The T20 World Cup has given cricket fans some of the most thrilling matches in the sport’s history. From stunning upsets to last-over heroics, the tournament has provided unforgettable moments that define the excitement of T20 cricket. Here are ten of the most memorable matches from the tournament’s history.
Top 10 T20 World Cup Matches
Australia vs. Zimbabwe (2007, Group Stage)
Zimbabwe won by 5 wickets (1 ball remaining)
In 2007, Zimbabwe entered the T20 World Cup as massive underdogs against four-time ODI world champions Australia. Australia set a modest target of 138, with Andrew Symonds and Brad Hodge chipping in with quick 30s. Zimbabwe’s captain, Prosper Utseya, rotated his bowlers well to keep Australia in check. Brendan Taylor anchored the innings in the chase with a match-winning 60* off 45 balls. With 12 needed in the final over, Taylor’s sweep for four put them in touching distance before a leg-bye sealed a historic win for Zimbabwe.
India vs. Pakistan (2007, Final)
India won by 5 runs
After an earlier group-stage tie settled by a bowl-out, India and Pakistan met again in the final for another thriller. Gautam Gambhir’s 75 and a young Rohit Sharma’s quickfire 30 helped India set 157. Pakistan’s chase was powered by Imran Nazir’s explosive 33 off 14, but India struck back with key wickets. Misbah-ul-Haq kept Pakistan in the hunt and needed six off four balls in the final over. Attempting a scoop, he found Sreesanth at short fine leg, handing India the inaugural T20 World Cup title.
England vs. Netherlands (2009, Group Stage)
Netherlands won by 4 wickets (0 balls remaining)
A packed Lord’s witnessed one of the biggest T20 upsets ever. England, despite a strong start, managed only 162. Netherlands wobbled early but recovered through Tom de Grooth and Peter Borren. With two needed off the last ball, Stuart Broad fielded in his follow-through but missed a direct hit, allowing the Netherlands to scamper an overthrow for the win.
Sri Lanka vs. India (2010, Super 8s)
Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets (0 balls remaining)
Needing a win to reach the semi-finals, Sri Lanka took on India in a high-stakes match. After an early collapse, Tillakaratne Dilshan and Kumar Sangakkara stabilized the innings before Angelo Mathews and Chamara Kapugedera accelerated. With three needed off the final ball, Kapugedera lofted Ashish Nehra over cover for six, sealing a dramatic victory.
Australia vs. Pakistan (2010, Semi-Final)
Australia won by 3 wickets (1 ball remaining)
Chasing a formidable 191, Australia struggled until Cameron White and Michael Hussey stepped up. Hussey took the game away in the final, smashing Saeed Ajmal for 6, 6, 4, 6 to seal an incredible win, finishing with 60* off 24 balls.
West Indies vs. New Zealand (2012, Group Stage)
Match tied; West Indies won the Super Over
Having already lost a Super Over earlier in the tournament, New Zealand found themselves in another tense finish. Despite containing West Indies to 139, they faltered at the end, with Sunil Narine’s bowling dragging the match into a Super Over. Ross Taylor’s heroics weren’t enough as West Indies chased 18 to win and eliminate the Kiwis.
England vs. South Africa (2016, Group Stage)
The English won by 2 wickets (2 balls remaining)
England, determined to rebuild their white-ball cricket reputation, pulled off the highest successful chase in World T20 history. South Africa set a mammoth 229, but Jason Roy’s 43 off 16 and Joe Root’s 83 off 44 led a fearless response. A few late wickets added drama, but England held their nerve to complete the record chase.
India vs. Bangladesh (2016, Group Stage)
India won by 1 run
Bangladesh were inches from victory, needing two runs off three balls. Mushfiqur Rahim celebrated early after hitting consecutive fours, but in a dramatic twist, both he and Mahmudullah holed out attempting big shots. Needing two off the final ball, Bangladesh failed to steal a bye as MS Dhoni sprinted to effect a run-out, sealing an improbable win.
India vs. Australia (2016, Group Stage)
India won by 6 wickets (5 balls remaining)
In a virtual quarter-final, Australia started strong but finished with a chaseable 161. Virat Kohli played one of the finest T20I knocks on a tricky pitch, scoring 82* off 51. His fitness and quick running between the wickets kept India in the game before unleashing boundaries in the final overs to secure victory.
West Indies vs. England (2016, Final)
West Indies won by 4 wickets
In one of the most iconic T20 moments, Carlos Brathwaite smashed Ben Stokes for four consecutive sixes to win the title. After a shaky start, England recovered to post 155 thanks to Joe Root and Jos Buttler. Root also took two wickets early, including Chris Gayle’s, but Marlon Samuels’ 85* kept West Indies in the hunt before Brathwaite’s fireworks sealed the win.
These ten matches showcase the unpredictability, excitement, and drama that make T20 World Cup cricket truly unforgettable.
Wrapping Up
The T20 World Cup has produced countless thrilling moments, from underdog victories to last-over drama. Fans can only expect more nail-biting finishes and unforgettable performances as the tournament evolves. Who will be the next hero to etch their name in T20 World Cup history?