(Credit ICC)
After an exhilarating IPL season, fans are now gearing up for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. This grand event is set to be hosted by the USA and the West Indies this year, commencing on June 2nd. It signifies the ninth installment of the ICC tournament, which was introduced in 2007 alongside the rise of 20-over cricket.
In the inaugural T20 World Cup edition in South Africa, Team India, led by the iconic MS Dhoni, clinched the championship title. Since then, five other nations – Pakistan, England, West Indies, Sri Lanka, and Australia – have also celebrated the honor of lifting the prestigious trophy. As anticipation builds for yet another thrilling edition of the T20 World Cup, let’s reminisce about the past champions of this international spectacle.
T20 World Cup 2007– India
In the group stage, the Indian team faced only one setback before heading into the semi-final encounter against Australia. In a tense knockout match, the Men in Blue successfully defended a target of 189 runs, restricting Australia to 173. The leadership of MS Dhoni proved instrumental in navigating the team to victory.
In the highly anticipated final showdown against arch-rivals Pakistan in Johannesburg, India faced a nail-biting contest. Pakistan seemed poised to chase down the target of 158 runs. However, the match took a dramatic turn in the final over. With Pakistan needing 13 runs with just one wicket remaining, Dhoni made a strategic move by introducing Yoginder Sharma into the attack.
Sharma’s bowling performance was crucial as he conceded only 8 runs in the first two deliveries. Then, with a well-executed slower delivery, he trapped Misbah ul Haq, who attempted a scoop over short-fine leg. However, the shot backfired as Sreesanth took a spectacular catch, securing India’s victory in a thrilling climax.
T20 World Cup 2009– Pakistan
The second edition of the T20 World Cup saw Asia once again hosting the tournament, with Pakistan emerging as the champions. Under the leadership of Younis Khan, Pakistan cruised through the league stage effortlessly. Their journey to the final included a hard-fought victory against South Africa in the semi-final, securing a seven-run win.
In the final showdown at Lord’s against Sri Lanka, the match unfolded as a low-scoring encounter. Sri Lanka struggled to set a competitive total, managing only 138 runs in the first innings. Pakistan’s batting lineup faced little trouble during the chase, ultimately clinching the title with an emphatic eight-wicket victory in the final clash.
T20 World Cup 2010– England
A thrilling rivalry took center stage in the final of the 2009 T20 World Cup, as England and Australia battled for supremacy. Despite a lackluster performance in the group stage, England rallied to defeat Sri Lanka in the semi-final, earning their spot in the ultimate showdown. They maintained their momentum in the final, restricting Australia to a modest total of 147 runs.
With a composed chase, England confidently pursued the target, achieving victory in just 17 overs to clinch their first-ever T20 World Cup title.
T20 World Cup 2012– West Indies
The West Indies emerged victorious in the third edition of the T20 World Cup, held in Sri Lanka. The Caribbean team showcased their dominance with a resounding 74-run victory over Australia in the semifinals, securing their spot in the championship match. They then competed against the home team, Sri Lanka, in the final showdown, clinching a 36-run win to claim the coveted title.
T20 World Cup 2014– Sri Lanka
Following their defeat in the T20 World Cup final at home, Sri Lanka managed to reverse their fortunes in the subsequent edition held in Bangladesh. The Islanders secured a crucial victory over defending champions West Indies in a semi-final affected by rain. Demonstrating remarkable bowling prowess in the final, Sri Lanka emerged victorious by defeating India by six wickets, clinching their first-ever T20 World Cup title.
T20 World Cup 2016– West Indies
In the 2016 campaign, the West Indies achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first team to claim two T20 World Cup victories. They secured their spot in the final by narrowly surpassing hosts India in a thrilling, high-scoring semi-final propelled by their captivating batting display. Sustaining their momentum, the West Indies outperformed England in the final, prevailing by four wickets to capture the coveted title.
T20 World Cup 2021– Australia
Following a five-year absence, the T20 World Cup returned in 2021. Pakistan showcased their dominance during the Super-12 stage but stumbled in the semi-final against the eventual champions, Australia. Led by Aaron Finch, the Aussies faced New Zealand in the final showdown. They successfully chased down a target of 174 runs in the 19th over, securing their maiden and sole T20 World Cup title in history.
T20 World Cup 2022– England
In the 2022 T20 World Cup, India showcased their dominance throughout, but their journey came to an end in the semi-final against England. The Three Lions then faced Pakistan in the final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. It proved to be a lopsided affair as Pakistan managed only 137 runs in the first innings. Guided by Ben Stokes’ impressive half-century, England clinched the mega clash by five wickets, securing their second T20 World Cup title.
