Top 10 Most Runs in an Innings in T20I Cricket History

T20 International cricket has completely changed the way the game is played and enjoyed. It is fast, exciting, and unpredictable. A single innings can change the direction of a match, and one batter’s extraordinary knock can create unforgettable moments. The Most Runs in an Innings in T20I Cricket History tells stories of power, precision, and dominance. These innings are not just about numbers; they represent a combination of timing, skill, and fearless hitting.

Every player in this list has done something special. From world-class stars like Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell to rising players like Kushal Malla and Zeeshan Kukikhel, each name has shown the world what explosive batting really means. Let’s take a deeper look at the top ten players who hold the record for the Most Runs in an Innings in T20I Cricket History, written from number 10 to 1.

List of 10 Most Runs in an Innings in T20I Cricket History

10. Finn Allen

New Zealand’s young opener Finn Allen takes the tenth spot in the Most Runs in an Innings in T20I Cricket History. On January 17, 2024, in Dunedin, Allen played one of the most powerful innings ever seen by a Kiwi batsman in T20I cricket. He scored 137 runs off just 62 balls, hitting 16 huge sixes and maintaining a strike rate of over 220. His innings displayed perfect balance between aggression and control, attacking every bowler with fearless confidence.

Allen’s ability to hit cleanly through the line and pick gaps in the field made this innings one of the most talked-about performances of 2024. What stood out most was how he never slowed down, even after reaching his hundred. Every shot reflected his confidence and power. His innings became a symbol of New Zealand’s new attacking approach in T20 cricket, earning him a proud place in the Most Runs in an Innings in T20I Cricket History.

Player	Runs	Balls	6s	Strike Rate
Finn Allen	137	62	16	220.96

9. Zeeshan Kukikhel

Hungary’s Zeeshan Kukikhel ranks ninth among players with the Most Runs in an Innings in T20I Cricket History. His blistering 137 off just 49 balls against Austria on June 5, 2022, was pure entertainment. Kukikhel’s innings was filled with big shots, as he smashed 15 sixes and 7 boundaries, ending with a massive strike rate close to 280.

This knock was not only about power but also about confidence. Kukikhel controlled the innings from start to finish, showing the cricketing world that even smaller nations could produce incredible talent. His fearless hitting ability and composure under pressure helped Hungary achieve one of their biggest totals in T20I history.

Zeeshan’s innings remains one of the brightest moments for associate cricket. His name now proudly stands beside international greats who hold the Most Runs in an Innings in T20I Cricket History, showing that cricket’s global growth is real and exciting.

Player	Runs	Balls	6s	Strike Rate
Zeeshan Kukikhel	137	49	15	279.59

8. Kushal Malla

Nepal’s rising star Kushal Malla made the entire cricket world notice his name when he scored an unbeaten 137* against Mongolia on September 27, 2023. This performance places him eighth in the Most Runs in an Innings in T20I Cricket History. Malla faced just 50 balls and hit 12 sixes with a strike rate above 270.

What made this innings even more special was his age, he was still a teenager when he achieved it. The way he played showed remarkable maturity and control. He mixed classical strokes with clean hitting, dominating the Mongolian bowlers from the very beginning. Nepal’s innings that day was a record-breaking one, and Malla’s knock was at the heart of it.

Kushal Malla’s fearless and confident batting made him a national hero overnight. His innings not only gave Nepal a record total but also proved that associate nations are capable of producing world-class talent. His achievement remains a shining example in the list of the Most Runs in an Innings in T20I Cricket History.

Player	Runs	Balls	6s	Strike Rate
Kushal Malla	137*	50	12	274.00

7. Phil Salt

England’s Phil Salt has earned a reputation as one of the most destructive T20 openers in recent years, and his unbeaten 141 against South Africa in Manchester on September 12, 2025, proved exactly why. His innings ranks seventh among the Most Runs in an Innings in T20I Cricket History.

Salt’s innings came at a crucial time when England needed a strong foundation. He faced 60 balls, hitting 8 sixes and maintaining a strike rate of 235.00. From the first over itself, he showed his intent, taking on the bowlers with elegant timing and raw power. His cover drives, pull shots, and straight hits were executed with precision.

The confidence and rhythm with which he batted reminded fans of how impactful an opener can be in T20Is. Salt’s innings became a perfect blend of aggression and calculation, setting an example for young batters worldwide. His performance not only gave England an easy win but also made him one of the few to feature in the Most Runs in an Innings in T20I Cricket History.

Player	Runs	Balls	6s	Strike Rate
Phil Salt	141*	60	8	235.00

6. Sahil Chauhan

Sahil Chauhan from Estonia holds the sixth position in the Most Runs in an Innings in T20I Cricket History after smashing 144* off just 41 balls against Cyprus on June 17, 2024. It was a record-breaking innings that stunned everyone who witnessed it. Chauhan’s strike rate of 351.21 is one of the highest ever recorded in a T20I match. He hit 18 sixes during that innings, sending the ball flying out of the ground repeatedly.

What made this innings special was the fearlessness Chauhan showed against every bowler. No matter where the ball was pitched, he found a way to hit it out of the park. His timing, balance, and confidence made this performance unforgettable. It was one of those rare moments when a lesser-known team made global headlines.

Chauhan’s innings gave a massive boost to Estonia’s cricketing reputation and proved that T20 cricket is truly a global game. His knock will forever be remembered among those who achieved the Most Runs in an Innings in T20I Cricket History, representing courage and raw batting talent.

Player	Runs	Balls	6s	Strike Rate
Sahil Chauhan	144*	41	18	351.21

5. Glenn Maxwell

Australia’s Glenn Maxwell has always been known for his explosive and fearless batting. His unbeaten 145 against Sri Lanka at Pallekele on September 6, 2016, remains one of the greatest innings ever played in T20 cricket. This knock stands fifth in the Most Runs in an Innings in T20I Cricket History.

Maxwell’s innings was a pure display of power and confidence. He faced 65 balls, hitting 9 sixes with a strike rate above 220. From the very first over, he took control of the match, attacking every Sri Lankan bowler. His ability to improvise shots, like reverse sweeps and scoops, made the innings even more entertaining.

Every boundary brought the crowd to its feet as Maxwell turned the game into a personal showcase of hitting skills. His innings also helped Australia record one of their biggest team totals in T20Is. The way Maxwell handled pressure and kept scoring freely made his 145* one of the standout performances in the Most Runs in an Innings in T20I Cricket History.

Player	Runs	Balls	6s	Strike Rate
Glenn Maxwell	145*	65	9	223.07

4. YSD Seneveratne

Cayman Islands’ YSD Seneveratne entered cricket’s record books with his brilliant unbeaten 150* against Brazil on December 14, 2024. His dominating innings ranks fourth among the Most Runs in an Innings in T20I Cricket History.

Seneveratne’s innings came at a time when Cayman needed a big total, and he delivered in style. He faced 67 balls and hit 13 towering sixes. His ability to find boundaries consistently made it impossible for the bowlers to contain him. Every shot was clean, confident, and perfectly timed.

His 150* remains one of the highest individual scores in T20I cricket. It wasn’t just about the number of runs, his innings showed great game awareness and patience. By carefully building his knock before accelerating in the final overs, Seneveratne demonstrated the perfect T20 approach. This innings rightfully earns its place among the Most Runs in an Innings in T20I Cricket History, and his name will always be remembered in cricket’s global story.

Player	Runs	Balls	6s	Strike Rate
YSD Seneveratne	150*	67	13	223.88

3. Aaron Finch

Australia’s Aaron Finch revolutionized T20 batting when he smashed 156 runs off 63 balls against England in Southampton on August 29, 2013. This incredible knock sits third among the Most Runs in an Innings in T20I Cricket History.

Finch’s innings changed how teams approached T20 batting. He hit 14 sixes and 11 boundaries, reaching his hundred in just 47 balls. Every shot he played was filled with aggression and confidence. England’s bowlers had no answer to his onslaught as Finch completely dominated the game.

This innings marked the beginning of Finch’s reputation as one of the most dangerous T20 openers in world cricket. It also gave Australia a massive win and inspired a new era of attacking batting. His knock is still regarded as one of the cleanest power-hitting displays ever seen, making it an essential part of the Most Runs in an Innings in T20I Cricket History.

Player	Runs	Balls	6s	Strike Rate
Aaron Finch	156	63	14	247.61

2. Hazratullah Zazai

Afghanistan’s Hazratullah Zazai ranks second in the Most Runs in an Innings in T20I Cricket History for his unbeaten 162* against Ireland on February 23, 2019, in Dehradun. This innings remains one of the most powerful ever seen in the shortest format.

Zazai faced 62 balls and hit 16 sixes, showing his ability to destroy any bowling attack. His timing was perfect, his confidence unshakable, and his intent clear from the very first ball. Afghanistan’s total that day crossed 270, thanks to Zazai’s unbelievable hitting.

The innings made Zazai a national hero and a global T20 star. His composure under pressure and power-hitting ability placed him among the best in the world. This match also marked one of Afghanistan’s most dominant T20 performances, further strengthening their reputation in international cricket. Zazai’s 162* will forever stand tall among the Most Runs in an Innings in T20I Cricket History.

Player	Runs	Balls	6s	Strike Rate
Hazratullah Zazai	162*	62	16	261.29

1. Aaron Finch

Aaron Finch once again takes the top spot in the Most Runs in an Innings in T20I Cricket History with his world-record 172 runs against Zimbabwe on July 3, 2018, in Harare. This incredible performance remains unbeaten to this day.

Finch’s innings was a masterpiece of modern T20 batting. Facing 76 balls, he smashed 10 sixes with perfect placement and timing. His strike rate of 226.31 was phenomenal. Finch showed how to build an innings, steady at the start, explosive at the end. His control over the match and ability to read bowlers was unmatched.

Every cricket fan remembers this innings as a landmark moment in T20 history. Finch’s 172 was not just about runs; it was about setting a benchmark for future players. The innings remains the highest individual score in T20I cricket and defines what it means to dominate the game completely. Without doubt, this knock deserves its place at the top of the Most Runs in an Innings in T20I Cricket History.

Player	Runs	Balls	6s	Strike Rate
Aaron Finch	172	76	10	226.31

The Most Runs in an Innings in T20I Cricket History tells the story of courage, skill, and passion for the game. These ten innings are more than just high scores, they are moments that defined careers and changed the way cricket is played. From Aaron Finch’s double appearances to the rise of associate players like Sahil Chauhan and Zeeshan Kukikhel, these performances show that great batting can come from anywhere in the world.

Each of these innings carried something special, fearless hitting, creativity, and consistency. They inspired fans, lifted teams, and reminded everyone that in T20 cricket, one player can change everything. The record of the Most Runs in an Innings in T20I Cricket History will continue to evolve, but these names will forever remain symbols of excellence, power, and determination in the world of cricket.