Highest Totals: T20 International (T20I) cricket is a thrilling format known for its fast-paced action, big hitting, and exhilarating performances. For teams like Bangladesh, the goal is not just to compete but to showcase their potential on the global stage, posting high scores, and winning crucial matches. Over the years, Bangladesh has seen some remarkable performances with the bat in T20Is, where the team has put up competitive totals against top-tier opponents.
In this article, we take a comprehensive look at the highest innings totals by Bangladesh in T20Is. We will also analyze the context of these innings, key players involved, and the impact these performances had on Bangladesh’s T20I cricket history.
Bangladesh’s Highest Total in T20Is
Over the years, Bangladesh has steadily improved in the T20I format. The team’s highest total in T20 International cricket, at the time of writing, was 211/4 against Sri Lanka in the 2019 T20I series. This total not only marked a historic achievement but also demonstrated Bangladesh’s batting prowess on the big stage.
Key Stats: Bangladesh’s Highest T20I Total
| Date | Opponent | Total Score | Result | Top Scorer | Key Contributor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 March 2019 | Sri Lanka | 211/4 (20 overs) | Bangladesh won by 37 runs | Tamim Iqbal (63 runs) | Shakib Al Hasan (53 runs) |
Summary:
- Total Score: 211/4 in 20 overs
- Top Scorer: Tamim Iqbal (63 runs from 48 balls)
- Key Contributor: Shakib Al Hasan (53 runs from 38 balls)
- Key Bowler for Bangladesh: Mustafizur Rahman (1/17 in 4 overs)
- Match Result: Bangladesh won by 37 runs, a dominant performance.
This match is memorable not only for the total Bangladesh put up but also for the composure and skill shown by the batsmen to post such a high score in a competitive match against Sri Lanka.
1. Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka (2019): Historic 211/4
As mentioned above, Bangladesh’s 211/4 against Sri Lanka on March 16, 2019, in Dambulla is the highest team total in T20 Internationals for Bangladesh.
Key Factors:
- Tamim Iqbal’s Brilliant Knock: Tamim’s knock of 63 runs off 48 balls provided the solid foundation for the innings. His strike rate was impressive, and he played a variety of shots, including crucial boundaries, to accelerate the score.
- Shakib Al Hasan’s Vital Contribution: Shakib Al Hasan, one of Bangladesh’s premier all-rounders, contributed with a well-played 53 runs from 38 balls, ensuring the middle-order stabilized the innings and added much-needed runs in the latter stages.
- Other Notable Contributions: Mahmudullah Riyad played a handy cameo with 33 runs off 20 balls, helping push the total past the 200-run mark.
- Sri Lanka’s Response: Despite a valiant effort from Kusal Mendis and Dasun Shanaka, Sri Lanka was restricted to 174/9 in their chase. Bangladesh won the match comfortably by 37 runs.
This total remains Bangladesh’s highest in T20I history and marks a significant moment for the team in terms of batting dominance.
2. Bangladesh vs West Indies (2018): A Solid 190/5
On July 7, 2018, Bangladesh posted a solid total of 190/5 against the West Indies in a T20I at The Village, Dublin, during the Tri-Nation Series involving Ireland.
Key Stats:
- Total Score: 190/5 in 20 overs
- Top Scorer: Mahmudullah Riyad (43 runs off 28 balls)
- Key Contributor: Shakib Al Hasan (29 runs off 21 balls)
- Match Result: Bangladesh lost by 4 wickets.
Key Factors:
- Bangladesh’s innings was anchored by Mahmudullah Riyad‘s 43 runs. He built crucial partnerships with the lower order to get the team to a respectable total.
- The top order was solid, with Tamim Iqbal and Soumya Sarkar providing good starts. However, they failed to accelerate at the right time, and the team couldn’t capitalize on the early momentum.
- Despite Bangladesh’s best efforts, the West Indies chased down the target with 4 wickets to spare, led by an explosive performance from Andre Russell and Dwayne Bravo.
3. Bangladesh vs New Zealand (2021): 192/4
In a T20I match against New Zealand on September 1, 2021, Bangladesh posted 192/4 in their allotted 20 overs, marking one of their highest totals in T20I history. This match was part of the New Zealand tour of Bangladesh.
Key Stats:
- Total Score: 192/4 in 20 overs
- Top Scorer: Mohammad Naim (64 runs from 50 balls)
- Key Contributor: Shakib Al Hasan (25 runs from 18 balls)
- Match Result: Bangladesh won by 7 wickets.
Key Factors:
- Bangladesh’s innings was built on the foundation laid by Mohammad Naim’s stellar knock of 64 runs. His timing and ability to rotate the strike were key in getting the team to a competitive total.
- The lower-middle order, led by Shakib Al Hasan, played a vital role in accelerating towards the end.
- Despite the strong total, New Zealand fell short, with Bangladesh’s bowlers playing an important role in restricting the visitors. Bangladesh won by 7 wickets, a solid victory that boosted their T20I rankings.
4. Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe (2019): A Solid 190/3
Another significant high total for Bangladesh came against Zimbabwe in March 2019 during the T20 series. Bangladesh put up a total of 190/3 in 20 overs, a score that they managed to defend successfully.
Key Stats:
- Total Score: 190/3 in 20 overs
- Top Scorer: Tamim Iqbal (54 runs from 35 balls)
- Key Contributor: Shakib Al Hasan (32 runs from 20 balls)
- Match Result: Bangladesh won by 48 runs.
Key Factors:
- Tamim Iqbal and Soumya Sarkar provided the early impetus with good starts, putting pressure on Zimbabwe’s bowlers.
- The middle-order, including Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah, consolidated the innings with quick runs, pushing Bangladesh’s total beyond 190.
- Bangladesh’s bowlers, including Mustafizur Rahman and Shakib, ensured Zimbabwe never got close to the target, helping Bangladesh win comfortably by 48 runs.
5. Bangladesh vs Pakistan (2021): A Defining 180/5
In another thrilling encounter during the 2021 T20I series against Pakistan, Bangladesh posted a total of 180/5, showcasing their improved batting depth and resilience in T20Is.
Key Stats:
- Total Score: 180/5 in 20 overs
- Top Scorer: Mohammad Naim (64 runs off 50 balls)
- Key Contributor: Shakib Al Hasan (27 runs off 20 balls)
- Match Result: Bangladesh lost by 8 wickets.
Key Factors:
- Mohammad Naim again proved to be the cornerstone of Bangladesh’s batting, scoring 64 runs from 50 balls, giving the team a solid platform.
- Despite a late surge from Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh fell short against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack.
- Pakistan chased down the target with ease, winning by 8 wickets. However, the innings showed signs of growth in Bangladesh’s batting performance.
Key Factors Contributing to High Totals by Bangladesh
1. Batting Depth
Bangladesh has improved its batting depth significantly over the years. With players like Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan, Mohammad Naim, and Mahmudullah Riyad, Bangladesh can build partnerships and score consistently in T20Is.
2. Power Hitting
Bangladesh’s ability to accelerate in the middle and death overs has been crucial. Players like Shakib Al Hasan and Mohammad Naim have been able to change gears, which allows Bangladesh to post competitive totals.
3. Adaptation to Conditions
Bangladesh has shown adaptability to various playing conditions, whether in home or away series. Their ability to play spin well and use the conditions to their advantage has been critical in achieving high scores.
Conclusion
Bangladesh’s highest totals in T20Is highlight the team’s potential and the evolution of their batting over the years. With 211/4 against Sri Lanka in 2019 standing as the highest, Bangladesh has shown that they can compete with the best, posting competitive totals even against strong teams. The performances of players like Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan, and Mohammad Naim have been vital in these innings.
As Bangladesh continues to develop their T20I team, these high totals will serve as milestones, motivating the team to reach even greater heights in the future.