India’s dynamic opener, Abhishek Sharma, lit up Wankhede Stadium (T20I) with a breathtaking 135 off just 54 balls in the fifth T20 International against England. His explosive innings, featuring seven fours and thirteen colossal sixes, powered India to a mammoth total of 247-9 in 20 overs. This knock shattered Shubman Gill’s record for the highest individual score by an Indian in T20I history.
However, despite his stunning effort, Sharma’s 135 narrowly missed securing a place among the top five highest individual scores in T20I cricket.
Highest Individual Scores in T20I Cricket
Player Name
Score
Opposition
Aaron Finch
172
Zimbabwe
Hazratullah Zazai
162*
Ireland
Aaron Finch
156
England
YSD Seneveratne
150*
Brazil
Glenn Maxwell
145*
Sri Lanka
Sahil Chauhan
144*
Cyprus
Kushal Malla
137*
Mongolia
Zeeshan Kukikhel
137
Austria
Finn Allen
137
Pakistan
Michael Levitt
135
Namibia
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 08: Michael Levitt of Netherlands hits out to be caught by Marco Jansen of South Africa during the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup West Indies & USA 2024 match between Netherlands and South Africa at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium on June 08, 2024 in New York, New York. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Abhishek Sharma’s 135 vs Michael Levitt’s 135 – Who Holds the Edge?
Both Abhishek Sharma and Michael Levitt have the same highest T20I score of 135, but Levitt is ranked higher since he achieved the feat before the Indian opener. While Levitt’s knock was a class act, Abhishek Abhishek Sharma’s innings came under high-pressure circumstances, proving his capability as a match-winner for India.
MUMBAI, INDIA – FEBRUARY 02: Abhishek Sharma of India celebrates his century during the 5th T20 International between India and England at Wankhede Stadium on February 02, 2025 in Mumbai, India. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Aaron Finch – The Undisputed King of T20I Batting
Australia’s Aaron Finch holds the top two spots on the list, with his unbelievable 172 against Zimbabwe in 2018 remaining the highest individual score in T20I history. Finch’s innings was a perfect blend of power, precision, and fearless strokeplay.
His second-highest score of 156 came against England in 2013, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest T20I openers of all time.
Afghanistan’s Hazratullah Zazai played an unforgettable knock of 162 against Ireland* in 2019, proving that Associate Nations could produce world-class talent. Zazai’s innings included 11 fours and 16 sixes, making it one of the most destructive performances in T20I history.
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JUNE 22: Mohammed Shami of India appeals for the wicket of Hazratullah Zazai of Afghanistan during the Group Stage match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 between India and Afghanistan at The Hampshire Bowl on June 22, 2019 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
Rising Stars and Surprise Entries in the Top 10
While players like Finch and Maxwell are well-known powerhouses, some rising stars have made their mark in this elite list. Sahil Chauhan, Zeeshan Kukikhel, and Kushal Malla have all delivered sensational performances for their respective nations.
Among them, Michael Levitt’s 135 against Namibia has drawn attention, as he joined this exclusive club alongside names like Finn Allen and Glenn Maxwell.
India’s Dominance in the 5th T20I Against England
Apart from Abhishek Sharma’s masterclass, India’s total of 247-9 was backed by their bowlers, who dismantled England’s batting lineup for just 97 runs in 10.3 overs. The win secured a 4-1 series triumph for India and showcased their newfound fearless batting approach under coach Gautam Gambhir.
England’s Batting Collapse:
Phil Salt provided a quick start with a 23-ball 55.
The rest of the batting order failed to withstand India’s attack.
Mohammed Shami led the bowling unit with three wickets.
Varun Chakravarthy, Shivam Dube, and Abhishek Sharma took two wickets each.
Looking Ahead: India’s ODI Series Against England
With the T20I series wrapped up, India will shift focus to the upcoming three-match ODI series against England, starting on February 6. With Sharma in red-hot form, fans eagerly await his next explosive performance.
Conclusion – The Evolution of T20I Batting
The evolution of T20I cricket has seen batters pushing the limits of scoring, with 172 now being the benchmark for the highest individual score. As more explosive talents emerge, it’s only a matter of time before this record is challenged again.
Stay tuned as we track the future record-breakers in the ever-dynamic world of T20I cricket!