Scoring fifty or more runs in a T20 innings is a mark of consistency and dominance, especially when batting first—a scenario that often comes with the pressure of setting a competitive total. Players who regularly cross the 50-run mark while opening the batting or setting a target are highly valued for their ability to give their teams strong starts and build imposing totals.
#4 David Warner – 55
David Warner is currently ranked fourth on the all-time list for most 50-plus scores while batting first in T20 cricket. As of April 2025, Warner has achieved 55 scores of 50 or more runs when opening the batting in the first innings of T20 matches. This statistic highlights Warner’s consistency and impact as an opener, especially in setting up strong totals for his teams across international and franchise T20 leagues.
#3 Chris Gayle – 57
Chris Gayle ranks third for the most 50-plus scores while batting first in T20 cricket, with a total of 57 such scores. Gayle’s overall record in T20s is also remarkable, with 110 fifty-plus scores (including 22 centuries and 88 fifties). This statistic highlights Gayle’s consistency and dominance as an opener in T20s, especially when setting a target for his team. Despite being surpassed by Kohli and Babar Azam, Gayle remains one of the most prolific and influential T20 batters in history.
#2 Babar – 61
Babar Azam is currently ranked second on the all-time list for most 50-plus scores while batting first in T20 cricket. As of April 2025, Warner has achieved 61 scores of 50 or more runs when opening the batting in the first innings of T20 matches. This record placed him ahead of other prolific T20 batters like Chris Gayle (57) and David Warner (55). Babar Azam was the record-holder for most 50+ scores while batting first in T20s, but as of April 2025, Virat Kohli has overtaken him to claim the top spot.
Also Read: Most 50+ scores by a Player at a Venue in IPL
#1 Virat Kohli – 62
Virat Kohli has set a new benchmark in T20 cricket by becoming the player with the most 50-plus scores while batting first in the format. Kohli now holds the record for the most 50+ scores when batting first in T20s, surpassing Babar Azam’s previous record. This achievement is part of Kohli’s overall tally of 111 fifty-plus scores in T20 cricket. Kohli’s consistency and ability to deliver big scores at the top of the order have cemented his reputation as one of the greatest T20 batters of all time.
These numbers reflect not just individual brilliance but also the ability to set strong platforms for their teams when batting first—a crucial factor in T20 cricket.
