The 10th edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has kicked off in India and Sri Lanka. The question now resonates: will this World Cup finally see the spectacle of a 300-run innings?

Such a question no longer sounds absurd, as batters are scoring at supersonic speed. In men’s T20 cricket, there have already been five 300-plus team totals, three of them in international T20s.

The most recent run-fest came last year in Manchester. Riding on brutal hitting from Phil Salt (141 off 60 balls) and Jos Buttler (83 off 30), England piled up a staggering 304 for 2 against South Africa in their allotted 20 overs. In reply, the Proteas were bowled out for 158. Over the past two years, India has come close to the 300 mark on several occasions but has fallen short. Last year in Hyderabad, they finished just three runs shy against Bangladesh. Sanju Samson’s century (111 off 47 balls) and a blistering knock from captain Suryakumar Yadav (75 off 35) powered India to a massive total, while Bangladesh managed 164 in response.

However, the highest team total in T20 World Cup history dates back nearly two decades. In 2007, Sri Lanka smashed 260 for 6 against Kenya in Johannesburg, South Africa. Despite eight more World Cup editions since then, that record has remained untouched.

Three of the top 10 team totals in T20 World Cup history came during the 2016 edition in India. That year, England scored 230 for 8 against South Africa in Mumbai; in another match at the same venue, South Africa replied with 229 for 4 against England. In the same tournament, again in Mumbai, the Proteas posted 209 for 5 against Afghanistan.

With this year’s tournament being held in India and Sri Lanka, the chances of a 300-plus total look promising. Many grounds in these two countries are relatively small, several venues boast lightning-fast outfields, and evening dew could further tilt the balance in favour of batters. As a result, big hitters from teams such as India, England, South Africa, and the West Indies are almost certain to eye the 300-run mark.

England’s Harry Brook, widely regarded as the most destructive hitter in world cricket at present, believes a 300 total is possible this time. “There are many grounds in India where 300 can be scored. The wickets are good, the outfields are quick, and the boundaries are small. So you bat fearlessly, don’t worry about getting out, and hit the ball as hard as you can.”

During a warm-up match last Wednesday, India’s Ishan Kishan used South African pacer Anrich Nortje’s pace to hammer four consecutive deliveries for 6, 6, 4, and 6. Despite frequent fielding changes by captain Aiden Markram, the flow of the runs cannot be stopped. India’s squad this time includes several explosive batters capable of turning the dream of 300 into reality.

One of the key figures behind the changes in T20 cricket through the aggressive batting is Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav. Reflecting on the game’s rapid evolution, he said, “The game is moving incredibly fast. Batters are being ruthless on bowlers, and there’s not much we can do about it. As a batter, I’m happy, though I also feel for our bowlers. But people want to seize and enjoy the moment now, and for that, you have to be fearless.”

Four of the top 10 highest totals in T20 World Cup history belong to South Africa. They crossed the 200 mark three times in the 2016 edition alone. Earlier, in the inaugural 2007 tournament on home soil, the Proteas scored 208 against the West Indies. Although they have never won a T20 World Cup, South Africa have always been a dangerous side for any opponent in the 20-over format.