One of the highly anticipated leagues - T20 World Cup, a showcase of power-hitting, acrobatic fielding, and intense battles, has created some of the most thrilling cricket matches in recent memory. Every edition brings unexpected encounters that leave spectators breathless, their emotions swinging like a pendulum till the final ball. Here, we review three classics that have been etched in T20 World Cup history:
The inaugural T20 World Cup final was a clash between two arch-rivals, India and Pakistan. The tension was clearly visible at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. Misbah-ul-Haq's excellent batting 58 (23 balls) took Pakistan to a competitive 152/3. In reply, India needed 13 from the last 4 balls with Dhoni on strike. Harbhajan Singh smashed a six off the penultimate delivery, leaving India requiring just 1 run. Off the last ball, Dhoni, in a moment of audacious improvisation, smashed the ball over the fielder's head for a winning six, sparking happiness amongst the Indian fans. This match remains etched as one of the most dramatic finishes in T20 history.
The 2016 final at Kolkata's Eden Gardens was a see-saw battle between England and New Zealand. Chasing England's 179, New Zealand needed 19 runs from the last over. Ben Stokes, the hero with the bat (85 off 41 balls), was entrusted with the final over. The drama unfolded as New Zealand tied the scores on the last ball, sending the match into a tense Super Over. England, batting first in the Super Over, managed 18 runs. Needing 19 to win, New Zealand fell short by 1 run, handing England a heartbreaking yet dramatic victory.
The second semi-final of the 2016 World Cup, played at Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium, was a high-scoring thriller. England posted a mammoth 234 runs on the board, with Joe Root smashing a belligerent 112. In reply, the Windies, known for their aggressive batting, unleashed their firepower. Carlos Brathwaite stole the show with a match-winning innings of 43 off 17 balls, including four consecutive sixes in the final over off Stokes, to take his team to a thrilling victory. This match is hailed as one of the greatest comebacks in T20 history.
These three games highlight the exciting aspect of T20 cricket, where results may change dramatically in a few of deliveries. They act as a reminder that in the T20 league, every ball matters, and quick thinking skills are vital at cricket. The upcoming T20 World Cup is expected to write new chapters in this thrilling history.
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