T20 cricket has changed the entire cricketing scenario and simply brought a revolution in the way the game had always been played and admired. Apart from high-octane cricketing drama, the format has entertained fans and followers alike while becoming its indispensable part and topping all charts and metrics of popularity.
Top four T20 World Cup final matches
In the format, the T20 World Cup rose to become the best tournament, and over the years, a total of nine editions of the ICC event have been played. Cricket fans around the globe have seen some of the most thrilling T20 World Cup finals, and in this article, we will have a look at the four most popular finale matches played.
India vs Pakistan, T20 World Cup 2007
The first-ever T20 World Cup finale played between India and Pakistan in Johannesburg still remains one of the most exciting matches played in the ICC tournament. The match saw India lifting the inaugural T20 trophy by defeating the arch-rivals. India had beaten Australia in the semi-finals to make it to the finale. Gautam Gambhir emerged as one of the top performers for the side by scoring 75 runs, helping India reach a final score of 157.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, T20 World Cup 2009
The 2009 ICC World T20 final was played between Sri Lanka and Pakistan at the Lord’s in London on June 21, 2009. This was the second occasion when both the opponents were Asian. Pakistan headed into the tournament on the back of the 2007 final loss and were aiming to take the title home right from the beginning. Despite Kumar Sangakkara’s 64*, the Islanders scored only 138 runs. In return, Shahid Afridi came up with 54* runs in 40 balls to guide the team to their first T20 World Cup title.
West Indies vs England, T20 World Cup 2016
In the finale of the 2016 edition, West Indies were up against England in a thrilling contest played in Kolkata. Batting first, the Englishmen posted a total of 155 runs for the loss of nine wickets. In return, the Darren Sammy-led side chased the score with the last two balls remaining. Marlon Samuels played a hero-like knock of 85* runs and helped the side step over the line.
England vs Pakistan, T20 World Cup 2022
England was crowned the T20 world champions in 2022 after defeating Pakistan by five wickets in Melbourne, Australia. The Men in Green posted 137 runs for the loss of eight wickets while batting first. In return, Ben Stokes recorded crucial 52* runs to power the Three Lions to win their first T20 crown. England successfully chased the match in 19 overs.