Top 10 Brilliant Highest Scores as Captain in T20 History

Captaining a side in T20 cricket is a challenge where you must make instant decisions while also delivering with the bat. Yet, some leaders rise above this challenge, producing extraordinary batting performances under the added responsibility of leadership. This article celebrates the Highest Scores as Captain in T20, showcasing innings that combined tactical brilliance with sheer batting power. From associate cricket heroes to global superstars, each player on this list has proven that leadership and run-scoring can go hand in hand. Join us as we count down the Highest Scores as Captain in T20, from number 10 to number 1.

List of Top 10 Brilliant Highest Scores as Captain in T20 History

10. Izaz Ali – 118 vs Serbia (2025)

Izaz Ali’s remarkable innings of 118 against Serbia in June 2025 is a shining moment for associate cricket. As captain, he played a fearless knock, leading Slovenia with exceptional stroke play. His innings was packed with crisp boundaries and powerful lofted shots that kept the scoreboard racing. For a player from a developing cricket nation, such a dominant performance was inspirational. It proved that talent and determination can thrive anywhere, not just in the biggest cricketing nations. This innings rightfully earned its place among the Highest Scores as Captain in T20, showcasing that leadership is not only about tactics but also about standing tall in crunch moments.

Player	Country	Runs	Opponent
Izaz Ali	Slovenia	118	Serbia

9. Rohit Sharma – 118 vs Sri Lanka (2017)

Rohit Sharma’s explosive 118 against Sri Lanka in December 2017 was pure entertainment for fans. Known as the “Hitman,” Rohit was captaining India and played with his trademark elegance and aggression. His innings featured effortless sixes over long-on and picture-perfect cover drives. This knock kept the crowd on their feet and sent a strong message to opponents about his capability as a leader. It’s no surprise this knock is part of the Highest Scores as Captain in T20, as Rohit combined tactical captaincy with batting brilliance. He not only built partnerships but also ensured that India maintained a commanding position throughout the game.

Player	Country	Runs	Opponent
Rohit Sharma	India	118	Sri Lanka

8. Faf du Plessis – 119 vs West Indies (2015)

Faf du Plessis delivered a masterclass in captaincy and batting with his 119-run innings against the West Indies in January 2015. His innings came at a time when South Africa needed a steady yet aggressive start, and he responded by mixing controlled aggression with smart placement. The knock was filled with fluent boundaries and well-timed sixes, and his leadership in rotating the strike was equally impressive. Among the Highest Scores as Captain in T20, Faf’s innings stands out for its blend of maturity and dominance. He kept the scoreboard ticking while also ensuring that his team stayed in a winning position.

Player	Country	Runs	Opponent
Faf du Plessis	South Africa	119	West Indies

7. Rohit Sharma – 121 vs Afghanistan (2024)*

In January 2024, Rohit Sharma once again reminded the cricketing world why he is one of the most dangerous openers in T20 cricket. Captaining India, he scored a breathtaking unbeaten 121 against Afghanistan at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. His innings was a display of pure timing and power, sending the ball soaring into the stands with ease. This knock not only secured a comfortable win for India but also added to his growing legacy in the Highest Scores as Captain in T20 list. Rohit’s ability to adapt to the bowling attack while leading the team tactically made this innings unforgettable.

Player	Country	Runs	Opponent
Rohit Sharma	India	121*	Afghanistan

6. Aritra Dutta – 122 vs Japan (2024)

Aritra Dutta’s 122-run knock for Singapore against Japan in February 2024 was a remarkable display of batting from an associate nation captain. He showcased confidence and composure from the first ball, dominating the opposition bowlers with powerful strokes. Each boundary lifted his team’s morale, and his calculated aggression ensured Singapore stayed in control throughout the innings. His performance is proof that cricketing excellence exists beyond major cricketing nations. No wonder it finds a place among the Highest Scores as Captain in T20, inspiring many young players from emerging cricket countries.

Player	Country	Runs	Opponent
Aritra Dutta	Singapore	122	Japan

5. Babar Azam – 122 vs South Africa (2021)

Babar Azam’s 122 against South Africa in April 2021 was a masterclass in batting elegance. Known for his textbook technique, Babar played the captain’s role to perfection. He kept his composure even under pressure, finding gaps with precision and hitting boundaries when needed. His innings is celebrated in the Highest Scores as Captain in T20 list because it combined grace with a match-winning mindset. Babar led Pakistan’s chase brilliantly, building partnerships and showing why he is regarded as one of the most consistent T20 batsmen in the world.

Player	Country	Runs	Opponent
Babar Azam	Pakistan	122	South Africa

4. Shane Watson – 124 vs India (2016)*

In January 2016, Shane Watson turned back the clock with an unbeaten 124 against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground. As captain, Watson played a fearless innings, taking on every bowler with confidence. His knock was full of towering sixes and blistering boundaries, thrilling the home crowd. This innings is etched in memory as one of the Highest Scores as Captain in T20, not only for its size but for the authority with which it was played. Watson’s ability to inspire his teammates while leading from the front made this performance one for the ages.

Player	Country	Runs	Opponent
Shane Watson	Australia	124*	India

3. Shaheryar Butt – 125 vs Czech Republic (2020)*

Shaheryar Butt’s unbeaten 125 against the Czech Republic in August 2020 is one of the most outstanding innings in associate cricket history. As Belgium’s captain, Butt batted with intent from the first over, dismantling the opposition bowling attack with clean, confident hitting. His innings was the backbone of Belgium’s total and a perfect example of leading by example. It deserves its high ranking among the Highest Scores as Captain in T20 because it showcased the potential and passion in developing cricket nations.

Player	Country	Runs	Opponent
Shaheryar Butt	Belgium	125*	Czech Republic

2. Sikandar Raza – 133 vs Gambia (2024)*

Sikandar Raza’s unbeaten 133 against Gambia in October 2024 was nothing short of spectacular. As Zimbabwe’s captain, he took full control of the match from the start, attacking the bowlers with fearless precision. This innings is widely celebrated in the Highest Scores as Captain in T20 records for its blend of aggression, class, and leadership. Raza’s ability to handle the pressure of captaincy while producing such a dominating batting display makes this performance one of his career highlights.

Player	Country	Runs	Opponent
Sikandar Raza	Zimbabwe	133*	Gambia

1. Aaron Finch – 172 vs Zimbabwe (2018)

Topping the Highest Scores as Captain in T20 list is Aaron Finch’s unforgettable 172 against Zimbabwe in July 2018. This knock remains one of the greatest T20 innings ever played. Finch dismantled the bowling attack with ruthless power, clearing the boundary with ease and punishing every loose delivery. His strike rate was phenomenal, and as captain, he inspired his team with an aggressive, fearless approach. This record-breaking innings stands as a benchmark for all T20 captains, proving that great leadership can also mean delivering the biggest individual performance on the grandest stage.

Player	Country	Runs	Opponent
Aaron Finch	Australia	172	Zimbabwe

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