Women’s T20 International (WT20I) cricket has come a long way, evolving from a tactical accumulation game to an era of pure power hitting. Today, boundary-clearing strikes and astronomical strike rates are the global standard.
From foundational, record-breaking hundreds to late-innings blitzes, these ten legendary performances are the most explosive innings in WT20I history.
1. Deepika Rasangika (Bahrain) – 161 from 66 balls vs Saudi Arabia (2022)
In a historic masterclass, Rasangika broke the record for the highest individual score in a women's T20I. Her jaw-dropping 161 runs also created a combined male or female T20I record at the time, proving that raw hitting power has no limits.
2. Alyssa Healy (Australia) – 148 off 61 balls v Sri Lanka (2019)
The Australian opener served up an absolute clinic at the North Sydney Oval, ripping the Sri Lankan bowling attack to shreds with 19 fours and seven sixes. It is also the highest individual score by an Australian in WT20Is.
3. Hayley Matthews, West Indies – 132 off 64 balls vs Australia (2023)
Matthews led her team against the best team in the world and played a blazing knock that ensured the highest WT20I score by a West Indian. Her display completed one of the best individual series in modern-day cricket.
4. Meg Lanning, Australia - 126 from 65 balls v Ireland (2014)
It was at the 2014 T20 World Cup that the former Australian skipper showed why she is a legend of the game. She hit 18 boundaries and 4 sixes in her scintillating masterclass, leaving the Irish fielders completely helpless.
5. Suzie Bates, New Zealand – 124 from 66 balls vs. South Africa (2018)
The veteran New Zealand batter delivered her trademark innings at the 2018 T20 World Cup. In the process, she smashed her best WT20I score in a display of sheer elegance and dominance, punishing the South African bowlers.
6. Deandra Dottin, West Indies – 112 from 38 balls against South Africa (2010)
Still ahead of its time in feel, Dottin smashed the fastest century in WT20I history off just 38 deliveries. She finished with a staggering strike rate of 294.73, setting a benchmark for raw hitting power that has yet to be beaten.
7. Harmanpreet Kaur, India – 103 off 49 balls v New Zealand (2018)
Harmanpreet Kaur took charge as India stumbled through the power play at the 2018 T20 World Cup. That was a counter-attacking knock that came up with a huge match-winning total, which included the fastest T20 World Cup hundred by an Indian.
8. Tammy Beaumont, England – 116 off 52 balls v South Africa (2018)
England opening batsman Beaumont then went about his business in faultless, explosive fashion. Her classical timing, combined with modern power, ripped the Proteas apart with 18 fours and 4 sixes.
9. Sophie Devine, New Zealand – 105 off 65 balls against South Africa (2023)
Devine showed off his reputation as one of the cleanest strikers in the game in 2023. She tore through the South African attack, punishing them all over the park in a brilliant display of sheer power.
10. Richa Ghosh, India – 50 from 18 balls vs West Indies (2024)
The Indian wicketkeeper-batter, the youngest on the list, was the catalyst for a phenomenal burst of striking power in a late surge. Her 17-ball knock equalled the record for the joint-fastest WT20I half-century and proved her to be one of the best finishers in the modern game.
Also Read | Fastest Centuries in Women's T20I History
