Hamza Khan etched his name into the record books with a breathtaking unbeaten 164 against Ivory Coast during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier in Gaborone on Sunday, registering the second-highest individual score in Men’s T20 International history.
The Rwanda batter unleashed a brutal assault from just 65 deliveries, hitting nine boundaries and 15 sixes at a staggering strike rate of 252.30. His 15 maximums are now tied for the fourth-most sixes struck in a single T20I innings.
Hamza’s remarkable knock sits behind only Aaron Finch, whose iconic 172 for Australia against Zimbabwe in 2018 remains the highest score in Men’s T20Is. The Rwanda opener overtook Hazratullah Zazai,
who had smashed an unbeaten 162 against Ireland in 2019.
His innings powered Rwanda to a massive total of 288/2 in 20 overs, now the seventh-highest team score ever recorded in Men’s T20I cricket. Hamza dominated throughout, attacking in the powerplay and continuing relentlessly through the death overs as Ivory Coast’s bowlers struggled for answers.
The right-hander had already shown signs of excellent form earlier in the tournament with an unbeaten 60 against Cameroon, but his latest effort elevated him into elite company in international cricket.
Rwanda completed a crushing all-round performance by bowling Ivory Coast out for just 17 runs in reply, handing them a staggering 271-run defeat. The margin is now the third-largest victory in Men’s T20I history, while Ivory Coast’s total is the joint fifth-lowest score recorded in the format.
The innings has rapidly drawn global attention, particularly because it came from an emerging cricketing nation on the African circuit. Hamza’s knock also highlighted the growing competitiveness and quality in associate cricket, with Rwanda producing one of the most dominant displays ever witnessed in T20 internationals.
Most Runs In A Men’s T20I Innings:
| Batter (Team) | Team | Runs | Opposition | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aaron Finch | Australia | 172 | Zimbabwe | 2018 |
| Hamza Khan | Rwanda | 164* | Ivory Coast | 2026 |
| Hazratullah Zazai | Afghanistan | 162* | Ireland | 2019 |
| Mohammad Ihsan | Spain | 160 | Croatia | 2025 |
The updated list of highest individual scores in Men’s T20Is now features Finch’s 172 at the top, followed by Hamza Khan’s unbeaten 164, Hazratullah Zazai’s 162*, Mohammad Ihsan’s 160 for Spain against Croatia in 2025, and Finch’s earlier 156 against England in 2013.
(With inputs from Agencies)
