Introduction
Cricket rules over billions of hearts globally. Cricket has evolved over the years and one of the recent developments in the sports is T20 Cricket. Among it’s various formats, T20 stands out for it’s electrifying pace and thrilling action. When it comes to the ultimate glory of the T20 Format nothing comes close to T20 World cup, excitement has no boundaries.
T20 Cricket is also known as Twenty-Twenty Cricket and is the shortest format of the game. A T20 Game takes bare minimum of Three to four hours to finish. Unlike other formats of the game it takes short period of time to complete. The format demands quick thinking, sharp skills, and bold- decision making in a bid to make the format interesting for the fans and fraternity. The format sees high scoring thrillers making it popular among the fans.
T20 World Cup
The inaugural T20 World cup took place in South Africa and marked a significant moment in the books of the history of this beautiful game. Twelve teams competed for the ultimate prize of the format showcasing their skill and temperament. India was crowned as the champions for the inaugural edition the T20 World cup.
Since the birth of the T20 World cup it has evolved into a global game and captures the imagination of the cricket loving fans around the globe. The championship which had limited teams during its inception has now grown and sees more teams participating and showcasing their skillset on a world stage.
Taking T20 World cup into consideration it is one of the most awaited cricket events on a cricketing calendar. The Event fetches more crowd than any other format.
Winners of T20 World Cup
A) India (2007)
India going into the first edition of the tournament were the underdogs. India had a new leader for the format in the face of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. None of the cricket expert gave India any edge to lift the cup. On thr other hand India with their skillset and an young group of players defied all odds to lift the cup. The win against Pakistan in the final of the Tournament is still alive in the hearts and Minds of Indian Cricket Fans.
B) Pakistan (2009)
Pakistan the Runners up in the inaugural edition of the tournament showcased their high level of skillset and temperament to lift the cup. Pakistan managed to beat Sri Lanka by Eight wicket in the final to finish their unfinished job in the previous edition.
C) England (2010,2022)
England have emerged as the joint-most successful nation with two titles. England won it for the first time in 2010 edition which was held in West Indies. Beating the arch rivals Australia by seven wickets to lift the cup and mark a moment in the history.
For the second time England beat Pakistan by five wickets at the iconic Melbourne cricket Ground (MCG) to lift the cup. With this 2022 victory, England became the first team to simultaneously hold both men’s World Cups – the 2019 ODI World Cup and the 2022 T20 World Cup.
D) West Indies (2012,2016)
West Indies have emerged as the joint-most successful nation with two titles. West Indies won the first title in 2012 held in Sri Lanka. West Indies managed to beat Host Sri Lanka by thirty-six runs to lift their maiden T20 Title.
To lift it for the second time West Indies beat England by four wickets at the Eden Gardens. Carlos Braithwaite played a gem of an innings to take windies home in the finals.
E) Sri Lanka (2014)
Sri Lanka under the leadership of Lasith Malinga managed to clinch their maiden T20 title in 2014 edition held in Bangladesh. Sri Lanka were a dominating side through the course of the tournament. Sri Lanka beat India by six wicket to notch up a historical date in the books of history.
F) Australia (2021)
It was a huge shock before the edition of 2021 that the mighty Australia have not won the T20 Championship in the various editions they featured. Winning the T20 title was a code to crack for the dominators of ICC events. Australia breaking the jinx managed to beat New-Zealand in the finals by Eight wicket to clinch their only T20 title.
Games of T20 World Cup
Over the years the pinnacle of T20 has seen many players make their mark on the world stage. There are moments that define the legacy of this wonderful tournament:
I) India’s Remarkable win Against Bangladesh
India managed to beat in a nail-biting last ball thriller with the help of excellent piece of leadership by skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. It was a perfect game to be called precisely called. The pendulum always kept on hanging to the either side through the course of the game. Going into the last over momentum was completely in the Favour of Bangladesh. But man, o man Mastermind Dhoni had other Plans.
Bangladesh needed eleven to seal the deal in the final over. Hardik Pandya with his brilliant display of skills came to rescue India. MSD gave the finishing touches to take India Home in a last ball thriller.
ii) Braithwaite Madness
England were on the cusp of winning their second title. With nineteen needed to win off the final over the game was almost in England’s Basket. But Carlos Braithwaite was in the middle to spoil England’s Party.
England skipper Eoin Morgan handed over the ball to Ben Stokes to defend the total and take England Home.
But big Carlos stood tall against Ben Stokes and smacked four consecutive sixes to take West Indies home. West Indies won the title with a solid win against England and recorded the greatest number of T20 championships.
iii) Kohli’s Classic
Virat Kohli arguably the best batter on the planet. Every time he steps onto the field, he proves it again and again. It was the clash of two archrivals at the Iconic MCG. And guess what, Indo-Pak clash did not fail to give the best ever T20 thriller. It was Virat Kohli who pulled off a game that was out of India’s Reach. India was under the pump with Thirty-six for four. Pakistan has full control over the game until Eighteenth over.
With Twenty-eight needed to win off eight balls Virat Kohli stood his ground and smacked Haris Rauf for two consecutive sixes and those two sixes changed the whole scenario of the game and in the end, India managed to beat Pakistan in a nail-biting thriller.
Conclusion
T20 world cup has been an evolution to the world of cricket. Its electrifying speed and nail-biting thrillers have earned them fans globally. T20 World cup has served us with many historical moments. Looking at the future ahead T20 World cup promises to serve us with many magical moments that will mark its presence in the books of history of this beautiful tournament.
