In this article, we look at the Top 10 Highest Scores in Losing Cause in T20Is, celebrating the batters who gave it their all but ended up on the wrong side of the result.
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Cricket can be cruel. In T20Is, even a spectacular hundred doesn’t guarantee a win. Some of the most explosive knocks in the game’s shortest format have come in losing causes, where individual brilliance wasn’t enough to carry the team over the line. These innings are bittersweet — magnificent to watch, yet painful in outcome Highest Scores.
10. KL Rahul – 110* vs West Indies (2016)
Rahul smashed a masterclass century in Florida, but despite chasing 246, India fell short by just 1 run. His 110* was elegant, aggressive, and ultimately in vain Highest Scores.
9. Rilee Rossouw – 109 vs India (2022)
Rossouw’s ton in Indore was pure carnage, but South Africa’s bowlers failed to defend the total. His 109 off 48 balls was one of the finest hundreds in a losing cause Highest Scores.
8. Shane Watson – 124* vs India (2016)
Watson’s unbeaten 124 in Sydney was full of clean hitting. But India’s top order chased down the target, leaving his record-breaking effort unrewarded Highest Scores.
7. Chris Gayle – 117 vs South Africa (2007 T20 World Cup)
The Universe Boss announced T20s in style with a blistering hundred in the inaugural match. But South Africa chased it down, denying Gayle the dream start Highest Scores.
6. Evin Lewis – 125* vs India (2017)
Lewis lit up Sabina Park with a brutal 125*. While West Indies posted a big score, the Indian top order chased it with ease, overshadowing his brilliance Highest Scores.
5. Mohammad Rizwan – 104* vs South Africa (2021)
Rizwan’s calm, classy ton was a solo effort as wickets fell around him. Despite his unbeaten century, Pakistan couldn’t defend the total Highest Scores.
4. Babar Azam – 122 vs South Africa (2021)
Babar’s beautifully paced 122 kept Pakistan in the game, but poor bowling and fielding cost them. Another heartbreak for the skipper in a losing cause.
3. Glenn Maxwell – 113* vs India (2023)
Maxwell’s knock in the death overs was pure madness. He took Australia close with 113*, but India held their nerve in the final over.
2. Suryakumar Yadav – 112 vs South Africa (2022)
SKY played one of his most surreal innings, smashing 112 with outrageous shots. But India’s bowling collapse turned his epic knock into a footnote.
1. Faf du Plessis – 119 vs West Indies (2015)
Faf’s 119 remains one of the most painful tons ever. South Africa lost a high-scoring thriller despite his stunning knock, and it’s still remembered as a classic that ended wrong.
In T20Is, sometimes even the best isn’t enough. These highest scores in losing cause in T20Is prove that cricket is a team game — and solo brilliance can’t always cover for team flaws. Still, these knocks remain legendary, showcasing incredible skill, heart, and firepower even in defeat.
They didn’t get the win — but they won hearts.
FAQ – Top 10 Highest Scores in Losing Cause in T20Is !
Q1: What does “losing cause” mean in cricket?
It refers to when a player delivers a brilliant individual performance (like a century), but their team still loses the match.
Q2: Who holds the record for the highest score in a T20I losing cause?
As of 2025, Faf du Plessis’s 119 against West Indies remains one of the top individual scores in a losing effort.
Q3: Why do great innings sometimes end in defeat?
Because cricket is a team sport. Even if one batter excels, poor bowling or fielding can lead to a loss, especially in high-scoring T20s.
