In the second semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2026, held at the Wankhede Stadium, a batting masterclass has been witnessed, leaving the England bowling line-up in shambles. The Indian cricket team, after being asked to bat first by Harry Brook, has amassed a colossal total of 253/7, the highest ever score in a T20 World Cup knockout game.
The innings has been led by Sanju Samson, who has contributed a breathtaking 89 runs off just 42 balls, including 8 fours and 7 sixes, setting the tone for a historic game. The innings has been further supported by Ishan Kishan, who contributed 39 runs, and Shivam Dube, who contributed a crucial 43 runs. The late-order contributions by Hardik Pandya, who contributed 27 runs, and Tilak Varma, who contributed 21 runs, ensured that the Indian cricket team hit a record number of 19 sixes in the innings, not just leaving the England bowlers shell-shocked, but also officially declaring the Indian cricket team the first in the world to cross the 250-run mark six times in a T20 game.
Most 250-plus totals in men’s T20s
India (6 Totals):
India has a record 6 totals of 250 or more and leads the world, thanks to their ‘ultra-aggressive’ top order. This journey has seen a staggering 297/6 against Bangladesh in 2024 and a clinical 283/1 against South Africa later that same year. Early 2026 has seen a 271/5 against New Zealand added to their list, and they have also held a 260/5 against Sri Lanka (2017). This tournament has seen them go over 250 twice: 256/4 against Zimbabwe in the Super 8s and tonight’s monumental 253/7 against England.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (5 Totals)
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) revolutionized IPL cby becoming the first home-based side to achieve 5 totals of 250+. Their remarkable 2024 season saw them beat RCB by smashing 287/3, beat Mumbai Indians by scoring 277/3, and beat Delhi Capitals by scoring 266/7. This template has continued into 2025, with a huge 286/6 against Rajasthan Royals and 278/3 against KKR. By focusing on a boundary-rich strategy during the powerplay, SRH have demonstrated that a franchise side can set a benchmark for international teams to aim for.
West Indies (3 Totals)
The West Indies known for their power-hitting, have achieved 3 scores above 250. Their highest has been an astonishing 258/5 against South Africa in 2023 at Centurion, followed by a historical 256/5 against Ireland in 2025. Most recently, in the T20 World Cup’s 2026 Super 8 stage, they annihilated Zimbabwe with a total of 254/6 at the Wankhede. While they have fewer entries than India, they are still the most dangerous side on flat decks and can turn any match into a home run derby.
Also READ: Sanju Samson’s moment has come and he is making it count
Zimbabwe (3 Totals)
Zimbabwe despite not a strong team in cricket have featured in this list as they have 3 totals over 250, including the highest total in T20I history. In October 2024, Zimbabwe achieved an astonishing 344/4 against Gambia, including a 33-ball century from Sikandar Raza. Earlier in the same month, they achieved 286/5 against Seychelles. The third instance was in 2025, when they broke the mark in a regional qualifier by scoring 259/5 in Botswana. While these matches have been against up-and-coming nations, the technical skill required to keep up this high scoring rate is a historic achievement for the nation.
Surrey (3 Totals)
The only English domestic team to feature prominently in the list is Surrey, with 3 totals over 250, with their best effort being a whopping 250/6 against Kent in 2018, followed by a clinical 258/6 against Sussex at Hove in 2023. Their 3rd effort came again in when they scored 252/3 against Middlesex. Surrey has consistently used the true bounce of their home ground, coupled with their deep batting lineup of international stars such as Will Jacks, to dominate the English county circuit.
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