The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to host the ninth edition of its men’s T20 World Cup, starting from June 1 in the Caribbean and the United States. The T20 format of cricket has become incredibly popular worldwide due to its fast-paced nature, attracting new fans to the game. The tournament has had a significant impact on the sport since its inception, with memorable moments that have shaped the history of T20 cricket.
In 2007, India emerged as the first T20 World Cup champions after defeating arch-rivals Pakistan in a thrilling final. The tournament saw several individual and team records being set, including Chris Gayle’s first T20I century and Yuvraj Singh’s six sixes in an over. The showdown between India and Pakistan in the final, which ended in a last-over finish, captured the attention of cricket fans around the world and set the stage for future T20 World Cups.
The 2009 edition of the T20 World Cup was held in England, where Pakistan emerged victorious by defeating Sri Lanka in the final. The tournament showcased some incredible performances, including Shahid Afridi’s heroics in the semifinals and Tillakaratne Dilshan’s unbeaten 96 in the semis. The event also marked a poignant moment as it took place shortly after the armed attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore.
In 2010, England claimed their first T20 World Cup title by defeating Australia in the final. The West Indies hosted the tournament less than a year after the previous edition, with Afghanistan making an impressive debut. Australia’s Michael Hussey’s heroics in the final overs against Pakistan and England’s explosive batting lineup were key highlights of the competition.
The 2012 T20 World Cup, hosted by Sri Lanka, saw the West Indies emerging as champions by defeating the hosts in the final. Marlon Samuels played a crucial role in the final as the West Indies chased down a below-par target. The tournament marked the resurgence of West Indian cricket, with players like Chris Gayle leading the team to victory.
In 2014, Sri Lanka lifted their first T20 World Cup trophy by defeating India in the final. Virat Kohli’s exceptional performance throughout the tournament earned him the Player of the Tournament award. The tournament featured the debut of new teams like Hong Kong, Nepal, and the United Arab Emirates, highlighting the growth of T20 cricket globally.
The most recent edition of the T20 World Cup in 2022 saw England emerging as champions by defeating Pakistan in the final. Sam Curran was named the Player of the Tournament for his outstanding performances. The tournament featured several upsets, including Namibia’s win over Sri Lanka and Scotland’s victory against West Indies. The final match between England and Pakistan was a closely contested affair, with England ultimately coming out on top to secure their second T20 World Cup title.
