England’s run to T20 World Cup triumph in Australia was not without its memorable moments. Throughout its history, the tournament has been no different – here are the top three iconic moments since its inauguration in 2007.
Carlos Brathwaite vs England (2016)
Victory for England in Australia was a redemption story for Ben Stokes, whose 2016 final against the Windies produced one of the most iconic moments in T20 World Cup history. While their victory in 2022 leaves England joint-favourites to win the next tournament, with cricket world cup odds of 11/4, the story was very different back in 2016.
After England batted first and posted 155/9, the most notable contributions coming from Joe Root (54) and Jos Buttler (36), the Windies themselves started poorly, falling to 11-3 after little more than two overs. However, with Marlon Samuels (85*) leading the charge, the game turned on its head when Carlos Brathwaite entered the middle. With West Indies needing 19 off the final over – to be bowled by Stokes – Brathwaite proceed to hit four 6s in a row to win the final by four wickets. Cue former Windies cricketer Ian Bishop to proclaim: “Carlos Brathwaite, remember the name!”.
India win inaugural T20 World Cup (2007)
The inaugural T20 World Cup in South Africa was somewhat of an unknown to even the most avid of cricket fans, meaning there were many surprises along the way. By the time the final rolled about, though, a pulsating match between two of the world’s greatest teams made people take note that this World Cup format would be here to stay.
India owed their final posting of 157/5 to a stunning 75 (54) off opener Gautam Gambhir, who led the charge as wickets fell all around him. When he was dismissed on 5-130, Rohit Sharma took the reins, finishing on a respectable 30*. The final was all about India’s bowling, though, with RP Singh and Irfan Pathan proving unplayable with the ball, reducing Pakistan’s highest scorer Misbah-ul-Haq to 43 (38). Needing 6 in the last over to win, ul-Haq was caught at fine leg, sending India’s players alike into raptures.
Yuvraj’s six 6s in an over (2007)
For the last entry on this list, we return to India’s triumphant tournament in 2007, as well as some questionable England bowling. The man under the spotlight this time was not Stokes but Stuart Broad, who Yuvraj Singh unbelievably hit for six straight 6s on the way to a 12-ball half-century. Following a brief altercation with Andrew Flintoff in the previous over, Yuvraj came out swinging in the next, dispatching Broad over mid-wicket twice, behind square, over extra-cover, behind point and over wide mid-on.
They over-epitomised the humiliation felt by England in the inaugural tournament, having already exited by the time they faced India. The Men in Blue cruised to an impressive 218/4, thanks to Virender Sehwag (68) and Gautam Gambhir (58) joining Yuvraj in making fifties. England’s valiant chase of 200/6 was ultimately in vain, as Paul Collingwood’s side would have to wait another three years to get their hands on the coveted trophy.
With preparations already underway for the next tournament in 2024, to be held in the United States and West Indies, discussions are already being had over the likely winners. Can England make it a historic third T20 world title, or will the likes of India, Australia and New Zealand stand in their way?
