Chris Gayle scored the first ever century in T20 internationals and T20 World Cup

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Top 5 Highest Individual Scores in T20 World Cup History

February 3, 2026

The 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup will be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. The tournament will feature 20 teams and 55 matches across 8 venues, with 5 grounds in India and 3 in Sri Lanka.

The teams have been divided into 4 groups of 5 teams. India and Pakistan are in Group A. Australia and Sri Lanka are in Group B. England and West Indies feature in Group C. New Zealand and South Africa are placed in Group D. The group stage will be followed by the Super 8 round and the knockout matches.

The T20 World Cup trophy on display during the 2024 edition

Across 9 editions of the T20 World Cup, batters have produced several unforgettable performances. As the latest edition approaches, here is a look at the 5 highest individual scores in T20 World Cup history.

5. Rilee Rossouw – 109 off 56 vs Bangladesh, 2022 T20 World Cup

Rilee Rossouw produced a stunning hundred for South Africa against Bangladesh during the Super 12 stage of the 2022 T20 World Cup in Sydney.

Batting at No. 3, Rossouw smashed 109 runs from 56 balls, hitting seven fours and eight sixes. South Africa posted 205-5 after winning the toss. They then bowled Bangladesh out for 101 to seal a dominant 104-run win.

Rossouw added a massive 168-run partnership for the second wicket with Quinton de Kock, who scored 63 off 38 balls. His innings ended when he was caught at cover off Shakib Al Hasan.

**4. Ahmed Shehzad – 111* off 62 vs Bangladesh, 2014**

Ahmed Shehzad starred for Pakistan with an unbeaten century against hosts Bangladesh in the 2014 T20 World Cup.

Opening the innings in Mirpur, Shehzad scored 111 not out from 62 deliveries. He struck 10 fours and five sixes. Pakistan finished on 190-5 after winning the toss and later restricted Bangladesh to 140-7 to claim a 50-run victory.

Shehzad also added 83 runs for the fourth wicket with Shoaib Malik, who scored 26 off 23 balls. Umar Gul picked up figures of 3-30 with the ball.

**3. Alex Hales – 116* off 64 vs Sri Lanka, 2014**

Alex Hales played one of the finest knocks in T20 World Cup history during England’s Super 10 match against Sri Lanka in Chattogram.

Chasing 190, England lost two wickets in the first over. Hales then took control of the chase and smashed an unbeaten 116 off 64 balls. He struck 11 fours and six sixes.

Hales added a crucial 150-run stand for the third wicket with Eoin Morgan, who made 57 off 38 balls. England chased down the target in 19.2 overs to win by six wickets. Hales is currently third highest in terms of most runs in T20s behind Chris Gayle and Kieron Pollard.

Full Match Schedule & Format of the 2026 T20 World Cup

2. Chris Gayle – 117 off 57 vs South Africa, 2007 T20 World Cup

Chris Gayle announced himself on the world stage with a breathtaking century in the very first match of the inaugural Men’s T20 World Cup in 2007. This was also the very first century to be hit in T20Is.

Opening the batting in Johannesburg, the Universe Boss smashed 117 off 57 balls against hosts South Africa. His innings included seven fours and 10 sixes. West Indies posted 205-6 after being sent in to bat.

Gayle added 145 runs for the first wicket with Devon Smith, who scored 35 off 34 balls. Despite Gayle’s heroics, South Africa chased down the target, with Herschelle Gibbs scoring 90* off 55 deliveries.

1. Brendon McCullum – 123 off 58 vs Bangladesh, 2012

Brendon McCullum holds the record for the highest individual score in T20 World Cup history.

The former New Zealand captain smashed 123 off 58 balls against Bangladesh during a Group D match of the 2012 tournament at Pallekele. Batting at No. 3, McCullum hit 11 fours and seven sixes in a 72-minute assault.

New Zealand posted 191-3 after being sent in and later restricted Bangladesh to 132-8 to win by 59 runs. McCullum was dismissed on the final ball of the innings, caught off Abdur Razzak.

Check the final squads of all 20 teams for the 2026 T20 World Cup HERE.

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