Biggest Wins in T20 World Cup History By Runs

Every team likes to dominate the opposition, and it becomes special if the team dominates in an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match. A giant win or large winning margin shows a team's dominance in a game. This article will go through the biggest wins in the T20 World Cup by runs.

List of biggest wins in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup history (top 5 by runs)

*Updated as of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022*

5. South Africa vs Bangladesh (2022)  

South Africa: 205/5

Bangladesh: 101

Result: South Africa won by 104 runs 

It was the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 Super 12 encounter between South Africa and Bangladesh. With the help of centurion Rilee Rossouw's (109 off 56 balls) and opening batter Quinton de Kock’s (63 off 38 balls) strong batting performances, South Africa scored 205/5 in 20 overs.

In reply, Bangladesh were bowled out for 101 runs, as South Africa won by 104 runs. South African bowlers Anrich Nortje (4/10) and Tabraiz Shamsi (3/20) dominated in the second innings. Among the Bangladesh batters, only Litton Das (34) managed to score 20+ runs.

4. England vs Afghanistan (2012)  

England: 196/5

Afghanistan: 80

Result: England won by 116 runs  

During the Group Stage match of the ICC World T20 2012, England thrashed Afghanistan by 116 runs. After Afghanistan chose to field first, England scored 196/5 in 20 overs, largely thanks to Luke Wright’s 99 not out in 55 balls. Opener Alex Hales (31) and no.4 batter Eoin Morgan (27) also provided key support to the English batting.

In reply, Afghanistan were all out for only 80 runs. Only the no.8 batter Gulbadin Naib (44) managed to fight back in the chasing. Four English bowlers bagged two wickets each in that innings.

3. Afghanistan vs Scotland (2021)  

Afghanistan: 190/4

Scotland: 60

Result: Afghanistan won by 130 runs  

During the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 Second Round, Afghanistan thrashed Scotland by 130 runs. After Afghanistan chose to bat first, they scored 190/4 in 20 overs. Opener Hazratullah Zazai scored 44 runs, while Rahmanullah Gurbaz (46) and Najibullah Zadran (59) also played crucial knocks.

In reply, Scotland were bundled out for only 60 runs, majorly thanks to the Afghan spinners Mujeeb Ur Rahman (5/20) and Rashid Khan (4/9). Apart from the openers George Munsey (25) and Kyle Coetzer (10), only no.7 batter Chris Greaves (12) managed the double-digit scores in that innings. Five Scottish batters scored ducks in that innings, including three golden ducks.

2. South Africa vs Scotland (2009)  

South Africa: 211/5

Scotland: 81

Result: South Africa won by 130 runs  

It was the South Africa vs Scotland match during the Group Stage of the ICC World T20 2009. In the first batting, South African openers Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis provided a solid start with an 87-run partnership. While the skipper Smith scored 38 runs, Kallis scored 48 runs. However, AB de Villiers was the star of that innings with his 79 not out off just 34 balls. De Villiers’ powerful batting helped the Proteas team score 211/5 in 20 overs.

In reply, Scotland were bundled out for 81 runs as South Africa won by 130 runs. Only Kyle Coetzer (42) and Majid Haq (15) managed double-digit scores, while four out of six Proteas bowlers scalped two wickets each.  

1. Sri Lanka vs Kenya (2007)  

Sri Lanka: 260/6

Kenya: 88

Result: Sri Lanka won by 172 runs  

During their T20 World Cup debut match, Sri Lanka became the first team to record 260 runs in T20 cricket history. It was the Group Stage match against Kenya, where Sanath Jayasuriya (88 off 44 balls) and captain Mahela Jayawardene (65 off 27 balls) set up the strong base, and Jehan Mubarak (46 not out off 13 balls) had a furious cameo in the end. Sri Lanka scored 260/6 in 20 overs.

In reply, Kenya were bundled out for only 88 runs. While David Obuya (18), Tanmay Mishra (16), and Alex Obanda (21) were the only batters to reach double-digit scores, most of the Lankan bowlers dominated in that innings. At the end of that match, Sri Lanka recorded the largest win in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup history with a 172-run victory.