T20 cricket is often seen as a batter’s game. Unlike Test and ODI formats, where batters are judged on their ability to build big scores, T20 cricket encourages an aggressive approach, prioritizing impact over endurance.
However, the format presents its own challenges, especially in subcontinent conditions like India, where pitch behavior varies significantly. While Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai is known for its batting-friendly surface, the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai poses a tough test for batters with its spin-friendly nature.
6. 77/1 vs Australia, Thiruvananthapuram, 2023
India put on a strong batting display in the second T20I against Australia in Thiruvananthapuram during their 2023 tour. Batting first, the Men in Blue raced to 77/1 in the powerplay, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad leading the charge with half-centuries. India’s mammoth total of 235 runs eventually secured them a 44-run victory.
5. 77/1 vs Sri Lanka, Nagpur, 2009
One of India’s early power-hitting displays in T20I cricket came against Sri Lanka in Nagpur in 2009. Chasing a daunting 216-run target, Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag gave India a flying start, reaching 77/1 in six overs. Gambhir shone with a 26-ball 55, but India lost momentum in the middle overs and fell short by 29 runs.
4. 78/2 vs South Africa, Johannesburg, 2018
India’s explosive batting lineup delivered a stunning start against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2018. Openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan powered the team to 78/2 inside six overs. Dhawan top-scored with a 39-ball 72, helping India post 203 runs, which proved enough for a 28-run victory.
3. 82/1 vs Bangladesh, Hyderabad, 2024
India’s young guns dominated Bangladesh in the final T20I of the 2024 series in Hyderabad. Already leading 2-0, India capitalized on the batting-friendly conditions to post 82/1 in the powerplay. Sanju Samson stole the show with a blistering 111 off 47 balls, including 11 fours and 8 sixes. India registered their highest T20I total of 297 and crushed Bangladesh by 133 runs to complete a clean sweep.
2. 82/2 vs Scotland, Dubai, 2021
One of India’s few bright moments in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 came against Scotland. Chasing a modest 86-run target, KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma tore into the Scottish attack, amassing 82 runs inside six overs. Rahul hammered a 19-ball 50, while Rohit added 30 off 16. India wrapped up the chase with 81 balls to spare, securing an eight-wicket win.
1. 95/1 vs England, Wankhede, 2025
India’s highest-ever powerplay score in T20Is came in the 5th T20I against England in 2025 at Wankhede. Despite losing Sanju Samson early, Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma launched a brutal assault, racing to 95/1 in six overs. Abhishek was in a league of his own, smashing a century off just 37 balls. India ended with 247/9, their fourth-highest T20I total.