A new record was created in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup as Sanju Samson smashed the highest individual score in a T20 World Cup final, scoring 89 runs against New Zealand national cricket team in the 2026 final. His innings surpassed several memorable performances from previous finals and now sits at the top of the list of highest scores in a T20 World Cup summit clash.
Over the years, several star players have produced remarkable innings in T20 World Cup finals. West Indies legend Marlon Samuels appears twice on the list for his match-winning knocks in 2012 and 2016, while India’s Virat Kohli also features twice for his performances in 2014 and 2024.
Below is the list of the highest individual scores in T20 World Cup finals:
| Score | Player | Match | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 89 | Sanju Samson | India vs New Zealand | 2026 |
| 85* | Marlon Samuels | West Indies vs England | 2016 |
| 85 | Kane Williamson | New Zealand vs Australia | 2021 |
| 78 | Marlon Samuels | West Indies vs Sri Lanka | 2012 |
| 77 | Virat Kohli | India vs Sri Lanka | 2014 |
| 76 | Virat Kohli | India vs South Africa | 2024 |
Sanju Samson’s 89-run knock now stands as the highest score ever in a T20 World Cup final, highlighting one of the most memorable batting performances in the tournament’s history. His innings places him ahead of legendary performances like Marlon Samuels’ unbeaten 85 in the 2016 final and Kane Williamson’s 85 in the 2021 final.
Such performances underline how crucial individual brilliance can be in high-pressure finals, where one exceptional innings can shape the outcome of the biggest match in the tournament.