Nowadays, the most liked cricket tournament is T20 World Cup. This tournament delivered some unforgettable matches in cricket history. T20 format is fast moving game that not only provide thrilling matches to cricket fans, but also test the nerves of players. After the start of this tournament from 2007, we have seen many dramatic, entertaining and high pressure matches. There are some most memorable matches in t20 world cup history as follows:
Memorable Matches
1. 2007 India Vs Pakistan Final
The most iconic match in T20 cricket history is 2007 India Vs Pakistan Final. India Vs Pakistan match is always special for cricket, but 2007 Final between India and Pakistan match was on another level, the atmosphere was electric in Johannesburg. India won the toss and elected to bat first, give Pakistan a challenging target of 158, with Gautam Gambhir was the leading run scorer with his sensible 75 runs. While chasing, Imran Nazir starts brilliantly but wickets also continued to fall on other end. Pakistan fought hard with Misbah Ul Haq leading the team in the death overs. In the last over, Pakistan needed 13 runs with one wicket in hand. Pakistan were favorite at this moment in the match, but Misbah tried scoop shot when 6 runs needed in 4 balls, was caught by Sreesanth off Joginder Sharma. The match turn around in a while and India won the thrilling final and name the first title of T20 World Cup.
2. 2016 Final West Indies Vs England
The final between West Indies and England in 2016 reminds the breathtaking chase in cricket history. West Indies won the toss and elected to field first, England made 155 runs with the loss of 9 wickets. Joe Root was the leading run scorer in that match with his brilliant 54 runs knock off 36 balls, also thanks to Jos Buttler and David Willey for their crucial runs. In response, West Indies were struggling in chase. In the last over, West Indies need 19 runs with Carlos Brathwaite on strike and Ben Stokes was bowling. Carlos Brathwaite change the context of the match by hitting four consecutive sixes to Ben Stokes. Ian Bishop's commentary line "Remember the Name Carlos Brathwaite" still give us goosebumps.
3. 2007 India Vs Pakistan Group Stage Match
Before the dramatic final between India and Pakistan, these two teams also give a heart taking match in the group stage of 2007 world cup. Both teams were undefeatable and tied the scorecard with both posted 141 runs. The match was decided in a bowl out, which is a rarely used method to decide a winner similar to penalty shootout in football. India name a victory with the three bowlers hit stumps, on the other hand Pakistan bowlers were failed to hit stumps even once. This match show the interest of fans in T20 Cricket.
4. 2024 Final India Vs South Africa
In the 2024 T20 World Cup, we have seen one of the best final in cricket history held in Barbados. India won the toss and decided to bat first on a tricky pitch. South Africa starts brilliantly with taking 3 early wickets but Virat Kohli on the other end was on another level that day. Axar Patel's 47 runs was game changing. Virat Kohli was leading run scorer as India posted fine 176 runs. While chasing, South Africa played nicely in the middle overs and they just need 30 runs in the last five overs with Henrich Klassen and David Miller on strike. Hardik Pandya change the game with his wicket taking over. Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh bowl nicely and kept pressure on David Miller. In the last over, South Africa need 16 runs with the last recognizing batter David Miller was on strike and Hardik Pandya was bowling. David Miller tried to hit a six on a full toss but Suryakumar Yadav's brilliant catch dismiss South Africa's last hope and India won the T20 World Cup 2024 with Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli's brilliance.
T20 World Cup Iconic Moments
5. 2022 Final England Vs Pakistan
The T20 World Cup Final 2022 held in Melbourne was a low scoring thriller. It is one of the greatest match in cricket history with both teams fought hard. England won the toss and decided to field first. Pakistan starts with a slow run rate and wickets were falling at one end. Shan Masood was leading run scorer with his sensible 38 runs as Pakistan posted struggling 137 runs. England at the start of chase feels difficulty as Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf kept the things hard with taking early wickets. England brilliantly manage the required run rate despite early wickets. In the death overs, Pakistan pacers tried their best but Ben Stoke's sensible 52 not out knock lead England to a World Cup victory.
Why These Matches Stand Out
These matches are special not only because of heroic individual performances but also because of the environment in the stadium, fan's emotions and the conditions. These matches perfectly prove that cricket is a momentum game, momentum can be shift in just one over or even just in one ball.
Conclusion
T20 World Cup provides many of the dramatic matches and thrillers to passionate cricket fans. As we are looking ahead to the next T20 world cup, one thing is clear that, we are expected to watch more brilliant and high pressure thrillers. These thrillers remind us the beauty of cricket and especially shorter format like T20 cricket is essential for unlimited entertainment.