T20 cricket is a format that swings like a pendulum. One moment, a team might be on top, and a few moments later, the same team will be in doldrums. It is the dynamic nature of the format that has endeared it to the masses.

The teams too just like the nature of the format, have experienced contrasting fortunes with the willow. They have traversed peaks when they have dismantled opposition attacks, and on the other hand, have also reached embarrassingly low troughs as well, when the opposition has made them appear totally clueless.

In this article, let us have a look at the highest and lowest totals of the top 10 teams in T20I cricket.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-405402" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Afghanistan-1.jpg" alt="Afghanistan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-405402" class="wp-caption-text">Afghanistan. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

On 23rd February 2019, the Afghan batsmen ripped apart the Ireland bowling attack and amassed a total of 278/3 on the board in their allotted 20 overs. They rode on the back of a record shattering 236 run opening stand between Hazratullah Zazai and Usman Ghani. The total that Afghanistan pummelled against Ireland is the highest by any side in the 16-year history of T20Is.

While Hazratullah blasted a 62-ball 162, Ghani scored 73 off 48 balls as the openers batted Ireland out of the game. Their pyrotechnics with the willow allowed the Afghan side to beat their opposition by 84 runs.

On the other hand, the Afghan side recorded their lowest total against Bangladesh when they were dismissed for just 72 in the 2014 World T20. <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/bcb-appoints-an-armed-guard-to-protect-shakib-al-hasan-after-death-threats/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shakib al Hasan</a> ripped through the Afghan batting line up, picking up 3 wickets for just 8 runs, as none of the Afghan batsmen could even cross 25.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-406161" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Bangladesh-team-picture.jpg" alt="Bangladesh team" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-406161" class="wp-caption-text">Bangladesh team. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Sri Lanka had scored a mammoth 214/6 in the Nidahas Trophy on 10th March 2018. A target of 215 and a required rate in excess of 10.5 runs an over was a massive challenge, but Bangladesh&#8217;s willow wielders came out all guns blazing to stun the islanders. <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/bangabandhu-t20-cup-mushfiqur-rahim-loses-his-cool-at-teammate-nasum-ahmed-for-interfering-while-catching/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mushfiqur Rahim</a> was the wrecker-in-chief in the second innings, and smashed a murderous 35 ball 72, as Bangladesh chased down the target with two balls to spare. It is, till date, the highest total recorded by Bangladesh in T20Is.

The lowest total recorded by the Bangladesh side came in the 2016 T20 World Cup against New Zealand. The Kiwis batted first and put on 145 runs on the board. As usual, the ever-reliable Kane Williamson led the charge with the -bat, and scored a sedate 32=ball 42.

In reply, the Bangladesh batsmen were all at sea, as Grant Elliott and Ish Sodhi picked up three wickets each, to skittle out the opposition for a paltry total of just 70.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-468796" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/West-Indies.jpg" alt="West Indies" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-468796" class="wp-caption-text">West Indies. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption>

They are mercurial. They are flamboyant. And, they are extremely unpredictable in the T20 format of the game. The West Indian cricket side is the only team that has won the T20 World Cup on two occasions and are currently the defending champions.

The ‘Men In Maroon’ recorded their highest total in T20Is in the year 2016 in the USA. The West Indian batsmen pulverized the Indian bowling attack on their way to a mammoth 245/6 against the Indian side. Johnson Charles and Evin Lewis put on a blistering 126-run stand in just 9.3 overs, as the Indian bowling attack was rendered powerless against the batting onslaught.

The match was an absolute cliff hanger, as India nearly chased the target down, only to fall short by 1 run. <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/mohammad-kaif-backs-kl-rahul-to-get-a-chance-in-playing-xi-in-virat-kohlis-absence/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">KL Rahul</a> was the star of the run chase, and scored a whirlwind 110 off just 51 balls.

West Indies’ lowest total came in March 2019, when they were bowled out for just 45 against England. The England batsmen piled up a total of 182 runs on the board. In reply, Chris Jordan sliced through the ‘Men in Maroon’, picking up 4 wickets for 6 runs, and the West Indian outfit was thrashed by a margin of 137 runs.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-411626" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Sri-Lanka.jpg" alt="Sri Lanka" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-411626" class="wp-caption-text">Sri Lanka. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Sri Lanka’s highest total in T20Is came in the year 2007 against Kenya. The Lankan batsmen piled up a massive total of 260/6 against a hapless Kenyan bowling attack. Legendary opener <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/sanath-jayasuriyas-father-passes-away-at-the-age-of-80/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sanath Jayasuriya</a> led the way with a splendid 88 scored at a strike rate of 200, as the Kenya side was sent on a leather hunt. Kenya was bowled out for just 88, as Sri Lanka won the game by 172 runs.

The lowest total by the Sri Lankan side was recorded against their neighbours and Asian heavyweights India. In February 2016, the Sri Lankan side was bowled out for just 82. Only two Sri Lankan batsmen could cross double figures as Sri Lanka cut a sorry figure in Vishakapatnam.

In reply, the Indian side chased down the target with ease, and won with 9 wickets to spare. Sri Lanka are currently ranked No.7 in T20Is. They won the World Cup in the format in the year 2014.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-470309" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/South-Africa.jpg" alt="South Africa" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-470309" class="wp-caption-text">South Africa. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption>

They have been under achievers, especially in the major tournaments. They have the firepower, but have never managed to win a World Cup, neither in the 50-over nor the 20-over format. South Africa have produced some riveting cricket over the years, but have never managed to win the most prized possession in limited overs cricket.

Against the England side, South Africa recorded their highest ever total in T20Is at Centurion. Led by a whirlwind opening stand of 170 between <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/it-has-shocked-me-how-heated-things-have-got-graeme-smith-after-death-threats-for-supporting-black-lives-matter-movement/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Graeme Smith</a> and Loots Bosman, South Africa amassed a total of 241/6 on the board. In reply, the England side was nowhere close to the target, and ended up losing to the hosts by 84 runs.

South Africa recorded their lowest ever total in T20Is against Australia in February 2020. The Kangaroos batted first and piled up a mammoth total of 196/6. In reply, Ashton Agar spun a web around the opposition batsmen, picking up 5 wickets for just 24 runs, as South Africa were bundled out for just 89.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-463664" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Pakistan-vs-Zimbabwe.jpg" alt="Pakistan vs Zimbabwe" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-463664" class="wp-caption-text">Pakistan vs Zimbabwe. (Photo by AAMIR QURESHI/AFP via Getty Images)</figcaption>

The 2009 World T20 champions scored their highest ever team total on April 2nd 2018 against the West Indies. Batting first, Pakistan scored 205/3, with batting sensation <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ramiz-raza-holds-new-zealand-cricket-responsible-for-babar-azams-injury/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Babar Azam</a> leading the way with a classy knock of 97*. Azam was ably supported by Hussain Talat, who scored a 41-ball 63.

In reply, the West Indian side could only muster a total of 123, as left arm pacer Mohammad Amir picked up three wickets, giving away only 22 runs. Except Chadwick Walton who scored 40, none of the other batsmen from the West Indian side offered any resistance.

Pakistan’s fortunes suffered an all-time low in the year 2012 when Australia ran through their batting line up. On September 10th 2012, in Dubai, the Australian team batted first and scored 168/7. David Warner and Shane Watson put on an opening stand of 111 runs to lay the foundation for the Aussies. However, Saeed Ajmal pulled things back, and picked up 2 wickets, giving away only 19 runs from his 4 overs.

The chase was an absolute disaster for Pakistan. The Pakistani batsmen had no answers to the fiery Mitchell Starc, who picked up 3 wickets, giving away just 11 runs, as the ‘Men in Green’ were dismissed for just 74, handing the Australian side a 94-run victory.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-468893" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/South-Africa-vs-England.jpg" alt="South Africa v England" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-468893" class="wp-caption-text">South Africa v England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)</figcaption>

They are the No.1 ranked side in the world in T20Is. They are a side that has a wonderful amalgamation of power hitters, and a bowling attack that can run through any batting line up on their day. The England side has emerged as a strong force under the leadership of <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/yuvraj-singh-kevin-pietersen-chris-gayle-eoin-morgan-and-other-stars-to-feature-in-crickets-newest-format-ultimate-kricket-challenge-ukc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Eoin Morgan</a> in limited overs cricket.

In November 2019, two left handed batsmen gave the New Zealand bowlers nightmares as the opposition was rendered helpless by a brutal assault by Dawid Malam and Eoin Morgan. While Malan scored a scintillating 51-ball 103, Morgan smashed a pulsating 91 as England finished their innings with a total of 241/3. In reply, the Kiwi batsmen failed to get going, and New Zealand were bundled out for 165, handing England a thumping 76-run victory.

In the 2012 ICC T20 World Cup, England suffered their lowest ever total in T20I cricket, as they were bowled out for just 80 against India, and lost the match by 90 runs. India batted first, and Rohit Sharma led the charge with the willow, scoring a 33-ball 55, and India finished their first innings with a total of 170/4.

Apart from Craig Kieswetter, none of the England batsmen got going. While Kieswetter scored 35 at the top of the order, the next highest score by an England batsman in that match was 12 by Jade Dernbach, who entered at No.11.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-469530" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/New-Zealand-vs-West-Indies.jpg" alt="New Zealand v West Indies" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-469530" class="wp-caption-text">New Zealand v West Indies. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)</figcaption>

Another team that has always failed to rise up to the lofty expectations of the cricketing world is New Zealand. The side has always looked promising, but hasn&#8217;t won the 50-over World Cup or T20 World Cup even once yet.

In the space of two months, in the year 2018, the Blackcaps recorded their joint highest ever total in T20I cricket against two opponents, Australia and the West Indies. On 3rd January 2018, Colin Munro went berserk, smashing 10 sixes on his way to a devastating 104 off just 53 balls against the West Indies. His century propelled the New Zealand side to a total of 243/5, and allowed them to beat the ‘Men in Maroon’ by 119 runs.

The second occasion that New Zealand amassed 243 runs on the board was against Australia a month later, on 16th February 2018. On a ground that had extremely small dimensions, where even mishits could sail into the crowd, New Zealand batted first and scored 243/6. It was Martin Guptill who was the man in the driver’s seat this time, as he blazed his way to a 54-ball 103.

However, the Kiwis were in for a surprise, as Australia produced a stunning counterattack with the willow, and accomplished the highest ever successful run chase in T20Is.

On the flip side, New Zealand’s fortunes plummeted in the year 2014, when they were bowled out for just 60 by Sri Lanka during the 2014 T20 World Cup. Even though the Kiwi bowlers managed to restrict Sri Lanka to a gettable total of 119, the Kiwi willow wielders failed to rise to the occasion. In fact, such was the sorry state of affairs for New Zealand that 42 out of the 60 runs they scored came from the willow of <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/new-zealand-skipper-kane-williamson-and-his-wife-blessed-with-a-baby-girl/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kane Williamson</a>. Rangana Herath was virtually unplayable, and picked up a fifer, giving away just 3 runs from his 3.3 overs.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-470932" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Australia-and-India-1.jpg" alt="Australia v India" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-470932" class="wp-caption-text">Australia v India . (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)</figcaption>

The side from the land of the Kangaroos scored their highest ever T20I total in the year 2016, against Sri Lanka. For the Aussies, it was purely a one man show as far as wielding the willow was concerned. <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/he-is-there-only-for-enjoyment-virender-sehwag-feels-glenn-maxwell-is-more-serious-about-his-golf-than-cricket-in-ipl/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Glenn Maxwell</a> was promoted to open the batting, and he caught the Sri Lankan bowling attack by the scruff of the neck and scored a 65-ball 145.

His pyrotechnics allowed the Aussies to amass 263/3 on the board at the end of 20 overs. In reply, even though skipper Dinesh Chandimal scored a fighting fifty for the Sri Lankan side, the target was always out of their reach, and Australian outfit blew their opponents away by 85 runs.

The lowest total for the Australian side came in the year 2005, against arch rivals England in Australia’s second ever T20I match. Batting first at Southampton, England finished their first innings with a total of 179. In reply, the famed Australian batting line up, consisting of Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden and Ricky Ponting crumbled, and the Aussies were bowled out for just 79, handing England a massive 100-run victory.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-469970" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Australia-and-India.jpg" alt="Australia v India" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-469970" class="wp-caption-text">Australia v India. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)</figcaption>

The Indian cricket team is a side that receives support at every single venue that they play. The fans flock the stadium to watch the ‘Men In Blue’ in action, and the Indian cricketers are always under the scanner. The Indian side won the T20 World Cup in the year 2007.

The Indian side recorded their highest ever total in T20Is against neighbours Sri Lanka in the year 2017. At the Holkar stadium, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/rohit-sharma-lands-on-australian-soil-for-last-two-tests/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rohit Sharma</a> launched into the Sri Lankan bowling attack and scored a 43-ball 118, including 10 towering sixes that sailed into the crowd. He was supported by KL Rahul who scored 89, and the duo put on 165 runs for the first wicket, as India ended up with a total of 260/5. In reply, even though Kusal Perara scored 77 off just 37 balls, Sri Lanka fell short of the target by 88 runs.

The lowest total by India in T20Is came against Australia on 1st February 2008, at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. Batting first, India folded up for just 74, with only Irfan Pathan offering some resistance by scoring 26. For the hosts, Nathan Bracken was lethal with the ball, and picked up 3 wickets, giving away 11 runs, from 2.3 overs. Australia chased down the target with ease, and won the match with 9 wickets to spare.

With the T20 World Cup scheduled in India next year, there will be plenty of hope and a truckload of expectations from the Indian side to lift the trophy.

Note: All the stats have been taken from Cricbuzz, Crincinfo and Howstat cricket and have been updated as on 20th December 2020

Australia's highest T20I score is 263. How much is India's highest score in the format?

Highest and Lowest totals of the Top 10 T20I teams

Here we bring you the highest and lowest total of the Top 10 T20 Internationals. Australia's highest score is 263.

Highest and Lowest totals of the Top 10 T20I teams

Australia's highest T20I score is 263. How much is India's highest score in the format?

6. South Africa

Highest score – 241

Lowest score – 89