Among the three formats of cricket, T20 is the most competitive. This is because the margin for error is minimal. Just a couple of balls can change the game’s outcome. Unlike in 50-over games and Test matches, where players can take time to settle in, T20 requires players to be at their best right from the first ball. This makes T20 cricket more challenging compared to other formats.
While most T20 matches are closely contested, some games have displayed remarkable dominance, especially between associate nations that are developing in the cricketing world. The winning margins in these matches can be astonishing. Let’s explore the biggest win margins in T20 history.
Nepal holds the record for the largest win margin in T20 history, defeating Mongolia by 273 runs in a match in 2023. After choosing to bat first, Nepal posted a remarkable score of 314/3, with Kushal Malla scoring an impressive 137 runs. Rohit Paudel and Dipendra Singh Airee contributed valuable fifties, scoring 61 and 52 runs, respectively. Mongolia struggled in response, getting bowled out for just 41 runs.
2. Czech Republic’s 257 Runs Win Over Turkey
The Czech Republic ranks second on the list with a 257-run victory against Turkey in 2019. After winning the toss, they had a sensational batting display, with Sudesh Wickramasekara scoring a stunning 104 runs off just 36 balls, leading the team to a total of 278/4. The Czech bowlers then dominated, dismissing Turkey for only 21 runs in 8.3 overs.
3. Durham’s 213 Runs Win Over Eagles
Durham, an English county team, secured a significant 213-run victory over the Eagles at Harare Sports Club. Batting first, they scored 229 runs, with Ollie Robinson (49) and Bas de Leede (58) leading the charge. Durham’s bowlers then restricted the Eagles to a mere 16 runs.
4. Canada’s 208 Runs Win Over Panama
Canada achieved the fourth-largest win margin in T20 cricket with a 208-run victory over Panama in 2021. After winning the toss, Canada batted first, with Rayyan Pathan scoring a powerful century (107). The team finished with a total of 245 runs, while Panama managed only 37 runs, ending their innings in 18 overs.
5. Japan’s 205 Runs Win Over Mongolia
Japan’s victory against Mongolia by 205 runs in 2024 is the fifth-largest win margin in T20 history. After batting first, Japan scored 217 runs, thanks to contributions from Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming (32), Sabaorish Ravichandran (69), and Ibhrahim Takahashi (31). Their bowlers then excelled, dismissing Mongolia for just 12 runs, with Kazuma Kato-Stafford taking five wickets.