Highest Score in T20 International Cricket: Records, Matches & Key Highlights

Introduction

T20 International (T20I) cricket has transformed the game with its fast pace, explosive batting, and thrilling finishes. Fans across the globe love to follow records like the highest score in T20 international cricket, the fastest T20 centuries, and epic clashes such as England vs South Africa (ENG vs SA). In this blog, we will explore the highest T20I scores by teams, individual records, and iconic matches featuring top teams like England, South Africa, India, and West Indies.

Highest Team Score in T20 International

The record for the highest team score in T20 internationals has changed hands multiple times, with England, South Africa, India, and Afghanistan all showcasing explosive batting performances.

Top Highest T20I Team Scores:

• England – 304/2 vs South Africa (Manchester, 2025) ✅ (NEW RECORD)

• Afghanistan – 278/3 vs Ireland

• Czech Republic – 278/4 vs Turkey

• Australia – 263/3 vs Sri Lanka

• India – 260/5 vs Sri Lanka

• South Africa – 259/4 vs West Indies

England’s 304/2 in September 2025 has now become the highest ever T20I team total, breaking all previous records.

England vs South Africa (ENG vs SA) in T20 Cricket

The rivalry between the England cricket team and the South Africa national cricket team in T20Is has always delivered high-scoring thrillers.

Latest ENG vs SA Match (2nd T20I, Manchester 2025):

• England: 304/2 in 20 overs

  • Phil Salt – 141* (60 balls), fastest century for England in T20I (39 balls).

  • Jos Buttler – 83 (30 balls).

  • Harry Brook – 41* (17 balls).

• South Africa: 158 all out in 16.1 overs.

  • Aiden Markram – 41 (20 balls).

  • Jofra Archer – 3/25.

Result: England won by 146 runs. This match not only gave England the highest T20I score but also showcased Phil Salt’s brilliance with one of the greatest individual innings in the format.

Special Highlights: ENG vs SA 2025 Series Records

• Highest T20I Team Score Ever: England 304/2 (Manchester).

• England’s Fastest T20I Century: Phil Salt – 39 balls.

• England’s Highest Individual T20I Score: Phil Salt – 141*.

• Biggest Win Margin vs South Africa: England won by 146 runs.

• Most Sixes in an England T20I Innings: Salt & Buttler combined hit over 15 sixes in the Manchester game.

This series has already entered the record books and set a new benchmark for T20 international cricket.

Highest Individual Score in T20 Internationals

Alongside team totals, individual brilliance has also set benchmarks.

Top Individual Records:

• Aaron Finch (Australia) – 172 vs Zimbabwe (Highest individual score in T20I)

• Hazratullah Zazai (Afghanistan) – 162 vs Ireland*

• Phil Salt (England) – 141 vs South Africa (2025)* ✅ (England’s highest in T20I)

• Glenn Maxwell (Australia) – 145 vs Sri Lanka*

Salt’s innings in Manchester 2025 is now one of the top T20I knocks ever played.

Fastest Centuries in T20 International

Scoring a century in a 20-over match is rare, but some batters have achieved it in record time:

• David Miller (South Africa) – 35 balls vs Bangladesh

• Rohit Sharma (India) – 35 balls vs Sri Lanka

• Sudesh Wickramasekara (Czech Republic) – 35 balls vs Turkey

• Phil Salt (England) – 39 balls vs South Africa, 2025 ✅

Such blistering knocks make T20 cricket the most exciting format.

England Cricket Team in T20

The England cricket team is one of the strongest sides in T20 internationals:

• Jos Buttler (Captain, wicketkeeper-batsman)

• Phil Salt (record-breaking opener)

• Harry Brook (emerging middle-order star)

• Sam Curran, Moeen Ali, Chris Jordan (all-rounders)

With their record-breaking 304/2, England has raised the bar for T20 batting.

South Africa National Cricket Team in T20

The South Africa national cricket team has been a powerhouse in T20s:

• David Miller – known as ‘Killer Miller’ for his finishing ability

• Quinton de Kock – aggressive opener

• Aiden Markram – consistent top-order batsman

Though they suffered a heavy defeat in Manchester, South Africa remains one of the strongest T20 sides with their own record of 259/4 vs West Indies.

Upcoming Match: ENG vs SA 3rd T20I

The decider between England and South Africa will be played on 14 September 2025 at Trent Bridge, Nottingham.

• Time: 1:30 PM GMT

• Broadcasters: Sky Sports (UK), SuperSport (South Africa), Sony Sports / Star Sports (India).

This match will decide the series, and fans are expecting another high-scoring thriller.

Conclusion

T20 cricket continues to break records with every passing year. From the highest team score in T20 internationals to the fastest T20 centuries, fans are witnessing a golden era of power-hitting. England’s recent 304/2 vs South Africa has set a new benchmark, making their clash one of the most iconic moments in T20 history.