Former Pakistan captain Shahid Khan Afridi’s unforgettable all-round performance in the 2009 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has been ranked among the tournament’s most iconic moments.
From India’s triumph in the inaugural 2007 edition to the drama of the 2024 final, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has produced moments that reshaped the shortest format of the game. As a result, it has left a lasting legacy.
Yuvraj Singh’s Six Sixes Shock the World (2007)
The very first ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in South Africa delivered instant history. India’s Yuvraj Singh smashed six sixes in a single over off Stuart Broad, becoming the first player to achieve the feat in T20 cricket.
His blistering 12-ball half-century powered India to a strong total. This innings laid the foundation for a thrilling five-run victory over Pakistan in the final.
Shahid Afridi’s All-Round Brilliance Seals Glory (2009)
Returning with intent in 2009, Afridi produced a defining performance in the semi-final against South Africa. He scored a vital 51 off 34 balls and dismissed Herschelle Gibbs and AB de Villiers, finishing with figures of 2 for 16.
His heroics carried Pakistan into their second consecutive final. Ultimately, this performance helped them lift their maiden T20 World Cup trophy.
Michael Hussey’s Miracle Chase (2010)
Australia’s Michael Hussey delivered one of the great knockout performances in the 2010 semi-final against Pakistan. Chasing 87 from 45 balls, Hussey smashed an unbeaten 60 off just 24 deliveries. He sealed a dramatic win with a ball to spare.
Sunil Narine Spins West Indies to First Title (2012)
In the 2012 final, Sunil Narine produced a masterclass in mystery spin. His figures of 3 for 9 dismantled Sri Lanka’s chase, dismissing key batters including Mahela Jayawardene and Lasith Malinga. As a result, West Indies claimed their first T20 world title.
Rangana Herath’s Devastating Spell
Sri Lanka’s Rangana Herath delivered a spell for the ages against New Zealand, taking five wickets for just three runs. After Sri Lanka were bowled out for 119, Herath’s brilliance helped bundle the Black Caps out for only 60.
Carlos Brathwaite’s Four Sixes of Destiny (2016)
Few moments match the drama created by Carlos Brathwaite in the 2016 final. Needing 19 off the last over, Brathwaite smashed four consecutive sixes off Ben Stokes. This led to a moment immortalised by commentator Ian Bishop’s iconic call.
Mitch Marsh Powers Australia to Glory (2021)
Australia’s long wait ended in 2021 when Mitch Marsh played a match-winning unbeaten 77 in the final against New Zealand. Partnering with David Warner, Marsh guided the chase of 173 and earned the Player of the Match award.
Ben Stokes Delivers Under Pressure (2022)
England secured their second T20 World Cup crown in 2022, thanks to a calm and commanding 52 from Ben Stokes against Pakistan. After early setbacks, Stokes steered England home with an over to spare. As a result, they became the first nation to hold both white-ball world titles simultaneously.
Virat Kohli’s Final T20I Masterpiece (2024)
The 2024 final produced another classic. India’s Virat Kohli anchored the innings with a composed 76 after early wickets left India struggling at 34 for 3. His Player of the Match performance, combined with Jasprit Bumrah’s decisive bowling, sealed a tense seven-run victory over South Africa. This was Kohli’s final T20I appearance.
