Highest team totals in SA20 reflect how fast, aggressive, and entertaining the South Africa Twenty20 League has become in a very short time. The South Africa Twenty20 League, popularly known as SA20, has quickly built a strong reputation in world cricket. Since its first season in 2023, the league has delivered fast-paced matches, big sixes, and record-breaking scores. Many cricket experts now rate SA20 as the second-best franchise T20 league after the IPL because of its competitive teams and high-quality players.
One major reason behind SA20’s popularity is its aggressive batting style. Modern T20 cricket is no longer about slow starts and cautious innings. Teams aim to score big from ball one, and totals above 200 are now common. As a result, fans have witnessed several highest team totals in SA20 that have completely changed how matches are played and won.
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List 5 Highest Team Totals in SA20 History
5. Pretoria Capitals – 226/5
Pretoria Capitals hold the fifth position among the highest team totals in SA20 history. This record came during the very first season of the league in 2023, when they scored 226/5 against Paarl Royals. At that time, this total was one of the biggest surprises for fans and analysts.
The innings was led by Kusal Mendis, who played a brilliant attacking knock of 80 runs off just 41 balls. He mixed powerful shots with smart placement, ensuring the scoreboard kept moving quickly. Other batters played short but effective cameos, which helped Pretoria Capitals maintain a high run rate throughout the innings.
This match clearly showed that SA20 teams were ready to adopt fearless batting right from the beginning. The performance set an early benchmark for future highest team totals in SA20.
| Team | Score | Overs | Opponent | Season |
| Pretoria Capitals | 226/5 | 20 | Paarl Royals | 2023 |
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4. Durban Super Giants – 232/5
At number four on the list of highest team totals in SA20 are Durban Super Giants, who scored a massive 232/5 against MI Cape Town. This match took place in the 2026 season and is the most recent entry among the top five totals.
Devon Conway played a key role by scoring 64 runs from 33 balls. His calm and controlled innings provided a strong base. Experienced players like Kane Williamson and Jos Buttler then accelerated in the middle and death overs, ensuring that the run rate stayed high until the final ball.
MI Cape Town fought hard during the chase, with Ryan Rickelton scoring a brilliant century. However, the target proved too big. Despite the loss, the match became one of the most entertaining games involving highest team totals in SA20.
| Team | Score | Overs | Opponent | Season |
| Durban Super Giants | 232/5 | 20 | MI Cape Town | 2026 |
3. MI Cape Town – 243/5
MI Cape Town feature at number three among the highest team totals in SA20 history. They scored 243/5 against Joburg Super Kings during the 2025 season.
The match was almost decided during the opening partnership. Rassie van der Dussen played an outstanding innings of 104 runs from 50 balls. At the other end, Ryan Rickelton narrowly missed a century, finishing with 98 runs off 49 deliveries.
Both batters dominated the bowlers by punishing loose deliveries and rotating the strike well. Joburg Super Kings struggled badly in the chase and were bowled out for just 145 runs. This game remains one of the most one-sided matches involving highest team totals in SA20.
| Team | Score | Overs | Opponent | Season |
| MI Cape Town | 243/5 | 20 | Joburg Super Kings | 2025 |
2. MI Cape Town – 248/4
MI Cape Town appear again on this list, holding the second position among the highest team totals in SA20. They scored a massive 248/4 against Pretoria Capitals in the 2024 season.
Ryan Rickelton was the star of the innings, smashing 90 runs off just 45 balls. His aggressive start put immediate pressure on the bowlers. Dewald Brevis then took control in the middle overs, scoring an unbeaten 66 from 32 balls with powerful hitting.
The remaining batters added quick runs at the end, pushing the total close to 250. Pretoria Capitals showed intent during the chase but eventually fell short by 34 runs. This match further proved how common highest team totals in SA20 have become.
| Team | Score | Overs | Opponent | Season |
| MI Cape Town | 248/4 | 20 | Pretoria Capitals | 2024 |
1. Durban Super Giants – 254/4
The number one spot among the highest team totals in SA20 history belongs to Durban Super Giants. They posted an unbelievable 254/4 against Pretoria Capitals during the inaugural season in 2023.
Heinrich Klaasen produced one of the finest innings ever in SA20. He scored an unbeaten 104 runs off just 44 balls, attacking the bowlers from the very start. His power, timing, and shot selection made the innings truly special.
What made this total even more impressive was the support from other batters. Three players crossed the 40-run mark, all scoring at excellent strike rates. Pretoria Capitals completely collapsed in the chase and were bowled out for just 103 runs, giving Durban Super Giants a massive victory.
This match remains the gold standard when talking about the highest team totals in SA20.
| Team | Score | Overs | Opponent | Season |
| Durban Super Giants | 254/4 | 20 | Pretoria Capitals | 2023 |
FAQs
1: What is the highest team total in SA20 history?
The highest team total in SA20 history is 254/4, scored by Durban Super Giants against Pretoria Capitals in the 2023 season.
2: Which teams frequently appear in the highest totals list in SA20?
Durban Super Giants and MI Cape Town are the teams that frequently appear in the list of highest team totals in SA20, showing consistent aggressive batting performances.
3: Who are the top individual contributors in these high totals?
Players like Heinrich Klaasen, Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, and Kusal Mendis have played key roles in achieving some of the highest team totals in SA20.
4: Why are high team totals common in SA20 matches?
High totals are common because teams adopt an aggressive batting approach, using powerful strokes and fast scoring from the start, combined with flat pitches and excellent shot-making skills.