Double Century in T20: Reality or Myth?

In cricket’s shortest format, T20s have redefined what’s possible. But one burning question often intrigues fans — can anyone score a double century in a T20 match? With the fast pace, limited overs, and explosive batting displays, many believe it’s only a matter of time. Let’s explore whether a 200-run individual score in T20 is possible, who’s come close, and what it would take to make this dream a reality.

💡 What is a Double Century in T20 Cricket?

A double century means an individual batsman scores 200 or more runs in a single T20 innings. Given that a team gets only 120 balls (20 overs), scoring 200 alone sounds insane. It would require a batsman to score at an average of 1.67 runs per ball across the entire innings — nearly impossible under regular match circumstances.

🎯 Has Anyone Scored a Double Century in T20 Yet?

No. As of now, no batsman in professional T20 or T20I cricket has scored a double century. The record for the highest individual T20 score stands below the 200 mark.

The closest known scores are:

• Chris Gayle – 175 (66 balls)* | IPL 2013 – Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Pune Warriors India
• Aaron Finch – 172 (76 balls) | T20I – Australia vs Zimbabwe, 2018

These innings are legendary, but still fall short of the magical 200 number.

👉 Chris Gayle’s explosive knock is still considered one of the greatest innings in cricket history.

🏆 Top 5 Highest Individual Scores in T20 Matches

Here are the top scorers who nearly touched the 200-mark:

Player	Score	Format	Opposition	Year
Chris Gayle	175*	IPL	Pune	2013
Aaron Finch	172	T20I	Zimbabwe	2018
Hamilton Masakadza	162*	Domestic	Eagles	2016
Hazratullah Zazai	162*	T20I	Ireland	2019
KL Rahul	132*	IPL	RCB	2020

These players were dominant in their innings but fell just short of the 200 mark.

🔥 Who Came Closest to 200 in T20 Cricket?

Clearly, Chris Gayle is the name that pops up first. His strike rate in the 175* innings was over 265, and had he faced just 5–10 more deliveries, 200 might have been in reach.

Also, players like Surya Kumar Yadav, Jos Buttler, and David Warner have the ability to explode in the later stages of their innings — they could be the first to achieve this.

You can check our list of Top 5 Emerging Young Cricketers in IPL who might surprise everyone.

🚧 Why Is It So Hard to Score 200 in T20?

• Limited Balls: 120 total per innings; a batsman must face 70+ balls to get there.
• Team Strategy: No player bats the whole innings often — wickets fall, partnerships change.
• Bowling Pressure: Bowlers are constantly rotating, with fresh arms every over.
• Fatigue: Batting explosively for 15+ overs requires superhuman stamina.
• Strike Rotation: It’s not easy to keep strike throughout the innings in T20s.

🧐 Can We Expect a Double Century in IPL or T20Is?

Definitely possible, but rare.
If someone does it, it’ll likely be in:

• A flat pitch with short boundaries
• Against weak bowling attack
• With a batter in peak form and staying till the end
• With minimal interruption from falling wickets

In IPL, Virat Kohli, Jos Buttler, or KL Rahul have shown consistency. Even Suresh Raina, the IPL legend (read his full profile here), was known for explosive starts.

🧠 Fun Facts About T20 High Scores

• Gayle’s 175 included 17 sixes and 13 fours.*
• Zazai hit 16 sixes in his 162*, tying Rohit Sharma’s record.
• The fastest T20 century was scored in 30 balls by Chris Gayle.
• No player from RCB or CSK has crossed 175 individually yet — though RCB fans often expect big knocks.

❓FAQs

🏁 Conclusion

Scoring a double century in T20 cricket remains one of the last untouched records in the game. But with the way cricket is evolving and players are becoming more fearless, it’s likely just a matter of time before we witness the first-ever 200-run T20 innings. The bar is already set high, and someone will eventually break through.

Want to know who has the biggest fanbase in IPL? Check this out.