As everyone gears up for the ninth edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, hosted jointly by the USA and the Caribbean, anticipation is high for record-breaking performances.
The tournament's dynamic format has always been a fertile ground for new records, and this year's expanded lineup of 20 teams promises even more thrilling cricketing feats. Here's a glance at the potential records that could be shattered in this edition.
Most Fours
Virat Kohli, the current record holder for the highest run tally in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, is poised to break another record. With 103 fours, Kohli is just behind Sri Lanka’s Mahela Jayawardena, who tops the list with 111 fours. Joining him in the quest for the top spot are Rohit Sharma, with 91 fours, and David Warner, with 86 fours. These batsmen are all in contention to surpass Jayawardena's mark, making this an exciting subplot of the tournament.
Fastest Hundred (by balls)
Chris Gayle's record for the fastest century in the Men’s T20 World Cup, with blistering hundreds in 47 and 50 balls, is under serious threat. Nepal’s Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton recently set a new benchmark with a 33-ball century in overall T20 cricket. Given the high strike rates and competitive spirit expected in this expanded tournament, fans might witness a new record for the fastest hundred.
Most Catches by a Fielder
AB de Villiers currently holds the record for most catches by a fielder in the Men’s T20 World Cup, with 23 catches. Hot on his heels is David Warner, with 21 catches. Additionally, Rohit Sharma and Glenn Maxwell, both with 16 catches, are in the running to claim the top spot. This battle for fielding supremacy adds another layer of excitement to the tournament.
First Team to Win All ICC Trophies Simultaneously
Australia, led by Pat Cummins, have a unique opportunity to make history by becoming the first team to hold all ICC Trophies in the men's game simultaneously. Having clinched the ICC Test Championship and ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2023, a win in the 2024 T20 World Cup would complete this unprecedented trifecta. Australia’s dominance extends to the junior and women's formats as well, holding titles in the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup, ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, and ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.
Most Runs in a Single Edition of the Tournament
With the expansion to 20 teams, this edition offers the potential for teams to play up to nine matches. This increase in matches means the record for most runs in a single edition is likely to be challenged. Virat Kohli currently holds this record with 319 runs in six matches during the 2014 tournament. The extended schedule provides a ripe opportunity for this record to be broken.
To sum it up, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and Caribbean is set to be a historic event, with numerous records on the brink of being rewritten.