Top 10 Most Career Runs in 1st Innings of a T20 Match: Powerful T20 Stars

In T20 cricket, starting strong in the first innings is crucial. A good total sets the tone and puts pressure on the opposition. Some players consistently shine when batting first, anchoring their teams with big scores, powerful strokeplay, and smart tactics. This article highlights the top 10 batters with the most career runs in the first innings of T20 Internationals. These players are known for giving their teams explosive starts and setting match-winning totals.

List of Most Career Runs in 1st Innings of a T20

10. Suryakumar Yadav

Suryakumar Yadav has quickly become one of the most dangerous batters in T20 cricket. His ability to find gaps in any direction of the field gives him a unique edge. His attacking game in the first innings has helped India post competitive totals time and again. With 1663 runs, Suryakumar is ranked 10th in the Most Career Runs in 1st Innings of a T20. His consistent aggression, even under pressure, makes him a crucial asset for India.

Player	Country	Innings	Runs	High Score	100s/50s
Suryakumar Yadav	India	51	1663	112*	3/13

9. Aaron Finch

Aaron Finch, known for his brute strength and fearless batting, holds the record for the highest individual score in T20Is with a 172-run blitz. Finch was at his most destructive in the first innings, where he loved to take on the bowlers early and set the pace. With 1682 runs, Finch’s contribution is remarkable and earns him the 9th spot on the list of Most Career Runs in 1st Innings of a T20.

Player	Country	Innings	Runs	High Score	100s/50s
Aaron Finch	Australia	41	1682	172	2/10

8. Syed Aziz

Syed Aziz is one of Malaysia’s most consistent run-getters in the T20I format. Despite playing for an associate nation, Aziz has shown incredible temperament and strokeplay. His 1744 runs in first innings show his ability to lead the innings from the front. He has played a vital role in Malaysia’s rise and ranks 8th in the Most Career Runs in 1st Innings of a T20.

Player	Country	Innings	Runs	High Score	100s/50s
Syed Aziz	Malaysia	64	1744	126	1/14

7. Mohammad Rizwan

Mohammad Rizwan’s rise as a world-class T20 batter is no surprise. He brings stability and structure at the top of the order. His ability to rotate strike and pick boundaries is top-notch. With 1793 runs in the first innings and a phenomenal average, Rizwan is 7th on the list of Most Career Runs in 1st Innings of a T20. His calm under pressure helps Pakistan build strong foundations.

Player	Country	Innings	Runs	High Score	100s/50s
Mohammad Rizwan	Pakistan	43	1793	104*	1/16

6. Virandeep Singh

Another gem from Malaysia, Virandeep Singh is the backbone of their batting lineup. He bats with maturity and scores freely in the first innings, providing a reliable start for his side. With 1818 runs, he ranks 6th in the Most Career Runs in 1st Innings of a T20, making him one of the brightest young stars in Associate cricket.

Player	Country	Innings	Runs	High Score	100s/50s
Virandeep Singh	Malaysia	61	1818	116*	1/14

5. Jos Buttler

Jos Buttler is one of the most dangerous openers in world cricket. His range of shots and attacking intent make him a key player when England bats first. He’s scored 1877 runs in first innings and has been crucial in giving England explosive starts. His aggressive mindset places him 5th in the Most Career Runs in 1st Innings of a T20 list.

Player	Country	Innings	Runs	High Score	100s/50s
Jos Buttler	England	57	1877	101*	1/14

4. Martin Guptill

Martin Guptill has been a consistent performer for New Zealand over the years. He loves to attack in the powerplay and put pressure on the opposition early. With 2137 runs, Guptill is 4th on the list of Most Career Runs in 1st Innings of a T20, showcasing his longevity and aggressive approach.

Player	Country	Innings	Runs	High Score	100s/50s
Martin Guptill	New Zealand	64	2137	105	1/11

3. Virat Kohli

Though known for chasing, Virat Kohli has also been exceptional in setting up matches. His classy strokeplay and calm head have earned him 2175 runs in first innings. He holds the 3rd position in the Most Career Runs in 1st Innings of a T20 ranking. His presence alone adds stability to India’s top order.

Player	Country	Innings	Runs	High Score	100s/50s
Virat Kohli	India	69	2175	122*	1/18

2. Babar Azam

Babar Azam’s graceful yet effective batting has won the hearts of millions. His ability to play long innings and rotate strike makes him one of the best in T20Is. With 2327 runs in the first innings, he sits at number 2 in the Most Career Runs in 1st Innings of a T20 list. His leadership and batting go hand in hand for Pakistan’s success.

Player	Country	Innings	Runs	High Score	100s/50s
Babar Azam	Pakistan	62	2327	101*	1/20

1. Rohit Sharma

At the top of the list is none other than Rohit Sharma. A master of timing and clean hitting, Rohit has scored 2711 runs in the first innings the highest in T20 history. His effortless sixes and commanding presence at the crease make him India’s go-to opener. He proudly leads the Most Career Runs in 1st Innings of a T20I chart, proving his excellence and consistency over the years.

Player	Country	Innings	Runs	High Score	100s/50s
Rohit Sharma	India	83	2711	121*	4/20

READ MORE:

• Top 10 Players with the Most Runs in the First Innings of ODIs
• Top 10 Powerful Batters with Most Runs in ODI 2nd Innings – Legends Who Ruled Chases

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