In the unforgiving terrain of T20 World Cup cricket, where tempo changes faster than a yorker at the death, consistency is a rare and priceless currency. Yet, a select group of batsmen have defied the volatility of the format to post three consecutive fifty-plus scores on the biggest stage.
The latest name to join this exclusive club is from Sri Lanka Kusal MendisWho made his place in history by playing an inning of 51 runs against Australia on February 15, 2026. In doing so, he joins a prestigious list that includes Mahela Jayawardene And Virat Kohli – Players who turned consistency despite immense pressure into an art.
Rare achievement of scoring more than 50 three times in a row in T20 World Cup
Scoring a half-century in T20 cricket requires accuracy and calculated aggression. Playing three consecutive matches in the T20 World Cup requires a few more things – mental flexibility, tactical awareness and the ability to move forward under global scrutiny.
In as many editions of the tournament, only five batsmen have achieved this remarkable feat. Their performances not only influenced match outcomes but also shaped campaigns and defined legacies.
This achievement highlights much more than just numbers. This demonstrates his ability to adapt to different pitches, bowling attacks and match situations. Be it setting the target or chasing a tough target, these batsmen performed well when it mattered most.
1) Mahela Jayawardene: Pioneer of sustainability
Former Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene was leading the way. He became the first player in the history of the T20 World Cup to score fifty-plus innings three consecutive times during the 2010 edition.
At a time when T20 cricket was still developing and batting methods were largely experimental, Jayawardene’s brilliant strokeplay stood out. His ability to build on the innings while accelerating at crucial moments made him a dependable pillar for Sri Lanka.
The importance of his achievement cannot be underestimated. In an era when teams were still decoding the shortest format, Jayawardene showed that classical technique and flair can thrive even in high-octane T20 competitions. His consistency laid the foundation for future batsmen to achieve similar milestones.
2) Virat Kohli: Expert in chasing targets in big tournaments.
When the discussion turns to consistency in the T20 World Cup, Virat Kohli’s name inevitably dominates.
The former India captain joins Jayawardene in this elite list with three consecutive half-centuries in the 2016 and 2021 editions. Kohli scored two half-centuries in India’s knockout matches of the 2016 tournament and another half-century in the opening game of the 2021 edition.
His performances cemented his reputation as one of the most reliable performers in ICC tournaments. Kohli’s ability to accelerate chases, rotate the strike under pressure and hit boundaries at crucial moments has defined his T20 World Cup legacy.
Interestingly, Kohli also has a related distinction – becoming the first player to score three or more fifty-plus innings in three different T20 World Cups (2014, 2016 and 2022). This extensive consistency cements his status as arguably the most reliable batsman in the history of the tournament.
3) Babar Azam: Pakistan’s run-machine in 2021
Babar Azam added his name to this exclusive club by scoring three consecutive half-centuries during the 2021 T20 World Cup, which helped Pakistan advance in 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 time and again.
After finishing as the highest run-scorer in that edition, Babar’s streak played a crucial role in shaping Pakistan’s campaign. His achievement put him at odds with some of the most respected names in world cricket and cemented his status as one of the premier batsmen of the modern era.
4) KL Rahul: India’s brilliant contributor
KL Rahul became the fourth overall batsman and second Indian to score fifty-plus scores three consecutive times in the T20 World Cup, achieving the feat in 2021.
Opening the innings, Rahul provided a consistent start to India during a challenging campaign. Be it accelerating during the powerplay or stabilizing the innings after the initial jitters, his adaptability was excellent.
Rahul’s achievement highlighted the depth of India’s batting and underlined their ability to perform well on cricket’s grandest stage. Although often underrated, his consistency in that edition has earned him his rightful place in this elite company.
5) Kusal Mendis: Newest entrant
t20 world cup 2026 This rare club welcomed its fifth member – Kusal Mendis.
His third consecutive fifty-plus score came against Australia at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on 15 February. Chasing a competitive 181, Sri Lanka needed composure at the top and Mendis did well.
After scoring 51 runs in 38 balls, he completed his half-century in just 35 balls with six fours and a six. More importantly, he made a crucial 97-run partnership with Pathum Nissanka for the second wicket, setting up the target for Sri Lanka.
Mendis has now become the second Sri Lankan player after Jayawardene to score three consecutive half-centuries in T20 World Cup history. His performances have been at the heart of Sri Lanka’s strong performance in the 2026 edition and indicate their growing stature in international cricket.
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