The International Cricket Council (ICC) is all set to host the ninth edition of its men’s T20 World Cup from June 1 in the Caribbean and the United States. As anticipation builds for this year’s tournament, it’s a fitting moment to reflect on the history of the T20 World Cup finals. Over the past 17 years, finals have provided some of the most memorable moments in cricket history. From stunning upsets to legendary performances, here’s a look at the finals of all T20 World Cups and the moments that have defined them.
2007: India vs. Pakistan
Predictably, the tournament was full of groundbreaking moments. With 33 players making their T20I debuts, several individual and team records were shattered, and the world witnessed its first T20 champion.
Yuvraj Singh etched his name in history by smashing six sixes in an over against England’s Stuart Broad, setting a new record for the fastest T20I half-century, reaching 50 runs in just 12 balls.
India and Pakistan created unforgettable moments in two separate clashes. During the Super 8 stage, the rivals ended in a tie, leading to the first-ever T20I bowl-out. Pakistan missed all three attempts at the stumps, while India succeeded with every shot, clinching a dramatic win. The stakes were even higher when they met again in the final, adding to the intensity and drama of the tournament.
The inaugural T20 World Cup in South Africa set the stage for one of the most thrilling rivalries in cricket. India faced Pakistan in a nail-biting final at Johannesburg. Misbah-ul-Haq’s scoop shot off Joginder Sharma in the final over, which resulted in a catch, handed India a dramatic five-run victory. This match not only crowned India as the first T20 champions but also showcased the explosive potential of T20 cricket.
2009: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
England’s T20 World Cup journey on home soil began with a shocking defeat to the Netherlands at Lord’s, marking a disappointing start to their campaign. Despite this setback, the hosts managed to progress to the Super 8s stage. However, their hopes were dashed as they faced two heavy defeats, bringing an end to their tournament alongside defending champions India and Australia.
The final at Lord’s saw Pakistan face Sri Lanka, a team that had defeated them in the Super 8 stage. Sri Lanka, batting first, were in trouble early, reduced to 32 for 4 by Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack. However, Kumar Sangakkara’s resilient 64 not out helped Sri Lanka post a total of 138 runs.
Chasing 139 for victory, Pakistan’s opening batsman Kamran Akmal provided a solid start. But it was Shahid Afridi, with an unbeaten 54 off 40 balls, who played the innings of his life. Afridi’s knock was a blend of aggression and maturity, steering Pakistan to a historic victory with eight balls to spare. With this win, Pakistan secured their first T20 World Cup title.
2010: Australia vs England
The 2010 T20 World Cup final witnessed a thrilling encounter between traditional rivals England and Australia.
Australia played very well to reach the T20 World Cup final. In a tense situation, Michael Hussey showed incredible determination, hitting four sixes and two fours in the last three overs to help Australia win against Pakistan.
On the other hand, England’s strong batting lineup led them to their first T20 World Cup victory. With players like Paul Collingwood and Kevin Pietersen, England won the final match in Barbados by seven wickets, making history for English cricket.
2012: West Indies vs Sri Lanka
The 2012 T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka was a showcase of the West Indies’ flair and power-hitting prowess. Led by the charismatic Darren Sammy, the Caribbean team brought their A-game to the tournament, thrilling fans with their explosive brand of cricket.
In the final against hosts Sri Lanka, the West Indies faced a formidable opponent on their home turf. However, the Windies remained undeterred, relying on their star players to deliver under pressure. Marlon Samuels emerged as the hero of the final, playing a sensational innings of 78 runs off 56 balls. His knock provided the backbone for the West Indies’ challenging total, setting Sri Lanka a daunting target.
But it wasn’t just Samuels who shone for the West Indies. Throughout the tournament, the team’s depth in talent was on full display. Sunil Narine’s mystery spin bamboozled opposition batsmen, while Chris Gayle’s explosive batting set the tone at the top of the order. In the final, Narine once again proved his worth, picking up crucial wickets to derail Sri Lanka’s chase.
2014: Sri Lanka vs India
The T20 World Cup of 2014 marked the debut of Hong Kong, Nepal, and the United Arab Emirates, as the tournament expanded to accommodate 16 teams.
The 2014 T20 World Cup in Bangladesh was a testament to Sri Lanka’s resilience and consistency in ICC tournaments. After suffering heartbreak in two previous finals (2009 and 2012), Sri Lanka finally broke the jinx to claim their maiden T20 World Cup title.
Despite batting first, Indian players managed to keep their wickets intact, but struggled to accumulate runs, resulting in a below-par total. They could only muster a modest score of 130 runs.
In the clash against India, Sangakkara delivered a masterclass, showcasing his unparalleled skill and unwavering resolve. His unbeaten knock of 52 runs not only anchored the innings but also steered Sri Lanka to a resounding six-wicket triumph.
Contributions from other key players were equally crucial in Sri Lanka’s triumph. Mahela Jayawardene’s composed 24 off 24 balls and Thisara Perera’s quickfire 23 off 14 balls provided vital support to Sangakkara’s heroics.
2016: West Indies vs England
In a nail-biting showdown, the 2016 T20 World Cup final witnessed an epic clash between West Indies and England, captivating cricket fans worldwide. Choosing to bowl first, the West Indies bowlers put up a disciplined performance, restricting England to a modest total of 155 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
Despite a few notable contributions from the English batsmen, including Joe Root’s resilient 54, the West Indies bowlers managed to keep a check on the scoring rate.
However, the game took an unexpected turn when the West Indies found themselves struggling at 107/6 in their chase. With the pressure mounting, it was Carlos Brathwaite who stepped up to the occasion, showcasing nerves of steel in a remarkable display of power-hitting.
Brathwaite’s sensational onslaught in the final over, where he smashed four consecutive sixes off the bowling of Ben Stokes, turned the tide in West Indies’ favor. With just 2 balls to spare, the West Indies secured a historic victory, igniting jubilant celebrations among their supporters.
2021: Australia vs New Zealand
In a thrilling finale to the 2021 T20 World Cup, Australia claimed their maiden T20 World Cup title by defeating New Zealand in a high-stakes match held at the Dubai International Stadium. Opting to bat first, New Zealand posted a competitive total of 172/4, thanks to a brilliant knock by their captain, Kane Williamson, who scored a scintillating 85 off 48 balls.
Australia’s response was led by David Warner, who scored 53 off 38 balls, and Mitchell Marsh, who remained unbeaten on 77 off 50 balls. Their efforts saw Australia reach 173/2 with seven balls to spare. Marsh was named Player of the Match, while Warner earned Player of the Tournament honors. This victory marked Australia’s first T20 World Cup win, adding to their storied cricket legacy.
2022: England vs Pakistan
Namibia stunned Sri Lanka in the first group match, delivering one of the tournament’s biggest upsets. The surprises continued the next day as Scotland defeated two-time champions West Indies, who also lost to Ireland and were eliminated in the first round.
Meanwhile, hosts and defending champions Australia saw their Super 12s campaign derailed by persistent rain, effectively ending their title defense.
England emerged victorious in the 2022 T20 World Cup final, defeating Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Batting first, Pakistan posted a modest total of 137/8, with Shan Masood top-scoring with 38 runs. England’s bowlers, led by Sam Curran, who took 3/12, kept the pressure on throughout the innings.
In response, England chased down the target with relative ease, thanks to a steady innings from Ben Stokes, who scored an unbeaten 52 off 49 balls. England reached 138/5 in 19 overs, securing their second T20 World Cup title. Curran’s exceptional bowling performance earned him the Player of the Match award, capping off a memorable tournament for the English side.
Anticipation for the 2024 T20 World Cup
As we anticipate the 2024 T20 World Cup, the past tournaments remind us of the thrill and unpredictability of T20 cricket. This year’s event will be hosted by the Caribbean and the United States, promising the usual excitement and energy of the shortest format. With teams at their best and new talents emerging, we can expect another round of unforgettable cricket moments.