India achieved a historic milestone by recording the highest team total in a T20 World Cup final, scoring 176/7 against South Africa at Bridgetown, Barbados on Saturday. This impressive achievement surpasses all previous records, solidifying India’s dominance in the T20 format.
The previous record for the highest team total in a T20 World Cup final was set by Australia, who scored 173/2 against New Zealand in Dubai in 2021. That match was notable for Australia’s efficient batting performance, successfully chasing down New Zealand’s competitive total of 172/4, which now ranks as the third-highest team score in a T20 World Cup final.
Prior to these matches, the West Indies held the record with 161/6, set against England in the 2016 final in Kolkata. This memorable contest concluded with a dramatic finish, as Carlos Brathwaite hit four consecutive sixes in the final over to secure victory for the West Indies.
India’s previous best in a T20 World Cup final was 157/5, achieved against Pakistan in Johannesburg during the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007. That match was pivotal in promoting the popularity of T20 cricket and highlighted India’s emerging talent in the shortest format of the game.
In the recent final, India opted to bat first. Despite a top-order collapse, the team managed to post a competitive 176/7, with Virat Kohli scoring 76, his first fifty of the tournament, and Axar Patel contributing 47 runs. Anrich Nortje and Keshav Maharaj each claimed two wickets for South Africa.
This record-breaking performance not only underscores India’s batting depth but also demonstrates their ability to excel under pressure in high-stakes matches.