England holds the record for the highest run chase in T20 World Cup history. On March 18, 2016, at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, they chased down 230 runs against South Africa.
Watching teams chase massive targets in T20 cricket and the T20 World Cup often leads to thrilling, nail-biting finishes. Successful run chases highlight a team’s batting prowess and mental toughness. Which other teams have chased big scores in T20 World Cup history?
Only twice in T20 World Cup history have teams successfully chased a total of over 200 runs. These record-setting chases were achieved by England and South Africa.
Successful Run Chases in T20 World Cup History
England vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2016 (230/8)
England tops the list of successful run chases in T20 World Cups. Against South Africa on March 18, 2016, in Mumbai, England chased down 229 runs. Joe Root’s brilliant 83 off 44 balls, along with crucial contributions from Jason Roy (43 off 16) and Jos Buttler (21 off 14), helped England maintain the required run rate and win in the final over with two wickets remaining.
South Africa vs West Indies T20 World Cup 2007 (208/2)
In the inaugural T20 World Cup, South Africa successfully chased the West Indies’ total of 205. Herschelle Gibbs played a spectacular innings, scoring an unbeaten 90 off 55 balls, supported by Justin Kemp’s 22-ball 46. This chase ranks as the second-highest in T20 World Cup history.
Australia vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2010 (197/7)
In the 2010 T20 World Cup semifinal, they chased 192 runs against a strong Pakistan bowling attack. Despite early losses, Michael Hussey’s incredible 60 off 24 balls, including 22 runs in the final over against Saeed Ajmal, secured a dramatic win. This chase ranks as the third-highest in T20 World Cup history.
West Indies vs India T20 World Cup 2016 (196/3)
West Indies ranks fourth among the highest run chases in T20 World Cups. In the 2016 T20 World Cup semifinal, West Indies chased down India’s competitive total of 192. Lendl Simmons (82 off 51 balls) and Andre Russell (43 off 20 balls) led the charge, showcasing their power-hitting skills and securing the win in a high-pressure situation.
Netherlands vs Ireland T20 World Cup 2014 (193/4)
Netherlands is fifth on the list of highest successful run chases in T20 World Cup history. Needing to chase 190 runs in 14.2 overs to qualify for the Super 10 stage, they completed the chase in 13.5 overs. Stephan Myburgh scored 63 off 23 balls, with Tom Cooper (40 off 22) and Wesley Barresi (45 off 15) adding the finishing touches.
England vs Sri Lanka T20 World Cup 2014 (190/4)
England features again among the highest run chases in T20 World Cups. Against Sri Lanka in 2014, they chased down 190 runs despite losing two wickets in the first over. Eoin Morgan’s 57 off 38 balls and Alex Hales‘ unbeaten 116 (the third-highest individual score in T20 World Cup history) led England to victory in the final over with six wickets in hand.
West Indies vs England T20 World Cup 2016 (183/3)
West Indies showcased their power-hitting in the 2016 T20 World Cup, chasing down England’s 183 runs in the 19th over. Chris Gayle hit the fastest century in T20 World Cup history (100 off 47 balls), supported by contributions from Marlon Samuels and Andre Russell.
Highest Run Chase in T20 World Cups
| Rank | Team | Score | Against | Venue | Year |
| 1 | England | 230/8 | South Africa | Wankhede | 2016 |
| 2 | South Africa | 208/2 | West Indies | Johannesburg | 2007 |
| 3 | Australia | 197/7 | Pakistan | St. Lucia | 2010 |
| 4 | West Indies | 196/3 | India | Wankhede | 2016 |
| 5 | Netherlands | 193/4 | Ireland | Sylhet | 2014 |
| 6 | England | 190/4 | Sri Lanka | Chattogram | 2014 |
| 7 | West Indies | 183/4 | England | Wankhede | 2016 |
| 8 | Ireland | 180/4 | Scotland | Hobart | 2022 |
| 9 | West Indies | 179/4 | Australia | Mirpur | 2014 |
| 10 | Pakistan | 178/2 | Bangladesh | Pallekele | 2012 |
| 11 | Australia | 177/5 | Pakistan | Dubai | 2021 |
| 12 | India | 176/4 | South Africa | Mirpur | 2014 |
| 13 | Australia | 173/2 | New Zealand | Dubai | 2021 |
| 14 | West Indies | 172/3 | Australia | Oval | 2009 |
| 15 | Sri Lanka | 172/5 | Bangladesh | Sharjah | 2021 |
