Scores: The Big Bash League (BBL) is synonymous with high-scoring games, electrifying entertainment, and unforgettable moments. Over the years, teams have pushed the boundaries of T20 cricket, achieving mammoth totals that have left fans and pundits in awe. The league’s flat tracks, shorter boundaries, and fearless batting have combined to produce some of the biggest scores in the history of the tournament. In this article, we explore the highest team totals in BBL history, the context of these achievements, and the players who made them possible.
The Biggest Scores In BBL History
Scores: Teams in the BBL have consistently showcased their batting prowess by setting and chasing massive totals. The following table lists the top five highest team totals in the history of the Big Bash League:
| Rank | Team | Score | Opponent | Season | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Melbourne Stars | 273/2 | Hobart Hurricanes | 2022/23 | MCG (Melbourne) |
| 2 | Sydney Thunder | 232/5 | Sydney Sixers | 2021/22 | SCG (Sydney) |
| 3 | Hobart Hurricanes | 223/8 | Melbourne Renegades | 2017/18 | Blundstone Arena |
| 4 | Brisbane Heat | 212/3 | Melbourne Stars | 2016/17 | Gabba (Brisbane) |
| 5 | Perth Scorchers | 210/5 | Sydney Thunder | 2020/21 | Optus Stadium |
1. Melbourne Stars: 273/2 Against Hobart Hurricanes
The Melbourne Stars hold the record for the highest team total in BBL history, an astounding 273/2 scored against the Hobart Hurricanes during the 2022/23 season. The stars of the innings were Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis, who unleashed a flurry of boundaries and sixes. Maxwell’s unbeaten 154 off 64 balls remains one of the most remarkable individual performances in the league. Stoinis provided solid support with a blistering 75, ensuring the Stars posted a near-impossible target.
Key statistics from this match:
Glenn Maxwell: 154* (64 balls, 22 fours, 4 sixes)
Marcus Stoinis: 75 (31 balls, 6 fours, 5 sixes)
2. Sydney Thunder: 232/5 Against Sydney Sixers
In a thrilling Sydney derby during the 2021/22 season, the Sydney Thunder set a massive target of 232/5 against their cross-town rivals, the Sydney Sixers. Alex Hales played a sensational innings, hammering 110 off 56 balls. His aggressive approach in the powerplay laid the foundation for a monumental total, while contributions from the middle order ensured the Thunder capitalized on the strong start.
Key statistics from this match:
Alex Hales: 110 (56 balls, 9 fours, 8 sixes)
Sam Billings: 50 (29 balls, 5 fours, 2 sixes)
3. Hobart Hurricanes: 223/8 Against Melbourne Renegades
The Hobart Hurricanes showcased their firepower in the 2017/18 season with a massive total of 223/8 against the Melbourne Renegades. D’Arcy Short was the standout performer, smashing 122 runs off just 69 balls. Short’s brilliant knock included 8 fours and 8 sixes, and he was well-supported by Ben McDermott, who chipped in with a quickfire 50.
Key statistics from this match:
D’Arcy Short: 122 (69 balls, 8 fours, 8 sixes)
Ben McDermott: 50 (25 balls, 4 fours, 4 sixes)
4. Brisbane Heat: 212/3 Against Melbourne Stars
The Brisbane Heat have always been known for their aggressive batting lineup, and their 212/3 against the Melbourne Stars in the 2016/17 season was no exception. Chris Lynn and Brendon McCullum lit up the Gabba with an extraordinary display of power-hitting. Lynn’s unbeaten 98 off 49 balls and McCullum’s 72 off 35 balls ensured the Heat reached a formidable total.
Key statistics from this match:
Chris Lynn: 98* (49 balls, 6 fours, 11 sixes)
Brendon McCullum: 72 (35 balls, 9 fours, 3 sixes)
5. Perth Scorchers: 210/5 Against Sydney Thunder
The Perth Scorchers demonstrated their batting depth and firepower during the 2020/21 season by scoring 210/5 against the Sydney Thunder. Colin Munro was the star of the show, scoring 82 off 54 balls, supported by contributions from Josh Inglis and Ashton Turner.
Key statistics from this match:
Colin Munro: 82 (54 balls, 5 fours, 4 sixes)
Josh Inglis: 58 (36 balls, 6 fours, 1 six)
Trends In High Scores
Analyzing the biggest scores in BBL history reveals several common trends:
Strong Opening Partnerships: Most of these innings were anchored by solid opening partnerships or early aggression, setting the platform for big totals.
Powerplay Utilization: Teams that maximized scoring during the powerplay overs often ended up with massive totals.
Middle-Order Contributions: While openers laid the foundation, consistent contributions from the middle order were crucial in converting good starts into monumental totals.
Flat Tracks and Short Boundaries: High-scoring matches were frequently played on batting-friendly pitches with shorter boundary dimensions, aiding aggressive strokeplay.
Highest Individual Scores In BBL High-Scoring Matches
The following table highlights some of the highest individual scores in these matches:
| Player Name | Runs Scored | Balls Faced | 4s | 6s | Match Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glenn Maxwell | 154* | 64 | 22 | 4 | 2022/23 |
| Alex Hales | 110 | 56 | 9 | 8 | 2021/22 |
| D’Arcy Short | 122 | 69 | 8 | 8 | 2017/18 |
| Chris Lynn | 98* | 49 | 6 | 11 | 2016/17 |
| Colin Munro | 82 | 54 | 5 | 4 | 2020/21 |
The Evolution Of Scoring In The BBL
Over the years, scoring trends in the BBL have seen a sharp rise, thanks to factors such as:
Improved Batting Techniques: Players have become adept at playing innovative shots, making it harder for bowlers to contain them.
Better Equipment: Modern bats are designed to generate more power, even from mistimed shots.
Aggressive Mindset: Teams now aim for 200+ scores as a baseline target rather than an exception.
Use of Analytics: Teams use data analytics to identify bowlers to target and field placements to exploit.
The biggest scores in BBL history reflect the evolution of T20 cricket and the entertainment it brings to fans. Whether it’s Glenn Maxwell’s record-breaking 154* or the sheer dominance of teams like the Melbourne Stars and Sydney Thunder, these performances have become iconic moments in the league’s history. As the BBL continues to grow, it is only a matter of time before we witness even higher totals and more thrilling encounters.