The highest powerplay score in T20I history is posted by Australia thanks to Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh

On Wednesday, September 4, Australia’s Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh helped them make history by breaking the previous record for the biggest powerplay score in T20 Internationals. Their partnership for the second wicket propelled Australia to an astonishing 113 runs during the first six overs of the opening T20I against Scotland at the Grange Cricket Club in Edinburgh.

Head was in scintillating form, leading the charge for the Aussies by smashing a remarkable 80 off just 25 balls. His explosive innings included 12 boundaries and five towering sixes, leaving the Scottish bowlers helpless. Marsh provided strong support, contributing a rapid 39 from just 12 deliveries, hitting five fours and three sixes. Their blistering stand allowed Australia to comfortably chase down Scotland’s target of 155 in just 9.4 overs, with the visitors losing only three wickets in the process.

Prior to this record-breaking performance, the highest powerplay score in T20Is stood at 102, set by South Africa against the West Indies in a match at SuperSport Park in Centurion earlier in 2023. Australia’s new feat eclipsed that mark by a significant margin, rewriting the record books for the shortest format of the game.

Interestingly, the overall record for the highest powerplay score in T20 cricket across all formats still belongs to Sunrisers Hyderabad, who posted a staggering 125 runs against Delhi Capitals during an IPL 2024 encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Travis Head also played a key role in that match, contributing significantly to his team’s rapid start, led by skipper Pat Cummins.

Scotland, after being put in to bat, managed to post a total of 154 for nine in their allotted 20 overs. Opener George Munsey was their top scorer with 28 off 16 balls, while wicketkeeper Matthew Cross added 27 runs. Australia’s bowling attack, led by Sean Abbott, restricted the Scots effectively. Abbott claimed three wickets for 39 runs in his four overs, while Xavier Bartlett and Adam Zampa chipped in with two wickets each, giving away 23 and 33 runs respectively.

Australia’s dominant performance with both bat and ball ensured a comprehensive victory, as they claimed the match in record-breaking style.