Five innings that redefined scoring in the IPL, with batters taking games away early and pushing totals beyond reach through relentless boundary hitting.
1. Chris Gayle – 175* (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
23 April 2013 vs Pune Warriors India
Gayle opened and dominated from the outset, with RCB in control throughout. He faced 66 balls, hitting 30 boundaries (13 fours, 17 sixes). His innings remains the highest in IPL history. Royal Challengers Bengaluru won by 130 runs after posting 263-5.
2. Brendon McCullum – 158* (Kolkata Knight Riders)
18 April 2008 vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru
In the inaugural match of cricket’s premier T20 competition, McCullum set the benchmark. He faced 73 balls in the IPL’s first ever match, striking 10 fours and 13 sixes. Kolkata Knight Riders won by 140 runs after scoring 222-3.
AFRICA PICKS: Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Titans – IPL preview
3. Abhishek Sharma – 141 (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
12 April 2025 vs Punjab Kings
Abhishek opened in a high-scoring chase and controlled the innings throughout. He faced 55 balls, hitting 24 boundaries (14 fours,10 sixes). Sunrisers Hyderabad completed the chase, with Abhishek’s innings setting the platform for victory.
4. Quinton de Kock – 140* (Lucknow Super Giants)
18 May 2022 vs Kolkata Knight Riders
De Kock opened and carried his bat, anchoring the innings. He faced 70 balls, striking 10 fours and 10 sixes. Lucknow Super Giants won by 2 runs after posting 210-0.
5. AB de Villiers – 133* (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
10 May 2015 vs Mumbai Indians
De Villiers batted at No. 3 and accelerated after the powerplay. He faced 59 balls, hitting 23 boundaries (19 fours and four sixes). Royal Challengers Bengaluru won by 39 runs after scoring 235-1.
Photo: Prakash Singh/Getty Images