 overs. Martin Guptill (47 runs) was the highest scorer for his team. 

It was a decent total to defend at that time. But in reply, South Africa lost two early wickets that made the position of New Zealand stronger. But opener Richard Levi looked firm at one end. He smashed a 45-ball century (Fastest at that time) to take his team home. Levi scored an unbeaten 117* runs off 51 balls, including 5 fours and 13 maximums. South Africa chased down that target in 16 overs only and won the match by 8 wickets.

1. Faf du Plessis (119 runs) against West Indies ( highest for South Africa in T20)

The highest score for South Africa came on a losing course. It was the first match of the three-match T20 series in Johannesburg. After winning the toss, the West Indies chose to bowl first. South Africa lost their first two wickets for just 21 runs in three overs. But after that, an incredible innings from South African skipper, Faf du Plessis, took the score well over the 200-run mark. Du Plessis struck a 46-ball century and made 119 runs off 56 balls, including 11 fours and five sixes.

South Africa scored a massive score of 231/7 runs in their 20 overs. It was a huge target to chase. But with the firepower that West Indies had helped them to chase the target. Chris Gayle (90 off 41) and Marlon Samuels (60 off 39) guided the chase and West Indies won the match on the second ball of the 20th over and won the match by 4 wickets.

List of Highest Individual T20 Score for South Africa

Highest Individual Score in T20I Team Wise