T20 is arguably the most entertaining format of cricket. Although this is the shortest format of the game, T20 records seem to break every time a match is played. Over the years, T20 has emerged as the most-watched format of the game. However, the toughest format is Test cricket which is also the longest format of the game. In this article, we will look at the list of players who have scored the most no. of runs in T20 cricket. Moreover, it includes runs scored in every T20 tournament around the globe along with T20 internationals.

Also, read- Yashpal Sharma: 1983 World Cup winner dies of Heart attack

Top 5 highest run scorers in T20s:

#5 Virat Kohli (9,922 runs)

Arguably the best batsman in the world at the moment features at number 5 in this list. The Indian and RCB captain has scored 9,922 runs in his overall T20 career till now. He has achieved this feat in 310 matches 295 innings with an average of 41.86. This also includes 5 centuries and 72 half-centuries with a strike rate of 134.

Virat Kohli scored his T20 runs for the following teams: Delhi, India, Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Also Read: Most Centuries in international cricket since 2016

#4 David Warner (10,017 runs)

One of the best opening left-handed batsmen the game has ever produced has scored 10,017 runs in his t20 career till now. He has broken several T20 records whenever he took the pitch especially with the Sunrisers Hyderabad team in the IPL. He has scored 10,017 runs in 304 matches and 303 innings with an average of 37.80. Warner has also got 8 centuries and 82 half-centuries in this format with the highest score of 135*.

David Warner scored his T20 runs for the following teams: Australia, Australia A, Delhi Daredevils, Durham, Middlesex, New South Wales, Northern Districts, St Lucia Stars, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Sydney Sixers, Sydney Thunder, Sylhet Sixers.

#3 Shoaib Malik (10,741 runs)

Shoaib Malik is one of the most underrated batsmen when it comes to T20 cricket. He has a massive contribution in whichever teams he plays in. The 39-year-old Pakistani all-rounder has scored 10,741 runs in 397 innings with an average of 37.03. He is not a hard hitter of the cricket ball, rather a timer as a result his average strike rate is just around 126.

Shoaib Malik scored his T20 runs for the following teams: Barbados Tridents, Chittagong Vikings, Comilla Victorians, Delhi Daredevils, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Hobart Hurricanes, ICC World XI, Islamabad, Jaffna Stallions, Jozi Stars, Karachi Kings, Karachi Whites, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Multan Sultans, Pakistan, Pakistan International Airlines, Pakistanis, Peshawar Zalmi, Rajshahi Royals, Sialkot Region, Sialkot Stallions, Southern Punjab (Pakistan), Uva Next, Warwickshire.

Also Read: The most man of the matches in international cricket

#2 Kieron Adrian Pollard (10,836 runs)

West Indies and T20s are the greatest combos in Cricket and it's not a surprise that a West Indian features at no. 2 in this list. Although, Kieron Pollard bats deep down the order, he managed to score 10,836 runs in his T20 career. He played 545 matches and batted in 484 innings. However, he only has 1 century to his name and 54 half-centuries. Another thing that is attractive in Pollard's batting figures is his strike rate, which is over 152 in this format.

Kieron Pollard scored his T20 runs for the following teams: Adelaide Strikers, Barbados Tridents, Cape Cobras, Dhaka Dynamites, Dhaka Gladiators, Karachi Kings, Melbourne Renegades, Multan Sultans, Mumbai Indians, Peshawar Zalmi, Somerset, South Australia, St Lucia Stars, Stanford Superstars, Trinbago Knight Riders, Trinidad & Tobago, West Indies.

Also Read: Most international sixes in Cricket by Captains

#1 Christopher Henry gayle (14,038 runs)

The Universe boss features at no. 1 in the list of highest run-getters in T20s. Chris Gayle is often regarded as the king of the t20s because of his contribution particularly in this format of the game. He has scored 14,038 runs in his T20 career which is nearly 4000 runs more than second-placed Pollard. The Universe boss recently reached the 14000 run mark against Australia on Tuesday. Gayle has a record number of 22 centuries in this format which is more than anyone in history. He also holds the record for the highest run scored in a single match when he scored 175* for RCB in the IPL. He scored runs with an average of 37.63 and a massive strike rate of 146.18. Gayle has also got 87 fifties to his name and is also the player with the highest number of sixes in the T20s (1028).

Chris Gayle scored his T20 runs for the following teams: Balkh Legends, Barisal Bulls, Barisal Burners, Chattogram Challengers, Chittagong Vikings, Dhaka Gladiators, Jamaica, Jamaica Tallawahs, Jozi Stars, Karachi Kings, Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders, Lahore Qalandars, Lions, Matabeleland Tuskers, Melbourne Renegades, PCA Masters XI, Punjab Kings, Quetta Gladiators, Rangpur Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Somerset, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, Stanford Superstars, Sydney Thunder, West Indians, West Indies, Western Australia.

N.B. The stats are accurate as of July 13, 2021

Players with the ability to go big in the shortest format, like T20 and the grandest stage, like the World Cup, are something special. Over the years, we have witnessed several rapid-fire hundreds. But who scored the fastest century in the T20 World Cups among them?

It is time to find out who did it quicker than anyone else in this high-stakes tournament. Here's the list of players and their fastest ton feats for you to check:

Chris Gayle: Etching his name twice in history (47-ball and 50-ball record)

• Fastest century: in 47 balls vs ENG (2016)
• Second-fastest: in 50 balls vs SA (2007)

The West Indies legend, Chris Gayle, remarkably holds not just one, but the top two records for the fastest centuries in the T20 World Cup. He set the bar so high with his explosive batting qualities that no one dared to come closer.

His record-shattering fastest century came in 2016 edition against England, where he scored a century in only 47 balls. He hit 5 fours and 11 sixes with a strike rate above 200! He was also unbeaten and chased down the total to contribute to the 6-wicket victory.

Adding to his legacy, Gayle occupies the 2nd rank as well in this prestigious list, with his century in the 2007 T20 World Cup in 50 balls. This was his first century in the history of the tournament, and was the fastest for 9 years until he broke his own record.

Gayle's fearless approach and ability to change the course of a match are what set him apart from the rest at the highest level.

Read Also: Most Sixes in International Cricket History | Top 25 Batters

3. Brendon McCullum (51 balls) vs BAN | 2012

The New Zealand powerhouse, Brendon McCullum, stands third on this list with a blistering century off just 51 balls against Bangladesh in the 2012 T20 World Cup. This was his first-ever and the only century in the tournament's history.

It was also a historic moment for his nation, as it was the first time a New Zealand batter scored a century in T20 World Cup, setting a high standard for his countrymen.

4. Rilee Rossouw (52 balls) vs BAN | 2022

South Africa's Rilee Rossouw smashed his maiden T20 World Cup century in 52 balls, which is the fourth-highest so far. He helped the Proteas set a huge total of 205 on the board, making things difficult for Bangladesh in the second innings, and eventually winning in the end.

Read Also: Best bowling spells in T20 World Cups

5. Ahmed Shehzad (58 balls) vs BAN | 2014

Ahmed Shehzad registered Pakistan's fastest T20 World Cup century, scoring it in 58 balls against Bangladesh in 2014. He opened for the team and stayed unbeaten till the end, helping them build a strong total at a crucial time.

Despite a middle-order collapse, he saved the situation and converted it into a victory.

6. Suresh Raina (59 balls) vs SA | 2010

Suresh Raina's explosive 59-ball century against South Africa in the 2010 T20 WC places him among the fastest centurions. He is the only Indian batter in the list to score a hundred in less than 60 balls.

What made this knock more memorable is the fact that this was his first T20 World Cup century.

Read Also: Youngest Indian cricketers to score an international century

7. Alex Hales (60 balls) vs SL | 2014

Alex Hales brought up his hundred for England in 60 balls against Sri Lanka in 2014. His performance was a blend of calculated aggression and elegant striking.

He picked up the team after the fall of early wickets and chased down a huge total by staying till the end, which resulted in a 6-wicket victory.

8. Tamim Iqbal (60 balls) vs OMA | 2016

Tamim Iqbal stands as the only Bangladeshi batter to score a century in the T20 World Cup to date. His century also made it to the Top 10 fastest centuries and equalled the 60-ball mark as Hales.

This performance was crucial for the nation's campaign in the 2016 edition and also transformed him into a great limited-overs opener.

9. Glenn Phillips (61 balls) vs Sri Lanka | 2022

New Zealand's "Zippy," Glenn Phillips, added his name to the fastest century list with a 61-ball hundred against Sri Lanka in the 2022 edition. This knock marked his second century in T20 Internationals.

In a display of aggressive but controlled batting, Phillips proved to be crucial for his nation, cementing his place as a dynamic T20 batter.

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10. Mahela Jayawardene (63 balls) vs ZIM | 2010

Mahela Jayawardene, the elegant Sri Lankan maestro, scored a rapid 63-ball century against Zimbabwe in the 2010 T20 World Cup. His innings, a display of his class and ability to accelerate when needed, was a key factor in his team's strong record.

This century was also Sri Lanka's first in the T20 World Cup history.

Bowling contribution in a format like T20 matters a lot. One single good spell can crush the opponent down and turn the game completely in a blink. The T20 World Cup is a stage where some truly legendary bowlers have delivered such game-changer spells that are remembered for years!

So, let's take a look at such a fabulous class and display of bowling that goes down in history. Here are the best bowling spells in T20 World Cups:

1. Ajantha Mendis (6/8 in 4 overs) vs ZIM | 2012

• Wickets taken: 6
• Runs conceded: 8
• Overs: 4.0
• Maidens: 2
• Economy: 2.0

The Sri Lankan mystery spinner, Ajantha Mendis, holds the record for the best bowling spell in T20 World Cup history. Playing against Zimbabwe in 2012, he achieved this feat with his carrom ball and variations, tearing through their batting lineup.

Mendis bowled 4 overs, two of which were maidens, conceding only 8 runs while picking up 6 wickets. With this extraordinary performance, he became the first and only bowler to deliver a 6-wicket haul in the T20 World Cup.

He is deserving of all the credit for Sri Lanka's dominant victory in the match and for ending the contest single-handedly.

Read Also: Most sixes in T20 Internationals in 2025 so far (men & women)

2. Rangana Herath (5/3 in 3.3 overs) vs NZ | 2014

• Wickets taken: 5
• Runs conceded: 3
• Overs: 3.3
• Maidens: 2
• Economy: 0.85

Another spinner from Sri Lanka, Rangana Herath, has secured his position right at the 2nd spot for best bowling spells in T20 World Cups. His spell was full of unbelievable control and precision, which did not let New Zealand chase down a mere target of 120 runs.

Herath's destructive spell fetched him 5 wickets in only 3.3 overs, with two maidens. He took the first three wickets without conceding a single run, and later gave away only 2 more runs! 

His match-winning efforts collapsed the strong middle order and sealed the victory. This was a very special spell, that too, coming in the same year when Sri Lanka lifted the T20 World Cup for the first time (2014).

3. Umar Gul (5/6 in 3 overs) vs NZ | 2009

• Wickets taken: 5
• Runs conceded: 6
• Overs: 3.0
• Maidens: 0
• Economy: 2.00

The Pakistani pacer Umar Gul's performance against New Zealand in the 2009 T20 World Cup stands out as one of the most destructive fast-bowling spells in the tournament's history. His pinpoint yorkers and smart changes in pace dismissed the batters in quick succession.

In just 3 overs, Gul picked up 5 wickets, conceding only 6 runs. His contribution helped them restrict the opponent to 99 runs in the first innings, and he eventually bagged him the POTM trophy after their one-sided victory.

Read Also: Teams and Results of Every T20 World Cup Finals

The next set of players in the list of best bowling spells in T20 World Cups

Following the Top 3 performances, there's an impressive list of players who have such impressive figures in T20 World Cup history. Check them out:

T20 cricket is defined by explosive performances and relentless competition. Beyond the thrill of individual matches, the true quality of a team lies in its ability to consistently dominate the game.

Check out the most successful teams in T20 leagues around the world and their unmatched legacy in tournaments like Indian Premier League, Big Bash League, Carribbean Premier League, and more.

From the subcontinent to Australia and the Carribbean, here's the teams with highest achievements in the shortest format of cricket.

Chennai Super Kings (5 Titles) | IPL

Chennai Super Kings stand as one of the most successful franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL), having 5 titles to their name. Under the brilliant leadership of MS Dhoni, this team has reached the playoffs 10 times out of their 16 seasons played in the tournament.

CSK is known for adapting well in different conditions, calmness under pressure, strategic use of spin bowlers, and the deep batting line-up that balances the team. 

Iconic players like Shane Watson, Michael Hussey, Dwayne Bravo, and Ravichandran Ashwin were all a part of this successful franchise.

They won the 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023 IPL seasons.

Read Also: IPL Winners list of last 12 years

Mumbai Indians (5 Titles) | IPL

Sharing the top spot with 5 titles, Mumbai Indians, is another big successful team of IPL. Their journey began under the leadership of legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting, with Rohit Sharma leading the team to five victories in the end.

The MI franchise identifies and nurtures raw talent, transforming them into match-winners. Their success credits intelligent auction buys, strong core of retained players, and good support staffs.

They won the 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020 IPL seasons.

Perth Scorchers (5 Titles) | BBL

In the Australian Big Bash League (BBL), Perth Scorchers are the undisputed champions, also with 5 titles. They are known for their consistent home dominance, making Optus Stadium in Perth a fortress, where opponents rarely win.

Players like Adam Voges, Ashton Turner, and Andrew Tye have been central figures in their success. The franchise focus on picking players who perfectly fit in their style and thrive in Australian conditions.

They won 2013-14, 2014-15, 2016-17, 2021-22, and 2022-23 BBL seasons.

Read Also: WBBL 2021: Perth Scorchers wins maiden WBBL title

Jaffna Kings (4 Titles) | LPL

Jaffna Kings have quickly become the top team in the Lanka Premier League (LPL), winning 4 titles in a short time. Their former captain Thisara Perera and Shoaib Malik have been vital to their winning streak.

They won the inaugural season of the tournament in 2020, and moved forward with three-in-a-row wins (2021, 2022). They also won the title in 2024 season.

They form the squad with an equal balance of smart bowling and power-hitting with Sri Lankan players and impactful international stars.

Trinbago Knight Riders (4 Titles) | CPL

Trinbago Knight Riders are the most successful successful team in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), with 4 titles. The franchise is owned by the Knight Riders group, which also owns the KKR team in IPL.

Legendary players like Kieron Pollard and Sunil Narine have been cornerstones of their success. Their consistently attracting and keeping strong players, along with their dominant approach for the game, makes them a truly formidable side.

The won the 2015, 2016, 2020, and 2024 CPL seasons.

Read Also: Most Fifties in T20 Cricket

Comilla Victorians (4 Titles) | BPL

In the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL),Comilla Victorians have become the leading team with 4 titles. They have won every final they played in, showing incredible success rate.

Key players like Tamim Iqbal and the exceptional captain Imrul Kayes have played major roles in their historic journey.

They won the title in 2015, 2019, 2022 and 2023 BPL seasons.

Islamabad United (3 Titles) | PSL

Islamabad United stands out in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), not just for their 3 titles, but also for winning the inaugural final. Their early double titles have strengthened their presence in the tournament.

Legendary players include their former captain Misbah-ul-Haq, and more recently, the all-rounder captain Shadab Khan have notable contributions in their PSL journey.

They won 2016, 2018, and 2024 PSL seasons.

Read Also: The Greatest T20I Records That Will Stand the Test of Time

Sunrisers Eastern Cape (2 Titles) | SA20

Sunrisers Eastern Cape are the only team to have won the SA20 title 2 times. They also hold the record for most wins in a single season of the tournament (9 wins in 2024).

Owned by the Indian SUN group, which also owns SRH team in IPL, have strategically picked players who turned out to be match-winners. Outstanding bowling performances from Marco Jansen and Ottneil Baartman played a key role in their memorable victories, along with good captaincy of Aiden Markram.

They won 2023 and 2024 SA20 seasons.

Centuries in T20Is are a treat to watch. Over the years, some incredible cricketing talents across the globe have set the bar high with their records. This article celebrates the art of power-hitting by logging the top 10 fastest centuries in Women's cricket.

Check out the Top 10s that left the fans and bowlers amazed in the competitive T20 format.

10. Hayley Matthews | (53 balls) vs Australia, 2023

The West Indies captain Hayley Matthews scored a crucial ton in their record-breaking run chase against Australia. She is known for excelling in the T20 format. They succeeded in defeating Australia on their home soil with the help of this knock in 2023.

Matthews has scored 2 centuries in T20Is so far. It took her only 53 balls for this, which makes it one of the fastest centuries in Women's cricket.

9. Meg Lanning | (53 balls) vs Ireland, 2014

Meg Lanning, the former Australian captain, holds the ninth position with her timeless century against Ireland in the Women's T20 World Cup, 2014. Lanning is one of the finest cricketers of all time, with seven World Cup titles under her name.

She scored 125 runs off 65 balls in this innings and was also the top run-scorer of the tournament.

Also Read: Most matches as captain in Women's T20I history: Harmanpreet Kaur tops the chart

8. Rubina Chhetry | (52 balls) vs Maldives, 2024

The former captain of the Nepal Women's Team, Rubina Chhetry, scored a record-breaking century in a match of ACC Women's Premier Cup against Maldives in 2024. She hit 10 fours and 5 sixes, leading the team to a total of 227 runs on the board. 

Her century off 52 balls paved the way to achieve one of the highest totals of Women's T20Is by an Asian country.

7. Danni Wyatt-Hodge | (52 balls) vs India, 2018

The attacking opener of England Women's Team, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, scored a magnificent century from just 52 balls against India in 2018. She’s widely known for her composed batting style in this format, providing a headstart to the team.

Wyatt helped England reach the milestone of one of the highest successful run chases in the history of Women's T20Is with her vital knock.

Also Read: The Greatest T20I Records That Will Stand the Test of Time

6. Meg Lanning | (51 balls) vs England, 2019

This is yet another ton from the Australian legend that became one of the fastest centuries in women's cricket, making her appear on the list twice. She took 53 balls to score the century, and was also unbeaten in the inning.

Lanning also holds the record for most centuries in Women's ODIs, which says a lot about her exceptional abilities.

5. Fargana Hoque | (51 balls) vs Maldives, 2019

Fargana Hoque, the right-handed Bangladeshi batter scored her maiden T20 century off 51 balls in 2019, which was fastest in a lot. With this remarkable century against Maldives, Hoque became the second woman from Bangladesh to score a T20 century.

4. Harmanpreet Kaur | (49 balls) vs New Zealand, 2018

Harmanpreet Kaur, the current Indian captain, secured the fourth position with her maiden T20 century in 2018. She scored this off just 49 balls during the ICC Women's World T20, against New Zealand.

Kaur showcased some fearless cricketing class and became the first Indian woman to score a century in a T20 International.

Read Also: Harmanpreet Kaur in T20 Women's World Cup: A Name for Milestones and Challenges

3. Tamsin Beaumont | (47 balls) vs South Africa, 2018

Tamsin Beaumont, the right-handed English batter, scored an impressive century off 47 balls against South Africa in 2018. She is known for her ability to score runs in all cricketing formats and noteworthy fielding.

2. Alyssa Healy | (46 balls) vs Sri Lanka, 2019

The current Australian captain, Alyssa Healy, scored her maiden T20 century off 46 balls against Sri Lanka in 2019. In this inning, she played a spectacular knock of 148* from 61 balls, which is the highest individual score in women's T20Is by an Australian. 

This performance brings her to the second position in the table of fastest centuries in Women's cricket of all time.

1. Deandra Dottin | (38 balls) vs South Africa, 2010

As we come down to the final name, Deandra Dottin’s extraordinary century off 38 balls is the long-standing record that has remained in the no. 1 rank for over a decade. This West Indies all-rounder scored her groundbreaking maiden century against South Africa in 2010.

Dottin is the first woman to score a century in the history of T20 cricket. She is widely recognised for her explosive batting power and has set an unforgettable benchmark worldwide. 

Also Read: Top Female Cricketers Who Are Making History

Indian team's star batsman Virat Kohli scored a brilliant half-century in the match against Rajasthan Royals on Sunday. The former captain, who is in great form, became the first Indian to score 100 half-centuries in T20 cricket. 

The Indian stalwart entered the exclusive club, which solely featured David Warner as its sole member. The former Australia star boasts a staggering 108 half-centuries in the T20 format.

Also Read: Most Wickets in 1st Over of IPL

Let's take a look at the batters with most gifties in T20 cricket.

Most Fifties in T20 Cricket

5. Jos Buttler | 86

The England batter Jos Buttler has a fantastic record in the shortest format and has featured in franchise cricket all around the world. Buttler is a part of the Gujarat Titans side in the ongoing IPL season. He has so far played 440 matches in T20 cricket, scoring a total of 12,331 runs with 8 hundreds and the highest individual score of 124.

4. Chris Gayle | 88

The explosive West Indies batter Chris Gayle has played franchise cricket all around the world and has also featured a lot for the national side in the shortest format. Gayle has played 463 matches in T20 cricket, scoring a total of 14,562 runs with 22 centuries and the highest individual score 175*.

3. Babar Azam | 90

The Pakistan batter has not only played a lot of T20 cricket for the national side, but has also featured a lot in franchise cricket. Babar has so far played 311 matches in the format, scoring a total of 11,042 runs with 11 hundreds and the highest individual score of 122.

2. Virat Kohli | 100*

The India star batter Virat Kohli scored his 100th half-century in T20 cricket during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's clash against the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025. Kohli has so far played 405 matches in the format, scoring a total of 13,134 runs with 9 centuries and the highest individual score of 122*.

Also Read: Most Fifties (and over) in IPL History

1. David Warner | 108

The former Australia batter David Warner has played a total of 400 matches in T20 cricket, scoring a massive 12,925 runs. Along with a humongous number of half-centuries, Warner also has 8 centuries under his name in the format with the highest individual score of 135*.