Published on: Feb 26, 2026 6:07 pm IST|Updated on: Feb 26, 2026 6:07 pm IST
The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 has already delivered unforgettable moments, thrilling finishes, and individual brilliance that will be remembered for years to come. We have already got our first semifinalists in England, and soon we will find the next three as well. Talking about the individual performances so far, among the many standout performances, a handful of innings have defined the tournament—turning games on their head, rescuing sides from collapse, or etching history in bold letters. Here’s a look at the top 5 innings that captured the imagination of fans worldwide.
Taking the top spot is Pathum Nissanka’s brilliant ton against Australia. Perhaps the greatest T20I century from a Sri Lankan. The young and dashing opener blew away Australia and sent them packing out of the T20 World Cup with his nonchalant hitting. The 27-year-old made a mockery of Australia’s target of 181 runs by chasing the score with 8 wickets in hand and 2 overs to spare. His whirlwind knock of 100 runs from just 52 balls (10 fours and 5 sixes) sent shockwaves among the Australian bowling camp and opened the doors for Super 8s for his side.
What made this innings special was not just the runs but the context—Sri Lanka needed a win to stay alive in the tournament, and Nissanka’s century ensured they cruised home with 8 wickets in hand and two overs to spare. It was a masterclass in controlled aggression, a performance that opened the doors to the Super 8s and threw Australia out in the first round of the T20 World Cup.
The English skipper scored 100 off 51 deliveries in the Super 8 game against Pakistan to see his team through to the semifinals. Chasing 164, Brook led from the front with his maiden T20I ton to take his team home despite a few hiccups in the closing stage of the game.
Brook’s innings was not just about runs, it was about leadership. He absorbed the pressure, rotated strike when needed, and accelerated at the right moments. Even as wickets fell around him, Brook’s calm presence anchored England’s chase. This knock will be remembered as the defining moment of England’s campaign, a performance that showcased his maturity and ability to deliver when it mattered most.
Taking the third spot is the history maker, Yuvraj Samra. The young Canadian left-hand opener scored a fabulous 110 from 65 deliveries against a strong New Zealand bowling attack that featured the likes of Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, and Kyle Jamieson. Samra etched his name in history books by becoming the first Canadian batter to score a ton in an ICC T20 World Cup game.
Samra’s innings was not just about personal glory—it was about putting Canadian cricket on the global map. Against a team with a rich T20 pedigree, he showed remarkable composure, punishing loose deliveries and refusing to be intimidated by the occasion. Though Canada couldn’t secure victory, Samra’s knock will inspire a generation of cricketers in his country and remain a landmark achievement in World Cup history.
The reigning champions found themselves in a precarious position in their opening game against the USA. Batting first, they lost as many as 4 wickets in the powerplay for 46 runs. Batting at no 4, the Indian skipper played some innings scoring an unbeaten 84 off 49 deliveries and bailing his side out with a formidable total of 161 for the loss of 9 wickets. His magnificent rescuing innings include 10 fours and 4 sixes
What stood out was Suryakumar’s ability to adapt. He began cautiously, stabilizing the innings, before unleashing his trademark 360-degree stroke play to accelerate in the death overs. It was a captain’s knock—calm under pressure, innovative in shot selection, and decisive in execution. India eventually defended the total, and Suryakumar’s innings set the tone for their campaign.
Finding the 5th place on this list is David Miller’s brutal assault on Team India in Ahmedabad. In their first Super 8 games, the Proteas found themselves in a spot of bother after opting to bat first. They lost 3 quick wickets in 4 overs, but then came Miller with a rescue act. The southpaw scored a brilliant 63 off 35 deliveries that included 7 fours and 3 sixes and stitched together a crucial 97 runs with Dewald Brevis.
His rescue act helped the Proteas post a brilliant 187 for the loss of 7 wickets, and eventually it proved too good for India as the Proteas defeated the reigning champions by 76 runs. Miller’s innings was a reminder of his reputation as one of the most destructive finishers in world cricket.
The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 has been a showcase of batting brilliance, with players from both established and emerging nations leaving their mark. Pathum Nissanka’s century was a statement of intent, Harry Brook’s ton was a captain’s masterclass, Yuvraj Samra’s knock was historic for Canadian cricket, and rescue acts from Suryakumar Yadav and David Miller highlighted maturity under pressure.
Tags: T20 World Cup 2026