Rajasthan Royals star creates history, surpasses Chris Gayle for highest T20 score

Lhuan-dre Pretorius produced a record-breaking innings on Friday, smashing an unbeaten 188 off just 79 balls for South Africa’s Titans against the Knights in a CSA T20 Challenge fixture.The 20-year-old left-hander struck 15 fours and 13 sixes as he surpassed the previous highest individual score in T20 cricket, the 175 not out hit by former West Indies star Chris Gayle for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Pune Warriors India in the 2013 IPL.Pretorius’ breathtaking knock came at a strike rate of 237.97 and powered the Titans to 267 for three from their 20 overs.Pretorius appeared on course to become the first batter to score 200 in a T20 innings, but ran out of deliveries before reaching the landmark.His 188 not out now stands as the highest individual score in the 20-over format, ahead of Gayle’s 175 not out, while Aaron Finch’s 172 for Australia against Zimbabwe in 2018 remains the highest score in men’s T20 internationals.Pretorius’ innings also capped a strong run of form. His previous appearance came for South Africa, when he smashed a 53-ball 101 against Namibia in a T20 international last month.The young batter has, however, had to contend with injury setbacks during his recent rise.Highest individual scores in T20 cricketLhuan-dre Pretorius – 188* (Titans vs Knights, October 3, 2026)Chris Gayle – 175* (Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Pune Warriors India, April 23, 2013)Aaron Finch – 172 (Australia vs Zimbabwe, July 3, 2018)Hamza Khan – 164* (Rwanda vs Ivory Coast, May 24, 2026)Pretorius’ 188* has now rewritten the record books for the highest individual score in T20 cricket.Pretorius is also part of the Rajasthan Royals squad in the IPL, although opportunities have been limited so far. With the franchise having established left-handed opening options in Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the 20-year-old has found it difficult to secure a regular place in the playing XI. His record-breaking knock for the Titans, however, is another reminder of his potential and could put him in the spotlight ahead of the next IPL season.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.