Highest Score: The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is one of the most popular Twenty20 cricket leagues in the world, drawing attention from cricket fans around the globe. Since its inception in 2012, the league has been a platform for both domestic and international cricketers to showcase their talents. One of the most thrilling aspects of T20 cricket is the explosive batting, and the BPL has witnessed some of the most remarkable individual performances, especially when it comes to high scores.
In this article, we will delve deep into the highest individual scores in the history of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). We will explore the players who have achieved these remarkable feats, the context in which these scores were made, and how they impacted the tournament.
The Importance of a High Score in T20 Cricket
In T20 cricket, where games are decided by quick bursts of batting, a high score is often crucial for the success of a team. The ability to stay at the crease and accumulate a large score in the short format can be a game-changer, especially when batting first. The records of high scores also often demonstrate a combination of remarkable skill, power-hitting, and consistency under pressure.
Key Factors Behind High Scores in BPL
- Pitch Conditions: Some matches in BPL are played on flat pitches, which provide ideal conditions for batsmen to score freely. These surfaces often allow the ball to come onto the bat nicely, making it easier to hit big shots.
- Opposition Quality: The caliber of the bowling attack also plays a crucial role in determining whether a high score can be achieved. Batsmen who excel against both pace and spin are more likely to reach these monumental scores.
- Match Situation: The context of the match – whether it is a must-win game, a high-pressure final, or a regular season match – often brings the best out of players. Batsmen who can handle pressure tend to score higher in critical moments.
- Strike Rate and Boundaries: To achieve a high score, a batsman must maintain a high strike rate, clearing the ropes frequently. Players who can hit sixes consistently have an advantage in reaching large totals in T20 cricket.
The Highest Individual Scores in BPL History
The following table lists the top individual scores in the history of the Bangladesh Premier League. These performances have been etched into the record books for their breathtaking batting displays.
Table 1: Highest Individual Scores in Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) History
| Position | Batsman | Team | Score | Balls Faced | Strike Rate | Opposition | Match Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chris Gayle | Rangpur Riders | 146 (69)* | 69 | 211.59 | Dhaka Dynamites | 2017 | Shere Bangla National Stadium |
| 2 | Tamim Iqbal | Chittagong Vikings | 126 (63)* | 63 | 200.00 | Rajshahi Kings | 2019 | Shere Bangla National Stadium |
| 3 | Joe Denly | Khulna Tigers | 126 (56) | 56 | 225.00 | Dhaka Dynamites | 2020 | Shere Bangla National Stadium |
| 4 | Luke Wright | Rajshahi Kings | 117 (61) | 61 | 192.54 | Chittagong Vikings | 2017 | Shere Bangla National Stadium |
| 5 | Shakib Al Hasan | Dhaka Dynamites | 115 (56)* | 56 | 205.36 | Khulna Titans | 2019 | Shere Bangla National Stadium |
| 6 | Dwayne Smith | Chittagong Vikings | 104 (62) | 62 | 167.74 | Rajshahi Kings | 2016 | Shere Bangla National Stadium |
| 7 | Evin Lewis | Chittagong Vikings | 102 (51)* | 51 | 200.00 | Dhaka Dynamites | 2018 | Shere Bangla National Stadium |
1. Chris Gayle – 146 (69 balls) in 2017*
Chris Gayle, the “Universal Boss,” is well known for his devastating ability to hit big sixes, and his performance in the 2017 BPL match against Dhaka Dynamites is one of the best in T20 history. Gayle’s 146 off 69 balls* was an incredible knock, helping Rangpur Riders set a massive target and secure a commanding win.
- Key Highlights:
- Runs: 146* not out off 69 balls
- Strike Rate: 211.59
- Boundaries: 12 sixes and 10 fours
- Impact: Gayle’s explosive innings took the match away from Dhaka Dynamites, as he bludgeoned the ball to all corners of the ground, demonstrating his unmatched power-hitting ability.
This remains the highest individual score in BPL history and is a testament to Gayle’s prowess in the shorter format.
2. Tamim Iqbal – 126 (63 balls) in 2019*
Tamim Iqbal, the opening batsman for Bangladesh, is known for his consistency and ability to anchor innings. However, in the 2019 BPL, he produced a magnificent innings for Chittagong Vikings, scoring 126 off 63 balls* against Rajshahi Kings.
- Key Highlights:
- Runs: 126* not out off 63 balls
- Strike Rate: 200.00
- Boundaries: 6 sixes and 12 fours
- Impact: Tamim’s unbeaten knock was instrumental in leading Chittagong Vikings to a mammoth total. His ability to strike the ball cleanly against top-class bowlers made this one of the most memorable innings in BPL.
3. Joe Denly – 126 (56 balls) in 2020
English cricketer Joe Denly made a remarkable impact during the 2020 BPL while playing for Khulna Tigers. He scored a blistering 126 off 56 balls against Dhaka Dynamites, setting a formidable target for the opposition.
- Key Highlights:
- Runs: 126 off 56 balls
- Strike Rate: 225.00
- Boundaries: 9 sixes and 10 fours
- Impact: Denly’s innings was an exhibition of clean hitting, and his rapid scoring helped Khulna Tigers post a challenging total. His high strike rate was one of the key factors in making this knock so special.
4. Luke Wright – 117 (61 balls) in 2017
Luke Wright, an explosive English all-rounder, made an impactful contribution with the bat during the 2017 BPL while playing for Rajshahi Kings. His innings of 117 off 61 balls against Chittagong Vikings was one of the standout performances of the tournament.
- Key Highlights:
- Runs: 117 off 61 balls
- Strike Rate: 192.54
- Boundaries: 8 sixes and 10 fours
- Impact: Wright’s knock ensured Rajshahi Kings set a strong total. His aggressive hitting ensured that the Vikings had a tough chase ahead.
5. Shakib Al Hasan – 115 (56 balls) in 2019*
Shakib Al Hasan, the star all-rounder from Bangladesh, is one of the most consistent performers in the BPL. During the 2019 BPL, he played a superb knock of 115 off 56 balls* for Dhaka Dynamites against Khulna Titans.
- Key Highlights:
- Runs: 115* not out off 56 balls
- Strike Rate: 205.36
- Boundaries: 6 sixes and 12 fours
- Impact: Shakib’s innings was a display of both finesse and power, as he anchored the innings while also accelerating in the final overs. His knock helped Dhaka Dynamites to an imposing total.
6. Dwayne Smith – 104 (62 balls) in 2016
Dwayne Smith, the hard-hitting West Indian all-rounder, achieved a memorable feat by scoring 104 off 62 balls for Chittagong Vikings in the 2016 BPL against Rajshahi Kings.
- Key Highlights:
- Runs: 104 off 62 balls
- Strike Rate: 167.74
- Boundaries: 9 sixes and 8 fours
- Impact: Smith’s century helped Chittagong Vikings post a large total and put pressure on the opposition. His ability to clear the ropes consistently made this one of the highest scores in the 2016 edition.
7. Evin Lewis – 102 (51 balls) in 2018*
Evin Lewis, the explosive West Indian opener, displayed his power-hitting ability during the 2018 BPL for Chittagong Vikings. He scored 102 off 51 balls* against Dhaka Dynamites.
- Key Highlights:
- Runs: 102* not out off 51 balls
- Strike Rate: 200.00
- Boundaries: 6 sixes and 9 fours
- Impact: Lewis’ innings was characterized by his clean hitting and his ability to dominate both pace and spin. His performance was key in Chittagong Vikings posting a competitive total.
Conclusion
The Bangladesh Premier League has provided a stage for some of the world’s most explosive batsmen to showcase their skills, and the highest scores in the history of the tournament stand as a testament to the power and precision required to succeed in the T20 format. Players like Chris Gayle, Tamim Iqbal, Joe Denly, and others have produced unforgettable innings that have entertained millions of fans around the world. Their ability to hit the ball out of the park, even off tough deliveries, has cemented their place in BPL’s history.
These performances not only helped their respective teams but also contributed to the overall excitement and growth of the Bangladesh Premier League, making it one of the most thrilling T20 leagues in the world.