Top 5 highest individual scores in T20 World Cup Final history

The final of the ICC T20 World Cup is the biggest stage in the shortest format of the game, where players carry the hopes of a nation and every performance is remembered for years. While bowlers often thrive under pressure, there have been a few batters who have stepped up in the grand finale and produced exceptional knocks. 

Scoring big in a T20 World Cup final is never easy, given the high stakes and quality of opposition. However, some players have managed to rise above the pressure and deliver remarkable innings that helped shape the outcome of the title clash.

Here are the 5 highest individual scores in a T20 World Cup final

5. Mitchell Marsh - 77* (50), Australia vs New Zealand, 2021

In the final of the T20 World Cup 2021, Mitchell Marsh produced one of the most composed innings in a title clash to guide Australia to their maiden T20 World Cup triumph. Chasing 173 against New Zealand, Australia lost captain Aaron Finch early, but Marsh stepped up with a counter-attacking approach that shifted the momentum of the game.

Marsh dominated the New Zealand bowling attack with a blend of power and timing, striking six fours and four sixes during his unbeaten 77 off 50 balls. His crucial partnership with David Warner stabilised the innings before he accelerated in the latter half of the chase. The knock ensured Australia comfortably chased down the target and secured their first-ever T20 World Cup title.

4. Marlon Samuels - 78 (56), West Indies vs Sri Lanka, 2012

Marlon Samuels delivered a match-winning performance in the final of the T20 World Cup 2012, playing a crucial role in helping the West Indies claim their maiden T20 World Cup title. Batting first against Sri Lanka, the West Indies struggled to build momentum early on, but Samuels anchored the innings brilliantly.

His 78 off 56 balls included a late surge where he took on the Sri Lankan bowlers, smashing several big hits in the death overs. The knock propelled the Caribbeans to a competitive total, which eventually proved too much for Sri Lanka in the chase. Samuels’ innings was widely regarded as the defining moment of the final and played a major part in the Daren Sammy-led side lifting the trophy.

3. Kane Williamson - 85 (48), New Zealand vs Australia, 2021

Captain Kane Williamson led from the front in the final of the T20 World Cup 2021, producing a sensational innings against Australia. After a cautious start, Williamson switched gears brilliantly and launched an aggressive counterattack against the Australian bowlers.

The right-hander smashed 85 off just 48 deliveries, including ten elegant boundaries and three sixes, as he guided New Zealand to a competitive total of 172. His knock was one of the finest individual efforts in a T20 World Cup final, though it ultimately ended in disappointment as Australia chased down the target.

2. Marlon Samuels - 85* (66), West Indies vs England, 2016

Marlon Samuels once again rose to the occasion in the final of the T20 World Cup 2016, producing the highest individual score in a T20 World Cup final. Facing England in a tense chase, the West Indies were under immense pressure after losing early wickets.

Samuels stood firm at one end and played a composed yet impactful knock of 85 not out off 66 balls. His innings kept the West Indies in the hunt despite regular wickets falling at the other end. Eventually, his crucial effort laid the platform for the dramatic finish, as Carlos Brathwaite smashed four consecutive sixes in the final over to seal a historic victory for the Caribbean side.

1. Sanju Samson - 89 (46), India vs New Zealand, 2026

India’s opener takes the top spot in this legendary list. It was a fairytale ending for Sanju Samson, as he once again emerged as a hero for his team. Coming off two sensational knocks against the West Indies and England, respectively, expectations were huge on him, and he delivered.

The Kerala batter smashed 89 runs in just 46 balls, including five fours and eight towering sixes. He also put on a sensational opening partnership of 98 runs with Abhishek Sharma on the grandest stage. India eventually beat the Kiwis to claim their third T20 World Cup title. Samson was named Player of the Series for his brilliance.