As the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 prepares to get underway on February 7, the International Cricket Council has revisited the tournament’s glorious past by highlighting nine performances it officially recognises as iconic. From breathtaking batting assaults to spellbinding bowling spells, these moments have shaped the identity of T20 World Cup cricket since its inception in 2007.
With nine editions completed and the tenth on the horizon, these unforgettable feats stand as a reminder of how the shortest format has delivered drama, innovation and legacy-defining brilliance.
Yuvraj Singh’s Six Sixes – T20 World Cup 2007
The inaugural T20 World Cup in South Africa produced a moment that still echoes through cricket history. India’s Yuvraj Singh smashed England fast bowler Stuart Broad for six sixes in an over, becoming the first player to achieve the feat in T20 cricket. Yuvraj also raced to a 12-ball half-century — the fastest in T20 World Cup history — setting a benchmark that remains untouched.
Shahid Afridi’s All-Round Masterclass – T20 World Cup 2009
Pakistan’s triumph in 2009 was powered by Shahid Afridi’s match-winning all-round performance in the semi-final against South Africa. Afridi scored a vital 51 off 34 balls and then claimed key wickets, finishing with figures of 2 for 16. His heroics propelled Pakistan into the final and eventually to their second ICC title.
Michael Hussey’s Miracle Chase – T20 World Cup 2010
In the semi-final against Pakistan, Australia were staring at defeat when Michael Hussey walked in at No.7. Chasing 191, Hussey produced one of the greatest knocks in T20 history, smashing an unbeaten 60 off just 24 balls. He sealed the match with three sixes and a boundary in the final over, scripting a stunning turnaround.
Sunil Narine’s Magical Spell – T20 World Cup 2012
West Indies mystery spinner Sunil Narine delivered a defining spell against Sri Lanka, returning figures of 3 for 9. His control and variations dismantled the opposition, paving the way for West Indies’ maiden T20 World Cup title.
Rangana Herath’s Five-Wicket Haul – T20 World Cup 2014
Sri Lanka’s Rangana Herath produced a spell for the ages, taking 5 wickets for just 3 runs against New Zealand. Defending a modest total, Herath ripped through the top order as New Zealand collapsed for 60, sealing Sri Lanka’s path to eventual glory.
Carlos Brathwaite’s Four Sixes – T20 World Cup 2016
Few moments are as iconic as Carlos Brathwaite’s unforgettable finish in the 2016 final. Needing 19 runs off the final over, Brathwaite struck England’s Ben Stokes for four consecutive sixes, clinching the title for West Indies and delivering one of the most dramatic endings in cricket history.
Mitchell Marsh’s Final Statement – T20 World Cup 2021
Australia’s long wait for a T20 World Cup title ended in 2021, thanks largely to Mitchell Marsh. In the final against New Zealand, Marsh smashed an unbeaten 77, guiding Australia to an emphatic eight-wicket victory and their maiden T20 crown.
Ben Stokes’ Redemption – T20 World Cup 2022
Once remembered for heartbreak in the 2016 final, Ben Stokes rewrote his T20 legacy in 2022. Chasing 138 against Pakistan in the final, Stokes anchored England’s innings with an unbeaten 52, helping them secure the title and become the first team to hold both ODI and T20 World Cups simultaneously.
Virat Kohli’s Last Dance – T20 World Cup 2024
The 2024 final belonged to Virat Kohli. With India reeling at 34 for 3, Kohli played one of the finest innings of his career, scoring a match-winning 76 to lift India to a competitive total. Jasprit Bumrah then sealed a narrow seven-run victory over South Africa. Kohli was named Player of the Match in what proved to be his final T20 International appearance, as he announced retirement alongside Rohit Sharma after the triumph.
As the T20 World Cup enters its tenth chapter, these nine moments serve as timeless reminders of why the tournament occupies a special place in global cricket — where pressure creates legends and a single over can change history forever.
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