Highest Successful Run Chases in T20I Cricket History

T20I is the fastest and most exciting form of cricket. The thrill of chasing big targets in limited overs and the rush of the crowd with every boundary. Plus, the finish that keeps everyone excited – all this makes it a must-watch. Chasing big scores in T20 cricket is always difficult, but it requires perfect execution, explosive batting and composure. Some teams have rewritten history by completing incredible run chases that once seemed impossible.

In this article, we take a look at the top 10 most successful run chases in T20I cricket history till 2025.

Top 10 Highest Successful Run Chases in T20I History

1. 259/4: Record Chase, Centurion, 2023

This was one of the greatest nights in T20I history, as South Africa chased down 259 runs in 18.5 overs against West Indies. The game was simply chaotic, with a total of over 500 runs scored. Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks took the Powerplay by storm, hitting boundaries at will. Fearless hitting, shot-making and composure under pressure nicely encapsulated the essence of the modern T20 era. It remains the most successful run chase in T20I history to date.

2. 246/4: Bulgaria v Serbia (Sofia, 2022)

This may not have been a game between cricket’s greats, but the result was simply breathtaking. Bulgaria put up one of the most astonishing performances by an associate nation, chasing 246 against Serbia. With fearless intent, T20 cricket is a good indication of what smaller nations can offer. It became a platform to make history and prove their attacking prowess in the eyes of the world.

3. 245/5: Australian Power Show (Auckland, 2018)

One of the most prestigious chases in T20 cricket, Australia’s 245/5 against New Zealand at Eden Park is remembered as a high-voltage match. With a score of over 240, short boundaries and a superb pitch, fireworks were expected. David Warner and D’Arcy Short got off to a flying start, while Glenn Maxwell finished it off in his signature style. The match showed why Australia is one of the most dangerous chase teams in white-ball cricket.

4. 244/4: Bulgaria’s Blitz (Sofia, 2025)

Bulgaria chased down a mammoth 244 in just 14.2 overs against Gibraltar in July 2025 – it was a headline-grabbing performance. It was an incredible display of clean hitting and fearless cricket. At 17.02 runs per over, it was the fastest run rate recorded in a successful chase in T20I history. For anyone following emerging cricketing nations, the shortest format of the game has become the biggest equaliser of them all.

5. 236/6: West Indies v South Africa (Johannesburg, 2015)

Before the 2023 Centurion Chase, the 2015 Johannesburg match was considered one of the greatest T20 miracles of all time. West Indies chased down 236 with 4 balls to spare thanks to Chris Gayle’s devastating hitting. Gayle outplayed bowlers from all sides of the field, as he was supported by Marlon Samuels and Denesh Ramdin. The Caribbean team’s strong performance certainly continued, once again showing why West Indies are the kings of T20.

6. 230/8: England’s Wankhede Miracle (Mumbai, 2016)

The 2016 T20 World Cup saw one of the most thrilling matches ever, as England chased down 230 against South Africa at the Wankhede Stadium. Joe Root’s 44-ball 83 and Jason Roy’s brilliant start saw England win in the 19th over. The match turned out to be one of the most thrilling matches in any World Cup, setting new benchmarks for successful chases under pressure.

7. 229/4: Bulgaria vs Serbia (Sofia, 2022)

Bulgaria once again made it to the list, this time chasing 229 with just three balls to spare. Their consistent power in European cricket has certainly turned heads in the cricketing world. It was a superb all-round performance! With powerful batting, calm partnerships and confident finishes that cemented their place among the most fearless T20 teams.

8. 226/5: England’s Centurion Firestorm (2020)

England proved their attacking intent once again by chasing 226 against South Africa at Centurion in February 2020. While Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler led the charge with strong stroke play, it was Eoin Morgan who finally secured the win. The victory epitomised England’s new T20 mentality: bold, fast and determined; which would later inspire them to a major ICC title.

9. 226/3: England’s St George’s Show (2023)

In December 2023, England chased down 226 against the West Indies at St George’s. They achieved this record with an explosive start from Phil Salt and Will Jacks. Thus, the victory added to England’s strength in limited-overs cricket. It further cemented their reputation as one of the most potent batting units in the world.

10. 225/5: Australia’s Guwahati Chase (2023)

In a run-fest played in Guwahati in November 2023, Australia chased down 225 against India. Travis Head and Glenn Maxwell were in devastating form as a huge score looked achievable. Maxwell’s incredible century under pressure turned the game around. Another reminder that no score is truly safe in modern T20 cricket.

Interesting Facts About T20I Chases  

The biggest chase ever (259/4) was in the same match in which a total of 517 runs were scored in less than 40 overs. Surprisingly, T20 cricket in Bulgaria often outscores the major nations. Due to their batting style, England and Australia are often found in high-scoring chases. The average run rate in these successful chases is over 12 runs per over, which was unheard of a decade ago.

Read More: Test Largest Margin Wins by Innings Record (2025 List)

Conclusion  

The evolution of T20 cricket seems to have completely changed the way run chasing is done. Once upon a time, 200 runs were an unbeaten score, but now teams chase 250+ runs with confidence. The game has truly come a long way. Whether it’s a world champion team or associate nation Bulgaria, every successful run chase brings with it a story of courage and passion. And as the format continues to change, one thing is certain: T20 cricket will continue to push boundaries, and the next record-breaking chase could be just around the corner.

FAQs: Questions & Answers

Q1. What is the most successful run chase in T20I history?

The most successful run chase is 259/4, achieved at Centurion in March 2023, when South Africa chased a huge West Indies score.

Q2. Has any team ever chased a total of 250+ runs in T20I?

Yes. Many teams have chased 250+ runs, most notably South Africa’s 259/4 and Bulgaria’s 246/4 and 244/4.

Q3. Why are high run chases more common in modern T20 cricket?

Better bats, smaller boundaries and more batting strategies have made 200+ run chases more achievable in recent years.

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