The journey of the 2022 World T20 Cup is about to reach its end. Now that the teams for the final match are decided, the fans are looking forwards to the concluding match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. Since its inception, the entire world has witnessed some of the most intense finals of all time. So, today, let’s take a look at some of the most iconic World T20 Cup finals.
West Indies vs Sri Lanka, 2012
The Caribbeans are considered one of the most successful teams in the history of T20I contests. The team had the likes of C. Gayle, D. Sammy, D. Smith, K. Pollard and many more. The aforementioned individuals have mesmerised cricket fans with their over-the-top performances.
Against all odds, West Indies found themselves in the finals of the 2012 World T20 Cup against Sri Lanka. It was the second time Sri Lanka had reached the final, but it was the first final for the Caribbean side.
Unlike the reputation of both teams, the final of the 2012 WOels T02 Cup was a low-scoring match. Batting first, The Caribbeans scored 137 runs. During the innings, the Windies struggled to bat; however, it was the might of M. Samuels (78 runs) who kept the scoreboard ticking.
Eventually, the Sri Lanka team managed to score only 101 runs before getting bowled out. The Windies’ bowlers went all-out in the second innings. S. Narine was the star bowler that night. The off-break bowler took 3 wickets and D. Sammy took 2 wickets.
Samuels was declared the Man of the Match for his all-round performance.
West Indies vs England, 2016
After West Indies’ iconic win at the 2012 World T20 Cup, former West Indies player O. Gibson stated that “When it comes to T20 World Cup, never discount West Indies,”. Gibson’s analysis was apt as the Caribbeans lifted the World T20 Cup again in 2016.
The final match between West Indies and England is hailed as one of the most intense finals in the history of world cricket. The 2016 edition of the World T20 Cup was a perfect mix of emotions. The tournament was full of nail-biters, rollercoasters and unexpected comebacks.
The 2016 World T20 Cup final was played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on 3 April 2016. The Three Lions were on a roll moving into the finals of the tournament, B. Stokes and J. Roy were in tremendous form. Whereas, the Windies’ batters were striking the ball sweetly throughout the tournament.
Batting first, England struggled with scoring runs during the initial stage of the game. Eventually, J. Root and J. Buttler stabilised the batting side when they scored 54 and 36 runs, respectively.
England scored 155 runs in the first innings. In return, the West Indies batters crumbled down at the hands of fierce bowling from the England team. It was again the might of M. Samuels that kept the scoreboard ticking. Samuels scored 85* runs.
However, the match was tipping in the favour of England’s side, thanks to the rest of the Windies’ batting lineup. In the end, M. Samuels and C. Braithwaite were at the crease. Brathwaite arrived at number eight, with the team requiring 49 off 27 balls.
Eventually, West Indies needed 19 runs. B. Stokes was ready to deliver six sensible balls and take the World T20 Cup home. However, the Big Braithwaite had other plans. With four consecutive sixes off the first four balls, West Indies chased down the total with two balls to spare as the Englishman looked in disbelief.
India vs Pakistan, 2007
The unorthodox tactics of long-haired M. Dhoni helped the Men in Blue lift the inaugural World T20 Cup.
Fittingly, India met Pakistan in the finals of the tournament at the Wanderers in Johannesburg. The unorthodox Indian team had players like R. Sharma, S. Raina, R. Uthappa, R. Singh and other youngsters.
Before the inevitable final match, the two teams squared off in the group stage of the tournament which was decided by a memorable bowl-out in which India won 3-0. Batting first, the Indian team struggled as the top-order collapsed pretty early. However, Indian opener G. Gambhir held his end and scored 75 runs.
In the end, R. Sharma’s 30 off 16 balls helped India reach a final score of 157 which was a par score that night in Johannesburg. The Indian batting lineup really struggled against the pace of U. Gul who took three wickets (3/28) in the World T20 Cup finals.
In reply, Pakistan suffered an early blow when M. Hafeez got out in the first over. At the end of six overs, Pakistan’s score was 53/3 with Y. Khan and S. Malik on the pitch. However, the wickets kept on falling and M. Haq arrived and stabilised Pakistan’s innings.
In the end, Pakistan needed 54 runs off 24 balls with just three wickets in hand. Pakistan needed 13 runs in the last over. Things got interesting when M. Dhoni handed the ball to J. Sharma to deliver the last six balls.
After a wide and a six, the Indian-Pakistan fans were on the edge of their seats. Pakistan needed six runs off four balls. Eventually, M. Haq attempted a scoop shot and it felt like the ball was in the air for an eternity before S. Sreesanth caught the ball!
In the end, Dhoni and co lifted the inaugural World T20 Cup and the India team etched their name in the history books.
So, these are the most iconic World T20 Cup finals. The final match of the 2022 World T20 Cup will be between Pakistan and England at the legendary MCG ground. Furthermore, you can grab Big Winnings while watching the final match on MyTeam11. Create your fantasy teams on MyTeam11 and get a chance to grab exciting rewards.
