Scoring a century in the T20 format is a rare and remarkable achievement, and doing so in a World Cup event is even more extraordinary. The Women’s T20 World Cup, which began in 2009, has seen some phenomenal individual performances over the years. Here, we explore the top five highest individual scores in the history of the Women’s T20 World Cup.
1) Meg Lanning – 126 (65)
During the 2014 T20 World Cup, Meg Lanning set the record for the highest individual score in a Women’s T20 World Cup. She dismantled the Irish bowling attack, scoring 126 off 65 balls, becoming the third woman and the first Australian to pass three figures in T20 Internationals. Lanning came to bat after Australia lost their first wicket at 21, with Alyssa Healy departing early. The right-handed batter hit 18 boundaries and four sixes, maintaining an impressive strike rate of 193. She was awarded the Player of the Match for her century and ended the tournament as the leading run-scorer with 257 runs, leading her team to World Cup glory.
2) Deandra Dottin – 112 (45)
Contrary to the common trend of top-order batters scoring centuries in T20s, West Indies’ Deandra Dottin, batting in the lower middle order, became the first woman to score a century in Women’s T20 Internationals. She achieved this feat during the 2010 Women’s T20 World Cup against South Africa. Coming into bat at number six when West Indies were struggling at 52 for 4, Dottin smashed 112 off just 45 balls, scoring seven boundaries & nine sixes at an explosive strike rate of 248, building a 118-run partnership with Shanel Daley, who contributed only 10 runs. Her century propelled West Indies to a total of 175, securing a 17-run victory over South Africa. Dottin was named Player of the Match and also took a wicket in the same game.
3) Heather Knight – 108 (66)
The English captain, Heather Knight, scored a magnificent century against Thailand in the seventh edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup held in Australia. Knight’s unbeaten 108 off 66 balls came at a crucial time when England had lost both openers for ducks. She forged a 169-run partnership with Nat Sciver-Brunt, leading England to a total of 175. The English skipper struck at 163, scoring 13 boundaries & four sixes. England triumphed over Thailand with a 98-run victory, and Knight was awarded Player of the Match for her outstanding century.
4) Harmanpreet Kaur- 103 (51)
Harmanpreet Kaur became the first Indian woman to score a century in T20Is, achieving this milestone during the 2018 Women’s T20 World Cup against New Zealand. Kaur’s blistering 103 off 51 balls came when India was in trouble at 40 for 3 inside the powerplay. She shared a 134-run partnership with Jemimah Rodrigues, the highest for India in Women’s T20Is.The right-handed batter smashed seven boundaries & eight sixes during her innings, striking at over 200. India posted a total of 194 and won the match by 34 runs. Kaur’s spectacular performance earned her the Player of the Match award.
5) Muneeba Ali – 102 (67)
In the 2023 T20 World Cup, Muneeba Ali became the first Pakistani batter to score a century in Women’s T20 internationals. Her brilliant 102 off 67 balls against Ireland in Cape Town helped Pakistan set a total of 165. The wicket keeper batter smashed a total of 14 boundaries during her innings, striking at 150. Muneeba’s century paved the way for a 70-run victory, and she was named the Player of the Match, placing her fifth on the list of highest individual scores in Women’s T20 World Cup history.
