Chasing in T20 cricket has always been about momentum. One collapse, one tight over, and suddenly the scoreboard pressure feels unbearable.
But women’s T20I cricket has witnessed some breathtaking run-chases over the past decade—totals that once seemed impossible are now being hunted down with serious intent.
West Indies Women currently hold the all-time record for the highest successful chase in Women’s T20I cricket.
They smashed 213/3 against Australia in October 2023 at North Sydney, a number that rewrote what fans thought was possible in the format.
That innings didn’t just break records—it changed conversations about how deep batting lineups can go when confidence meets execution.
Highest Run Chases In Women’s T20I History
How Women’s T20I Chases Have Evolved
A decade ago, crossing 150 while batting second felt like a serious challenge. Now, teams routinely chase 170+ totals, and anything under 140 looks underpowered.
Powerplay boundaries have increased, middle-order batting has become more aggressive, and death-over hitting has improved dramatically across all major teams.
The shift isn’t just technical. It’s psychological. Teams don’t freeze when they see 180+ on the board anymore.
They back themselves, trust their power-hitters, and play with belief that wasn’t there five years ago.
That’s why this list includes five losses and one tie—intent alone doesn’t guarantee wins, but it’s pushed standards higher across the board.
Top 10 Highest Run Chase Scores In Women’s T20I History
Here’s every innings of 177 or more scored batting second in Women’s T20I cricket, ranked by total runs:
| Rank | Team | Score Batting Second | Opposition | Venue | Year | Match Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Indies Women | 213/3 | Australia Women | North Sydney | 2023 | Won |
| 2 | England Women | 199/3 | India Women | Brabourne, Mumbai | 2018 | Won |
| 3 | Sri Lanka Women | 191/6 | India Women | Thiruvananthapuram | 2025 | Lost |
| 4 | India Women | 187/5 | Australia Women | DY Patil, Navi Mumbai | 2022 | Tied |
| 5 | South Africa Women | 185/5 | Pakistan Women | Potchefstroom | 2026 | Won |
| 6 | Australia Women | 183/8 | England Women | The Oval, London | 2023 | Lost |
| 7 | England Women | 181/6 | Australia Women | Canberra | 2017 | Won |
| 8 | India Women | 181/5 | Australia Women | Brabourne, Mumbai | 2022 | Lost |
| 9 | India Women | 177/3 | Australia Women | Melbourne | 2020 | Won |
| 10 | India Women | 177/4 | South Africa Women | Chennai | 2024 | Lost |
India Women appear six times in this top 10—a sign of consistent aggressive intent when chasing big totals. But only two of those six ended in wins, showing that ambition and execution don’t always align under scoreboard pressure.
1. West Indies Women’s Record-Breaking 213 Against Australia (2023)
Final Score: 213/3 in 19.5 overs
Run Rate: 10.73
Result: West Indies won
This bilateral T20I at North Sydney on 2 October 2023 became an instant classic.
Hayley Matthews struck an unbeaten 132 off just 53 balls, absolutely dismantling one of the world’s best bowling attacks.
West Indies never took their foot off the gas, attacking from ball one and maintaining ridiculous momentum throughout the chase.
This remains the highest score in women’s T20 international scorecard history while batting second—and it was a winning chase.
That combination of volume and result makes it the benchmark for every team chasing big totals now.
2. England Women’s Clinical 199 In Mumbai (2018)
Final Score: 199/3 in 18.4 overs
Run Rate: 10.66
Result: England won
At Brabourne Stadium in March 2018, England produced one of the most complete batting displays in women’s T20I cricket.
Danielle Wyatt blazed an unbeaten 124, backed by Nat Sciver’s smart middle-order support.
They finished the chase with more than an over to spare, making it look easier than it was.
This stood as the world record for five years until West Indies broke it.
England’s approach that day—fearless but measured—set a template for successful big chases.
3. Sri Lanka’s Brave 191 Falls Short (2025)
Final Score: 191/6 in 20.0 overs
Run Rate: 9.55
Result: Sri Lanka lost
Sri Lanka batted second in Thiruvananthapuram during a bilateral series in December 2025 and pushed hard till the final ball.
Chamari Athapaththu anchored the chase, but India’s total proved just beyond reach.
Despite the loss, 191 while chasing is a statement score—it shows Sri Lanka’s batting has genuine depth and firepower.
4. India’s Dramatic Tie Against Australia (2022)
Final Score: 187/5 in 20.0 overs
Run Rate: 9.35
Result: Tied
One of the rarest outcomes in T20I cricket happened at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, in December 2022.
India needed one run off the final delivery and couldn’t get it—finishing level with Australia on 187.
Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma set the tone with an aggressive opening stand, but the last ball remains a reminder that even the highest score in women’s T20 international scorecard efforts can end in heartbreak.
5. South Africa Women Deliver In Potchefstroom (2026)
Final Score: 185/5 in 20.0 overs
Run Rate: 9.25
Result: South Africa won
South Africa chased down their target against Pakistan in February 2026 with clinical efficiency.
Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits combined for a strong opening partnership that kept SA ahead of the rate throughout.’
They used all 20 overs but never looked rushed—proof that composure under pressure matters as much as power-hitting.
6. Australia’s 183 Not Enough At The Oval (2023)
Final Score: 183/8 in 20.0 overs
Run Rate: 9.15
Result: Australia lost
During the Women’s Ashes multi-format series in July 2023, Australia scored 183/8 at The Oval but still fell short of England’s total.
Beth Mooney held the innings together against disciplined bowling, and Alyssa Healy provided early acceleration.
Despite the high score, England held firm—a reminder that even elite teams can’t always chase down 180+ totals.
7. England’s 181 In Canberra Sets Early Standard (2017)
Final Score: 181/6 in 19.0 overs
Run Rate: 9.52
Result: England won
This November 2017 bilateral series chase in Canberra proved women’s T20 batting was already evolving fast.
England chased the target in exactly 19 overs, with Danielle Wyatt again contributing at the top and Sarah Taylor providing key partnerships through the middle.
Finishing with an over to spare on Australian soil sent a message about England’s chasing ability.
8. India’s 181 Against Australia In Mumbai (2022)
Final Score: 181/5 in 20.0 overs
Run Rate: 9.05
Result: India lost
India scored 181/5 at Brabourne Stadium in December 2022 but couldn’t match Australia’s total.
Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma batted with intent, but the target stayed just out of reach.
It’s another example where India women’s T20 highest score efforts showed ambition but fell short in execution.
9. India’s Away Win In Melbourne (2020)
Final Score: 177/3 in 19.4 overs
Run Rate: 9.00
Result: India won
A bilateral T20I in Melbourne in February 2020 saw India successfully chase down 177 on Australian soil.
Shafali Verma’s explosive powerplay set the tone, and Smriti Mandhana carried momentum through the middle overs.
Winning with two balls to spare and losing just three wickets showed India’s growing confidence in high-pressure chases away from home.
10. India’s 177 Against South Africa In Chennai (2024)
Final Score: 177/4 in 20.0 overs
Run Rate: 8.85
Result: India lost
South Africa batted first in Chennai in July 2024 and set a target India couldn’t quite reach.
Despite scoring 177/4 with contributions from Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh, India fell short.
It was a close contest, and South Africa held their nerve to take the win.
Expert Insight: Why High Chases Don’t Always Mean Wins
Five of the top 10 highest run chase in T20 international scorecard entries ended in losses, and one ended in a tie.
That’s a 40% success rate if you exclude the tie.
The numbers make it clear—scoring big while batting second shows intent, but intent alone doesn’t guarantee results.
Chasing massive totals requires perfect execution across all phases.
One poor powerplay, one cluster of dot balls in the middle overs, or one mis-timed boundary attempt at the death can derail even the highest-scoring innings.
The mental side matters too.
When you’re chasing 190+, every dot ball feels heavier, every wicket tilts momentum, and every close call builds pressure.
Teams like West Indies and England have shown it’s possible to chase 200+, but those performances demand near-flawless batting.
The slightest miscalculation in shot selection or running between wickets can turn a record-breaking score into a losing one.
Comparing Women’s And Men’s T20I Chase Records
While West Indies Women hold the record at 213/3, men’s T20I cricket has seen successful chases well above 240 among full ICC member nations.
The difference reflects several factors—boundary dimensions, bowling speeds, power-hitting evolution timelines, and overall game development stages.
But the gap is closing.
Women’s T20I batting has improved dramatically over the past five years, and the frequency of 170+ chases now mirrors where men’s cricket was a decade ago.
As infrastructure, training, and competitive opportunities expand, we’ll likely see more 200+ chases in women’s cricket.
What About England Women’s Highest Run Chase In ODI?
England Women chased down 242 against New Zealand in an ODI in September 2018, which was a record chase at the time for women’s ODI cricket.
That format allows more time to rebuild after wickets, making 240+ chases more achievable than in T20Is where every ball counts double.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the highest run chase in women’s T20I history?
West Indies Women successfully chased 213/3 against Australia in October 2023 at North Sydney, setting the all-time record.
- Which team has the most entries in the top 10 highest chases?
India Women appear six times in the top 10, though only two of those chases ended in wins.
- Has any women’s T20I chase ended in a tie?
Yes, India vs Australia at DY Patil Stadium in December 2022 ended in a tie at 187, one of the rarest results in T20I cricket.
- What is the highest score in women’s T20 international scorecard while batting first?
While this article focuses on chases, several teams have posted 190+ batting first in bilateral and World Cup matches.
- How does the women’s T20I chase record compare to men’s cricket?
Men’s T20I cricket has seen successful chases above 240 among full members, but the gap is narrowing as women’s cricket continues developing rapidly.
Final Thoughts: Records Are Made To Be Broken
West Indies Women’s 213/3 against Australia in October 2023 stands as the highest run chase in women’s T20 cricket and the benchmark for what’s possible when everything clicks.
Hayley Matthews’ 132* that day wasn’t just a personal milestone—it shifted expectations across the format.
India’s six appearances in the top 10 reflect consistent aggressive batting, even if results haven’t always followed.
England, Australia, South Africa, and Sri Lanka have all shown they can post or chase massive totals, proving the women’s game has genuinely evolved beyond the 140-run era.
As more bilateral series and major tournaments unfold, this record will face serious challenges.
Teams are backing themselves more, bowlers are being taken on earlier, and the ceiling keeps rising.
West Indies set the bar at 213—but it won’t stay untouched forever.
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