The arrival of T20 cricket has fundamentally reshaped the landscape of the game. In the modern era, batters no longer prioritise time at the crease; instead, the focus has shifted to maximum impact—scoring quickly, clearing the ropes frequently, and changing the course of matches in a matter of overs.

As a result, teams have consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible, piling up massive scores and rewriting records with blistering fifties and centuries. With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 fast approaching from 7th February, now is the ideal moment to look back at the top three highest team totals across the tournament's history.

1. 260/5 (Sri Lanka) vs Kenya- 2007 T20 World Cup

The highest team total in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup history was registered in the inaugural 2007 edition, when the Sri Lanka national cricket team piled up a colossal 260 runs against the Kenya national cricket team in a group-stage clash.

The record-breaking effort was powered by authoritative half-centuries from Sanath Jayasuriya and skipper Mahela Jayawardene, whose aggressive stroke play completely overwhelmed the opposition. Sri Lanka went on to secure a crushing victory by over 150 runs, setting a benchmark that continues to define batting dominance in T20 World Cup history.

2. 230/8 (England) vs South Africa- 2016 T20 World Cup

The second-highest team total in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup history was produced during the same tournament, when the England national cricket team scripted a historic run chase against the South Africa national cricket team.

Chasing a daunting target of 230, England displayed fearless intent from the outset. It went on to score 229 runs, completing the highest successful chase in T20 World Cup history at the time. The remarkable effort redefined chasing benchmarks and remains one of the most iconic batting performances the tournament has witnessed.

3. 229/4 (South Africa) vs England- 2016 T20 World Cup

The third-highest team score in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup history was recorded during the 2016 edition, when the South Africa national cricket team amassed a towering 229 runs against the England national cricket team in a Super 10 encounter at the iconic Wankhede Stadium.

Batting first, South Africa combined fearless shot-making with calculated acceleration, maintaining pressure throughout the innings. With three batters striking half-centuries, the Proteas built a solid platform before finishing with explosive flair, producing one of the most dominant batting displays in T20 World Cup history.