T20 World Cup: T20 cricket is a game of excitement and the margin for error is very small. Batsmen always come with an intent to score as many runs as possible, because they just get 20 overs to play. That is why we see the best batsmen in any country playing at the top of the order. But on any given day, a batter can change the whole scene with his performance.
As we have seen in past editions of the T20 World Cup, the best batsman of the tournament always helps his team to a better performance. But speaking of one match, one big inning can guarantee a win for the team. And in the history of the ICC event, there are a few batsmen that have scored played some really big innings.
3. Alex Hales (116*) against Sri Lanka in the 2014 World Cup
Alex Hales is one of the best opening batsmen in England. Every now and then he comes up with some amazing innings in the shorter format. He is third on the list with a brilliant century against Sri Lanka in the 2014 World Cup. It was the 22nd match of the tournament between England and Sri Lanka. Batting first, Sri Lanka scored 189/4 in their 20 overs.
Mahela Jayawardene (89) and Dilshan (55) were the top scorers. Chasing the target, the English team started horribly and lost their first two wickets in the first over without any runs on the board. But after that, the innings by Alex Hales totally changed the match. He, along with Eoin Morgan, added 152 runs for the third wicket and remained unbeaten on 116* off 64 balls, including 11 fours and six maximums. England won that match by 6 wickets, and Hales won the MOM award.
2. Chris Gayle (117) against South Africa in 2007 World Cup
Chris Gayle is a storm when it comes to the game of cricket. There are not many who can match the ability of the West Indian opener. Gayle announced himself in the very first match of the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup in 2007 with a century. It was the very first match in World Cup history between West Indies and South Africa.
Batting first, the Caribbean team scored a mammoth total of 205/6 runs. Gayle smashed a brilliant century and added 145 runs for the first wicket with Devon Smith (35). The left-hander scored 117 off 57 balls, including seven fours and 10 sixes. This was the first century in World Cup history and the first time that a batter hit 10 sixes in an inning. However, South Africa chased down that target and won the match by 8 wickets. But Gayle registered the second highest individual score in the ICC events.
1. Brendon McCullam (123) against Bangladesh in the 2012 Event
Brendon McCullam is one of the most destructive opening batsmen of the last decade. He was the one who smashed 158* runs in the first ever IPL match in 2008. And he is also leading this list. This was the fifth match between New Zealand and Bangladesh at the Pallekele. Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bowl first.
The Black Caps lost the wicket of Martin Guptill early, which brought McCullum to the crease. And after that, it was complete carnage by the swashbuckling batter. He smashed a 51-ball century and scored 123 runs off just 58 balls. The right-hander also hit 11 fours and seven sixes. The Kiwis made 191/3. Chasing a big total, Bangladesh had a poor start and kept losing wickets throughout the innings. In the end, New Zealand won the match by 59 runs.
Highest Individual Score in the T20 World Cup List
| Player | Score | Balls | Fours | Sixes | Against | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brendon McCullum (New Zealand) | 123 | 58 | 11 | 7 | Bangladesh | 2012 |
| Chris Gayle (West Indies) | 117 | 57 | 7 | 10 | South Africa | 2007 |
| Alex Hales (England) | 116* | 64 | 11 | 6 | Sri Lanka | 2014 |
| Ahmed Shehzad (Pakistan) | 111* | 62 | 10 | 5 | Bangladesh | 2014 |
| Tamim Iqbal (Bangladesh) | 103* | 63 | 10 | 5 | Oman | 2016 |
| Jos Buttler (England) | 101* | 67 | 9 | 6 | Sri Lanka | 2021 |
| Suresh Raina (India) | 101 | 60 | 9 | 5 | South Africa | 2010 |
| Chris Gayle (West Indies) | 100* | 48 | 5 | 11 | England | 2016 |
| Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) | 100 | 64 | 10 | 4 | Zimbabwe | 2010 |
| Luke Wright (England) | 99* | 55 | 8 | 6 | Afghanistan | 2012 |