20 Best T20I Innings According to Data Analysis [Highlights]

In today’s cricket, every ball and every run can change the course of a match. Keeping this in mind, evaluating players performance has also moved beyond basic stats. Metrics like Expected Runs and Runs Above Average Replacement (RAAR) are crucial in the modern game as they provide deep insights into how players influence the game. After extensive research according to these metrics, the top 20 T20I innings of the past decade have been deciphered.

This analysis is based on the ability to surpass expectations and redefine what it means to excel on the cricket field. Each innings is dissected through the lens of Expected Runs and RAAR, providing a nuanced understanding of how players not only scored runs but also made significant impacts on their team’s fortunes.

Understanding Key Metrics

Expected Runs (Expected Runs):
Expected Runs predict how many runs a player is expected to score in a specific situation, considering factors like the match’s pace and the team’s position. It represents the benchmark score a player is projected to achieve in a specific match scenario, calculated using comprehensive historical data. It factors in variables such as the run rate, remaining balls, and the context of the match (e.g., wickets fallen), providing a standardized measure of batting performance.

Runs Above Average Replacement (RAAR):
RAAR measures how much a player exceeds these expectations, showing their impact on the game. We analyzed international T20 data to find the top 20 innings where players scored over 50 runs in tough conditions. These innings were pivotal in shaping the game’s outcome. RAAR quantifies the extent to which a player exceeds their expected runs, illustrating their ability to perform above the level of an average replacement player in similar circumstances. It highlights the player’s impact by showing how they contribute significantly to their team’s total runs.

RAAR Percentage:
RAAR Percentage compares the RAAR with the actual runs scored, expressed as a percentage. This metric gauges the efficiency and effectiveness of a player’s innings relative to the total runs they contributed, offering insights into their ability to influence match outcomes decisively.

Here are the top 20 T20I innings of the past decade:

Iftikhar Ahmed (Pakistan):

• Runs: 60 | Balls: 24
• Expected Runs: 28.99 | RAAR: 31.01 | RAAR %age: 51.69%
• Against: New Zealand (2023-04-17)
• Entry Context: 11.06 (65/6) | Departed Context: 19.04 (159/9)

Iftikhar Ahmed’s innings for Pakistan against New Zealand on April 17, 2023 made it the top innings according to our metric in the last decade.. He came to bat when Pakistan was struggling at 65 runs for the loss of 6 wickets (Entry Context: 11.06), entering the crease during a critical phase of the innings. Ahmed then scored 60 runs off just 24 balls.

His Runs Above Average Replacement (RAAR) of 31.01 and RAAR Percentage of 51.69% highlight his ability to score well above the expected runs of 28.99 in that match context. Ahmed’s innings included 3 fours and 6 sixes, demonstrating his capability to find boundaries consistently and accelerate the run rate effectively.

When Ahmed departed, Pakistan had scored 159 runs and lost 9 wickets (Departed Context: 19.04). This underscores his crucial role in rescuing Pakistan’s innings and significantly boosting their total against New Zealand.

 

Quinton de Kock (South Africa):

• Runs: 65 | Balls: 22
• Expected Runs: 34.50 | RAAR: 30.50 | RAAR %age: 46.92%
• Against: England (2020-02-14)
• Entry Context: 0.05 (5/0) | Departed Context: 7.05 (92/1)

Quinton de Kock’s innings for South Africa against England on February 14, 2020, was adjudged as 2nd most impactful innings in the last decade. He began his innings when South Africa had scored 5 runs without losing any wickets (Entry Context: 0.05). De Kock then scored 65 runs off just 22 balls.

His Runs Above Average Replacement (RAAR) of 30.50 and RAAR Percentage of 46.92% mean he scored more runs than what was expected in that situation (Expected: 34.50). De Kock hit 2 fours and an impressive 8 sixes, showcasing his ability to find the boundary consistently and accelerate the scoring rate effectively.

When de Kock got out, South Africa had reached 92 runs and lost only 1 wicket (Departed Context: 7.05). This underscores his crucial role in providing a solid start for South Africa’s innings and contributing significantly to the team’s total against England. His innings not only boosted South Africa’s score but also highlighted his capability to dominate the opposition and set a strong foundation early in the game.

Sherfane Rutherford (West Indies):

• Runs: 68 | Balls: 39
• Expected Runs: 36.42 | RAAR: 31.58 | RAAR %age: 46.44%
• Against: New Zealand (2024-06-12)
• Entry Context: 5.05 (23/4) | Departed Context: 19.06 (149/9)

Rutherford’s innings against New Zealand in 2024 T20 World Cup made it to the list. He joined the crease with the team struggling at 23 runs for the loss of 4 wickets by the 6th over. By the time he departed, Rutherford had contributed significantly, adding 126 runs to the team’s total. His partnership with other batsmen propelled the team’s score to 149 runs for the loss of 9 wickets by the end of the innings, showcasing his crucial role in stabilizing and advancing the team’s batting effort under challenging circumstances.

Rishad Hossain (Bangladesh):

• Runs: 53 | Balls: 30
• Expected Runs: 28.59 | RAAR: 24.41 | RAAR %age: 46.05%
• Against: Sri Lanka (2024-03-09)
• Entry Context: 8.02 (32/6) | Departed Context: 16.05 (117/8)

Rishad Hossain’s innings began under challenging circumstances, entering the crease when his team was at 32 runs for the loss of 6 wickets by the 8th over (Entry Context: 8.02). Despite this difficult start, Hossain played a crucial role in rebuilding the innings. When he was dismissed, he had contributed significantly, helping the team add 85 runs to reach a total of 117 runs for the loss of 8 wickets by the end of his innings (Departed Context: 16.05). His innings highlighted his ability to stabilize the batting and contribute effectively, despite the early setbacks faced by the team.

Marcus Stoinis (Australia):

• Runs: 59 | Balls: 18
• Expected Runs: 32.07 | RAAR: 26.93 | RAAR %age: 45.65%
• Against: Sri Lanka (2022-10-25)
• Entry Context: 12.03 (90/3) | Departed Context: 16.04 (156/3)

Marcus Stoinis’s innings for Australia against Sri Lanka on October 25, 2022 in T20 World Cup,  showcased his exceptional batting prowess. Entering the crease with Australia at 90 runs for the loss of 3 wickets (Entry Context: 12.03), Stoinis wasted no time in making a significant impact.

He scored 59 runs off just 18 balls, surpassing the expected runs of 32.07 by a remarkable margin. His Runs Above Average Replacement (RAAR) of 26.93 and RAAR Percentage of 45.65% underscored his ability to exceed typical batting standards in that match context. When Stoinis departed, Australia’s score had advanced to 156 runs for the loss of 3 wickets (Departed Context: 16.04).

His aggressive batting style, marked by efficient boundary hitting, not only accelerated the scoring rate but also ensured Australia built a formidable total. Stoinis’s innings exemplified his capability to turn the tide of the game swiftly and decisively in Australia’s favor.

Check out the highlights

Colin Munro (New Zealand)

• Runs: 56 | Balls: 27
• Expected: 30.73 | RAAR: 25.27 | RAAR %age: 45.13
• Against: Pakistan | Fours: 2 | Sixes: 6
• Date: 2016-01-15
• Entry Context: 2.01 (10/1) | Departed Context: 9.06 (89/2)

Colin Munro’s innings for New Zealand against Pakistan on January 15, 2016, made it to the list with 45 percent of his runs coming in as above average. Munro came to bat with New Zealand at 10 runs for the loss of 1 wicket (Entry Context: 2.01), facing a challenging early situation. However, he quickly turned the tide with an aggressive innings, scoring 56 runs off just 27 balls.

Munro’s Runs Above Average Replacement (RAAR) of 25.27 and RAAR Percentage of 45.13% highlighted his proficiency in contributing well above the expected runs of 30.73 in that match context. His innings included 2 fours and 6 sixes, demonstrating his ability to score boundaries consistently and accelerate the run rate effectively.

When Munro departed, New Zealand had advanced to 89 runs for the loss of 2 wickets (Departed Context: 9.06), indicating his crucial role in building a solid foundation for the team’s innings.

Asela Gunaratne (Sri Lanka)

• Runs: 84 | Balls: 46
• Expected: 47.56 | RAAR: 36.44 | RAAR %age: 43.38
• Against: Australia | Fours: 6 | Sixes: 5
• Date: 2017-02-19
• Entry Context: 3.04 (27/3) | Departed Context: 19.06 (176/8)

Asela Gunaratne’s impactful innings for Sri Lanka against Australia on February 19, 2017, featured prominently with 43 percent of his runs exceeding expectations. Gunaratne entered the crease when Sri Lanka was at 27 runs for the loss of 3 wickets (Entry Context: 3.04), setting the stage for a crucial partnership. Displaying aggressive stroke play, he scored 84 runs off 46 balls, significantly surpassing the expected runs of 47.56.

Gunaratne’s Runs Above Average Replacement (RAAR) of 36.44 and RAAR Percentage of 43.38% underscored his ability to perform well above the average batting standards in that match context. His innings included 6 fours and 5 sixes, showcasing his ability to find the boundary consistently and accelerate the scoring rate effectively.

By the time Gunaratne departed, Sri Lanka had reached a formidable total of 176 runs for the loss of 8 wickets (Departed Context: 19.06), emphasizing his pivotal role in guiding Sri Lanka to a competitive score. His innings not only boosted the team’s total but also demonstrated his capability to thrive under pressure and shape match outcomes decisively.

Check out the highlights

Heinrich Klaasen (South Africa)

• Runs: 81 | Balls: 46
• Expected: 47.27 | RAAR: 33.73 | RAAR %age: 41.64
• Against: India | Fours: 7 | Sixes: 5
• Date: 2022-06-12
• Entry Context: 5.04 (29/3) | Departed Context: 16.07 (144/5)

Heinrich Klaasen’s innings for South Africa against India on June 12, 2022 is number 6 on the list. Klaasen came to bat with South Africa at 29 runs for the loss of 3 wickets (Entry Context: 5.04), facing a challenging early phase of the innings. However, he played a dynamic innings, scoring 81 runs off 46 balls.

Klaasen’s Runs Above Average Replacement (RAAR) of 33.73 and RAAR Percentage of 41.64% showcased his proficiency in surpassing the expected runs of 47.27 in that match context. His innings included 7 fours and 5 sixes, illustrating his skill in finding boundaries consistently and boosting the run rate effectively.

When Klaasen departed, South Africa had advanced to 144 runs for the loss of 5 wickets (Departed Context: 16.07), highlighting his crucial role in stabilizing the innings and accelerating the team’s scoring momentum.

Chris Gayle (West Indies)

• Runs: 77 | Balls: 31
• Expected: 45.27 | RAAR: 31.73 | RAAR %age: 41.21
• Against: South Africa | Fours: 5 | Sixes: 8
• Date: 2015-01-09
• Entry Context: 0.02 (2/0) | Departed Context: 10.05 (114/2)

Chris Gayle’s innings for West Indies against South Africa on January 9, 2015, epitomized his ability to surpass expectations and make a significant impact early in the game. Gayle entered the crease with West Indies at 2 runs without losing any wickets (Entry Context: 0.02), providing a solid start to his innings. He proceeded to play an aggressive innings, scoring 77 runs off just 31 balls.

Gayle’s Runs Above Average Replacement (RAAR) of 31.73 and RAAR Percentage of 41.21% highlighted his proficiency in exceeding the expected runs of 45.27 in that match context. His innings included 5 fours and an impressive 8 sixes, showcasing his ability to consistently hit boundaries and accelerate the run rate effectively.

By the time Gayle departed, West Indies had advanced to 114 runs for the loss of 2 wickets (Departed Context: 10.05), illustrating his crucial role in setting a strong foundation for the team’s innings.

Suryakumar Yadav (India)

• Runs: 68 | Balls: 40
• Expected: 40.18 | RAAR: 27.82 | RAAR %age: 40.91
• Against: South Africa | Fours: 6 | Sixes: 3
• Date: 2022-10-30
• Entry Context: 5.03 (32/2) | Departed Context: 18.05 (127/8)

Suryakumar Yadav’s innings for India against South Africa on October 30, 2022, showed how he performed better than expected and made a big impact. He came to bat when India had scored 32 runs and lost 2 wickets (Entry Context: 5.03), helping stabilize the team’s position after a tough start. Yadav then played a steady innings, scoring 68 runs off 40 balls.

His Runs Above Average Replacement (RAAR) of 27.82 and RAAR Percentage of 40.91% mean he scored more runs than what was expected in that situation (Expected: 40.18). He hit 6 fours and 3 sixes, showing he could find gaps in the field and score boundaries well.

When Yadav got out, India had scored 127 runs and lost 8 wickets (Departed Context: 18.05). This shows his important role in steadying the team’s innings and helping set a competitive total.

Check out the highlights

Andre Fletcher (West Indies)

• Runs: 57 | Balls: 25
• Expected: 34.04 | RAAR: 22.96 | RAAR %age: 40.28
• Against: Sri Lanka | Fours: 3 | Sixes: 6
• Date: 2015-11-09
• Entry Context: 0.06 (9/1) | Departed Context: 8.01 (86/4)

Andre Fletcher’s innings for West Indies against Sri Lanka on November 9, 2015 is number 11 according to the data analyzed. He came to bat when West Indies had scored 9 runs and lost 1 wicket (Entry Context: 0.06), entering the game early on. Fletcher then played aggressively, scoring 57 runs off just 25 balls.

His Runs Above Average Replacement (RAAR) of 22.96 and RAAR Percentage of 40.28% mean he scored more runs than what was expected in that situation (Expected: 34.04). He hit 3 fours and 6 sixes, showing he could find gaps in the field and score boundaries well.

When Fletcher got out, West Indies had scored 86 runs and lost 4 wickets (Departed Context: 8.01). This shows his important role in starting well and setting a good base for the team’s innings. His innings not only boosted West Indies’ score but also showed he could make a quick impact and give his team a strong start against Sri Lanka.

Heinrich Klaasen (South Africa)

• Runs: 69 | Balls: 30
• Expected: 41.41 | RAAR: 27.59 | RAAR %age: 39.99
• Against: India | Fours: 3 | Sixes: 7
• Date: 2018-02-21
• Entry Context: 5.01 (38/2) | Departed Context: 13.01 (131/3)

Klaasen is the only player who made his way into this list twice. Heinrich Klaasen’s innings for South Africa against India on February 21, 2018, showed he played better than expected and had a significant impact. He came to bat when South Africa had scored 38 runs and lost 2 wickets (Entry Context: 5.01), stepping in early in the game. Klaasen then scored 69 runs off just 30 balls.

His Runs Above Average Replacement (RAAR) of 27.59 and RAAR Percentage of 39.99% mean he scored more runs than what was expected in that situation (Expected: 41.41). He hit 3 fours and 7 sixes, showing he could find gaps in the field and score boundaries well.

When Klaasen got out, South Africa had scored 131 runs and lost 3 wickets (Departed Context: 13.01). This shows his important role in boosting South Africa’s score and contributing to a strong position against India.

Tamim Iqbal (Bangladesh)

• Runs: 74 | Balls: 44
• Expected: 44.56 | RAAR: 29.44 | RAAR %age: 39.78
• Against: West Indies | Fours: 6 | Sixes: 4
• Date: 2018-08-04
• Entry Context: 0.04 (1/0) | Departed Context: 15.06 (138/4)

Tamim Iqbal’s innings for Bangladesh against West Indies on August 4, 2018 comes in at 13 in this list. He came to bat when Bangladesh had scored just 1 run without losing any wickets (Entry Context: 0.04), entering the crease in the early overs. Tamim then scored 74 runs off 44 balls.

His Runs Above Average Replacement (RAAR) of 29.44 and RAAR Percentage of 39.78% mean he scored more runs than what was expected in that situation (Expected: 44.56). He hit 6 fours and 4 sixes, showing he could find gaps in the field and score boundaries effectively. When Tamim got out, Bangladesh had scored 138 runs and lost 4 wickets (Departed Context: 15.06).

No footage available

Tristan Stubbs (South Africa)

• Runs: 72 | Balls: 28
• Expected: 43.81 | RAAR: 28.19 | RAAR %age: 39.15
• Against: England | Fours: 2 | Sixes: 8
• Date: 2022-07-27
• Entry Context: 9.06 (88/4) | Departed Context: 18.01 (184/6)

Tristan Stubbs’ in his first international innings in T20s made a huge impact in the game. He came to bat when South Africa had scored 88 runs and lost 4 wickets (Entry Context: 9.06), entering the game when the team was rebuilding after losing a few early wickets. Stubbs then scored 72 runs off just 28 balls.

His Runs Above Average Replacement (RAAR) of 28.19 and RAAR Percentage of 39.15% mean he scored more runs than what was expected in that situation (Expected: 43.81). He hit 2 fours and an impressive 8 sixes, demonstrating his ability to find gaps in the field and score boundaries effectively.

When Stubbs got out, South Africa had scored 184 runs and lost 6 wickets (Departed Context: 18.01). This highlights his crucial role in accelerating South Africa’s score and contributing significantly to the team’s total against England. His innings not only boosted South Africa’s total but also showed his capability to make a quick impact and shape the match outcome positively. Playing his first international innings, Stubbs showed a great resilience and character and took bowlers to cleaners.

Kane Williamson (New Zealand)

• Runs: 60 | Balls: 38
• Expected: 36.57 | RAAR: 23.43 | RAAR %age: 39.04
• Against: Pakistan | Fours: 8 | Sixes: 2
• Date: 2018-11-04
• Entry Context: 3.03 (13/2) | Departed Context: 12.02 (96/3)

Kane Williamson’s innings for New Zealand against Pakistan on November 4, 2018, was a surprise entry due to his ability to exceed expectations and make a significant impact in the match. He came to bat when New Zealand had scored 13 runs for the loss of 2 wickets (Entry Context: 3.03), entering the crease early in the innings. Williamson then scored 60 runs off 38 balls.

His Runs Above Average Replacement (RAAR) of 23.43 and RAAR Percentage of 39.04% mean he scored more runs than what was expected in that situation (Expected: 36.57). He hit 8 fours and 2 sixes, showing his ability to find the boundary and score runs effectively.

When Williamson got out, New Zealand had scored 96 runs and lost 3 wickets (Departed Context: 12.02). This underscores his crucial role in stabilizing New Zealand’s innings and contributing significantly to the team’s total against Pakistan.

Tom Banton (England)

• Runs: 71 | Balls: 42
• Expected: 43.35 | RAAR: 27.65 | RAAR %age: 38.95
• Against: Pakistan | Fours: 4 | Sixes: 5
• Date: 2020-08-28
• Entry Context: 0.01 (1/0) | Departed Context: 12.03 (109/3)

Tom Banton’s innings for England against Pakistan on August 28, 2020 is number 16. He came to bat when England had scored just 1 run without losing any wickets (Entry Context: 0.01), making an early entry into the innings. Banton then scored 71 runs off 42 balls.

His Runs Above Average Replacement (RAAR) of 27.65 and RAAR Percentage of 38.95% mean he scored more runs than what was expected in that situation (Expected: 43.35). Banton hit 4 fours and 5 sixes, showcasing his ability to find the boundary consistently and accelerate the scoring rate effectively.

When Banton got out, England had reached 109 runs and lost 3 wickets (Departed Context: 12.03).

Reeza Hendricks (South Africa)

• Runs: 57 | Balls: 33
• Expected: 34.88 | RAAR: 22.12 | RAAR %age: 38.81
• Against: England | Fours: 9 | Sixes: 1
• Date: 2022-07-27
• Entry Context: 0.02 (1/0) | Departed Context: 9.04 (86/4)

Reeza Hendricks’ innings for South Africa against England on July 27, 2022 is number 17. He came to bat when South Africa had scored just 1 run without losing any wickets (Entry Context: 0.02), stepping in very early in the innings. Hendricks then scored 57 runs off 33 balls.

His Runs Above Average Replacement (RAAR) of 22.12 and RAAR Percentage of 38.81% mean he scored more runs than what was expected in that situation (Expected: 34.88). Hendricks hit 9 fours and 1 six, demonstrating his ability to find gaps in the field and score boundaries effectively.

When Hendricks departed, South Africa had scored 86 runs and lost 4 wickets (Departed Context: 9.04). This underscores his crucial role in setting a solid foundation for South Africa’s innings and contributing significantly to the team’s total against England.

Evin Lewis (West Indies)

• Runs: 91 | Balls: 51
• Expected: 56.37 | RAAR: 34.63 | RAAR %age: 38.05
• Against: Pakistan | Fours: 5 | Sixes: 9
• Date: 2017-04-01
• Entry Context: 0.01 (0/0) | Departed Context: 14.04 (134/3)

Evin Lewis’ innings for West Indies against Pakistan on April 1, 2017 also makes this list. He began his innings when West Indies had not yet scored any runs or lost any wickets (Entry Context: 0.01), Lewis then scored 91 runs off 51 balls.

His Runs Above Average Replacement (RAAR) of 34.63 and RAAR Percentage of 38.05% mean he scored more runs than what was expected in that situation (Expected: 56.37). Lewis hit 5 fours and an impressive 9 sixes, showcasing his ability to find the boundary consistently and accelerate the scoring rate effectively.

When Lewis departed, West Indies had reached 134 runs and lost 3 wickets (Departed Context: 14.04). This underscores his crucial role in boosting West Indies’ total and setting a strong foundation in the match against Pakistan.

No footage available

Rovman Powell (West Indies)

• Runs: 54 | Balls: 34
• Expected: 33.51 | RAAR: 20.49 | RAAR %age: 37.94
• Against: India | Fours: 6 | Sixes: 3
• Date: 2019-08-04
• Entry Context: 4.02 (14/2) | Departed Context: 13.06 (85/4)

Rovman Powell’s innings for West Indies against India on August 4, 2019, was significant as he exceeded expectations in that context of the game and made a notable impact. He came to bat when West Indies had scored 14 runs and lost 2 wickets (Entry Context: 4.02), entering the crease with the team needing a steady partnership.

Powell then scored 54 runs off 34 balls. His Runs Above Average Replacement (RAAR) of 20.49 and RAAR Percentage of 37.94% mean he scored more runs than what was expected in that situation (Expected: 33.51). Powell hit 6 fours and 3 sixes, showing his ability to find boundaries and accelerate the scoring rate effectively.

When Powell got out, West Indies had scored 85 runs and lost 4 wickets (Departed Context: 13.06).

Sabbir Rahman (Bangladesh)

• Runs: 80 | Balls: 54
• Expected: 49.86 | RAAR: 30.14 | RAAR %age: 37.67
• Against: Sri Lanka | Fours: 10 | Sixes: 3
• Date: 2016-02-28
• Entry Context: 0.03 (0/1) | Departed Context: 15.08 (108/4)

Sabbir Rahman’s innings for Bangladesh against Sri Lanka on February 28, 2016, was notable as he surpassed expectations and made a significant impact. He started his innings when Bangladesh had not yet scored any runs but had lost 1 wicket (Entry Context: 0.03), entering the crease early in the match. Rahman then scored 80 runs off 54 balls.

His Runs Above Average Replacement (RAAR) of 30.14 and RAAR Percentage of 37.67% mean he scored more runs than what was expected in that situation (Expected: 49.86). Rahman hit 10 fours and 3 sixes, showcasing his ability to find gaps in the field and score boundaries effectively.

When Rahman departed, Bangladesh had scored 108 runs and lost 4 wickets (Departed Context: 15.08).

T20I 20 Most Impactful Innings:

In analyzing these top 20 innings over the past decade, it becomes evident that cricket is not merely a game of runs but a stage where players redefine expectations and reshape outcomes. Each innings showcased here, whether by Iftikhar Ahmed’s blazing rescue act or Quinton de Kock’s explosive start, highlights the pivotal role of individual brilliance in transforming match dynamics.

Metrics like Expected Runs and RAAR offer deeper insights, quantifying how players exceed standard performances to propel their teams forward. From stabilizing innings under pressure to launching fireworks at the end. Contextual performances have become a new metric to weigh batters and bowlers, it opens up new ways for analysts to look into performances amid the situation they were played in.

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About the Author: Zain @zainalysis analyzed this by utilizing a deep neural network model, taking into account ball-by-ball records for all T20Is over the past decade.