In the unforgiving arena of T20 World Cup cricket, where momentum swings faster than a yorker at the death, consistency is a rare and priceless currency. Yet, a select group of batters have defied the format’s volatility to produce three consecutive fifty-plus scores on the biggest stage.
The latest name to join this elite club is Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis, who etched his place in history with a composed 51 against Australia on February 15, 2026. In doing so, he joined a distinguished list that includes Mahela Jayawardene and Virat Kohli – players who turned consistency into an art form under immense pressure.
The rare feat of three consecutive 50-plus scores in T20 World Cup
Scoring a half-century in T20 cricket demands precision and calculated aggression. Doing it three matches in a row at a T20 World Cup requires something more – mental resilience, tactical awareness and the ability to thrive amid global scrutiny.
Across multiple editions of the tournament, only five batters have achieved this remarkable milestone. Their performances not only influenced match results but also shaped campaigns and defined legacies.
The feat highlights more than just numbers. It showcases adaptability across different pitches, bowling attacks, and match situations. Whether setting totals or chasing steep targets, these batters delivered when it mattered most.
1) Mahela Jayawardene: The pioneer of consistency
Former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene was the trailblazer. He became the first player in T20 World Cup history to score three consecutive fifty-plus knocks during the 2010 edition.
At a time when T20 cricket was still evolving and batting approaches were largely experimental, Jayawardene’s elegant strokeplay stood out. His ability to anchor innings while accelerating at key moments made him a dependable pillar for Sri Lanka.
The significance of his achievement cannot be overstated. In an era where teams were still decoding the shortest format, Jayawardene demonstrated that classical technique and temperament could flourish even in high-octane T20 contests. His consistency laid the groundwork for future batters to chase similar milestones.
2) Virat Kohli: The master of big-tournament chases
When discussions turn to consistency in T20 World Cups, Virat Kohli’s name inevitably dominates.
The former India captain joined Jayawardene in this elite list with three consecutive half-centuries spanning the 2016 and 2021 editions. Kohli struck two fifties in India’s knockout matches of the 2016 tournament before adding another in the opening game of the 2021 edition.
His streak reinforced his reputation as one of the most dependable performers in ICC tournaments. Kohli’s ability to pace chases, rotate strike under pressure, and unleash boundaries at decisive moments has defined his T20 World Cup legacy.
Interestingly, Kohli also holds a related distinction – becoming the first player to score three or more fifty-plus knocks in three separate T20 World Cups (2014, 2016 and 2022). That broader consistency cements his standing as arguably the most reliable batter in tournament history.
3) Babar Azam: Pakistan’s run-machine in 2021
Babar Azam added his name to this exclusive club during the 2021 T20 World Cup, delivering three consecutive half-centuries that propelled Pakistan deep into the tournament.
As captain at the time, Babar combined leadership with impeccable batting form. His crisp cover drives, controlled aggression, and calm presence at the crease anchored Pakistan’s innings repeatedly.
Finishing as the highest run-scorer of that edition, Babar’s streak was instrumental in shaping Pakistan’s campaign. His achievement placed him alongside some of the most revered names in world cricket and reinforced his status as one of the modern era’s premier batters.
4) KL Rahul: India’s elegant contributor
KL Rahul became the fourth overall batter – and the second Indian 0 to score three consecutive fifty-plus scores in a T20 World Cup, accomplishing the feat in 2021.
Opening the innings, Rahul provided India with consistent starts during a challenging campaign. His adaptability stood out, whether accelerating during powerplays or stabilizing innings after early setbacks.
Rahul’s achievement highlighted India’s batting depth and underscored his ability to deliver on cricket’s grandest stage. Though often understated, his consistency in that edition earned him a rightful place in this elite company.
5) Kusal Mendis: The newest entrant
The T20 World Cup 2026 welcomed its fifth member into this rare club – Kusal Mendis.
His third consecutive fifty-plus score came against Australia at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on February 15. Chasing a competitive 181, Sri Lanka needed composure at the top, and Mendis delivered.
Scoring 51 off 38 balls, he reached his half-century in just 35 deliveries, striking six boundaries and one six. More importantly, he forged a pivotal 97-run partnership for the second wicket with Pathum Nissanka, setting the tone for Sri Lanka’s chase.
Mendis now stands as only the second Sri Lankan, after Jayawardene, to achieve three consecutive half-centuries in T20 World Cup history. His performances have been central to Sri Lanka’s strong showing in the 2026 edition and signal his growing stature in international cricket.
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