The ICC Menâs T20 World Cup 2026 witnessed a historic offensive display on Monday, 23 February, as the West Indies dismantled the Zimbabwean bowling attack to post a massive 254/6. The innings, played at the high-scoring Wankhede Stadium, fell just six runs short of the all-time tournament record but set a new gold standard for the current edition. India vs Zimbabwe in India After a Gap of 24 Years!.
Coming into the Super 8 stage as one of the unbeaten favourites, the West Indies capitalised on perfect batting conditions. The total of 254 is now the second-highest score ever recorded in the 19-year history of the T20 World Cup, surpassing the previous 2026 tournament high of 235/5 set by Ireland just nine days ago.
Highest Team Totals in Men's T20 World Cup History
Since the inaugural tournament in 2007, the 200-run barrier has often been the benchmark for elite batting. However, the 2026 edition in India and Sri Lanka has seen a significant surge in scoring. Sri Lankaâs long-standing record of 260/6 against Kenya remains the only score higher than the West Indies' effort today.
Top 5 Highest Team Totals in T20 World Cup History
| Rank | Score | Team | Opposition | Venue | Year |
| 1 | 260/6 | Sri Lanka | Kenya | Johannesburg | 2007 |
| 2 | 254/6 | West Indies | Zimbabwe | Mumbai | 2026 |
| 3 | 235/5 | Ireland | Oman | Colombo | 2026 |
| 4 | 230/8 | England | South Africa | Mumbai | 2016 |
| 5 | 229/4 | South Africa | England | Mumbai | 2016 |
Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell Lead the Charge
The foundation for the historic total was laid by Shimron Hetmyer, who broke the record for the fastest fifty by a West Indian in a T20 World Cup, reaching the milestone in just 19 deliveries. Hetmyerâs 85 off 34 balls was supported by a brutal cameo from captain Rovman Powell (59 off 35) and late-innings fireworks from Sherfane Rutherford. ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 Points Table With Net Run-Rate (NRR).
Zimbabwe, who had impressed in the group stages by defeating Australia, found no answers for the relentless power-hitting. The Wankhede Stadium, famed for its short boundaries and rapid outfield, lived up to its reputation as a "batter's paradise," accounting for three of the top five scores in the competition's history.
Evolution of the 200-Plus Score
The 2026 tournament has already produced several high-scoring encounters, reflecting the modern game's shift toward aggressive "intent" from the first ball. Earlier in the group stage, Ireland stunned Oman with 235/5, while Sri Lanka also crossed the 220-mark in Pallekele.
Historically, the highest totals were often outliers; however, with improved bat technology and the prevalence of T20 leagues, 250-plus scores are becoming a realistic target for top-tier nations. Today's result has massive implications for Group 1, as the West Indies' massive total has significantly boosted their Net Run Rate (NRR) ahead of critical clashes with India and South Africa.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 23, 2026 09:07 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).













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