T20 Cricket: the heart and soul of every cricket fan and player put together in an international tournament. The main spirit behind the T20 match is its unforgettable last-ball finishes that impress fans still to this day. From underdog victories to legendary performances by cricketing greats, these last-ball finishes showcase the thrill and excitement that only T20 cricket can deliver. Let’s look at 10 unforgettable last-ball finishes in the tournament’s history that still give goosebumps to every cricket fan out there.
1. Netherlands vs England (2009)
In the opening match of the 2009 ICC T20 World Cup, the Netherlands pulled off a stunning upset against England at Lord’s. Chasing 163 runs, the Dutch team needed two runs off the final ball. It was a difficult match for the Netherlands since they had already lost their openers – Alexei Kervezee and Darron Reekers – within the first 4 overs.
Just when the match looked lost for the Netherlands, a disappointing overthrow from Stuart Broad as well as the impeccable batting of Tom de Grooth allowed the Netherlands to clinch victory, marking a historic moment for the underdogs and setting the tone for a tournament filled with surprises. This match highlighted the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket and how even the underdogs can win in high-pressure situations.
2. Sri Lanka vs India (2010)
The 2010 T20 World Cup saw another dramatic last-ball finish between Sri Lanka and India. Gautam Gambhir and Suresh Raina helped set the target of 164 for their neighbours. Chasing 164 runs, Sri Lanka needed six runs off the final ball. Chamara Kapugedera held his nerve and smashed a six off the bowling of Ashish Nehra, leading Sri Lanka to an improbable victory.
He finished with 37 runs not out in 16 balls. This match is remembered for its high stakes and the tension of the final moments, adding to the rich rivalry between the two cricketing nations.
3. Ireland vs Zimbabwe (2014)
Ireland and Zimbabwe faced off in a crucial Group B match during the 2014 T20 World Cup. Ireland bowlers Andy McBrine and George Dockrell displayed exceptional skills in picking up wickets for the team. However, they need to chase the target of 164 runs set by Zimbabwe. Ireland needed four runs off the final over, with the last ball bowled by Tinashe Panyangara, deciding the match.
With the run rate required being exactly 8.20, and after 19.5 overs with six wickets down, Alex Cusack hit the winning boundary off the last ball, securing a victory for Ireland. This dramatic win ensured Ireland’s advancement in the tournament and highlighted their growing competence in high-pressure situations.
4. Zimbabwe vs Netherlands (2014)
In the same tournament, Zimbabwe faced the Netherlands in a do-or-die match. Chasing 141 runs, Hamilton Masakadza (43 runs off 45 balls) and Brendan Taylor (49 runs off 39 balls) provided a steady start for Zimbabwe. However, Pieter Seelaar’s brilliant two-wicket spell brought the game to a thrilling conclusion.
Zimbabwe needed six off the final ball, bowled by Logan van Beek. With 19.5 overs bowled and six wickets down, Vusi Sibanda hit a six, securing a thrilling victory for Zimbabwe. This win was particularly sweet for Zimbabwe, who had experienced heartbreak in previous last-ball finishes.
5. India vs Pakistan (2022)
One of the most anticipated matches of the 2022 T20 World Cup was between arch-rivals India and Pakistan. Chasing 160 runs, India needed 16 off the last over, bowled by Mohammed Nawaz. With everyone thinking Pakistan would take home the victory, a no-ball by Mohammed Nawaz gave a crucial turn to the gameplay, which Kohli hit a six off the fourth ball, bringing down their target to six runs off three balls.
With the game hanging in the balance, Ravichandran Ashwin kept his cool on the final ball, lofting it over mid-off to clinch one of his team’s most unforgettable victories. The intense rivalry and dramatic finish made it one of the most memorable matches in T20 World Cup history.
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6. South Africa vs New Zealand (2014)
In the 2014 T20 World Cup, South Africa faced New Zealand in a thrilling encounter. Chasing 145 runs, South Africa needed two runs off the final ball, bowled by Corey Anderson. With 19.5 overs bowled and seven wickets down, Dale Steyn hit a single to secure victory for South Africa.
7. Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka (2018)
The Nidahas Trophy 2018 witnessed an extraordinary last-ball finish between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Chasing 215 runs, Bangladesh needed 12 off the final over. Mahmudullah Riyad hit a boundary off the last ball, securing a memorable victory for Bangladesh. He finished with an unbeaten 43 out of 18 balls. The match was filled with high drama, including confrontations and intense moments that captivated fans.
8. Australia vs Pakistan (2010)
Australia and Pakistan provided another classic last-ball finish during the 2010 T20 World Cup. Chasing 191 runs, Australia needed 18 off the final over, bowled by Saeed Ajmal. Michael Hussey played a blinder, hitting three sixes in the last four balls, including the match-winning six on the final delivery. This incredible knock by Hussey is still remembered as one of the greatest T20 innings.
9. West Indies vs England (2016)
The 2016 T20 World Cup final between West Indies and England featured an unforgettable last-ball finish. Chasing 156 runs, West Indies needed 19 off the last over, bowled by Ben Stokes. Carlos Brathwaite made his name by hitting four consecutive sixes off Ben Stokes, securing victory with a ball to spare. This dramatic finish handed West Indies their second T20 World Cup title.
10. England vs New Zealand (2021)
In the 2021 T20 World Cup semi-final, England faced New Zealand in a thrilling contest. Chasing 167 runs, New Zealand needed six off the final ball. Jimmy Neesham and Daryl Mitchell kept their cool, and with 19.5 overs bowled and seven wickets down, Mitchell hit a boundary off the last ball to secure a spot in the final, finishing with 72 not out off 47 balls. This secured New Zealand’s place in the final.
Also Read: 10 Best T20 World Cup Matches Ever Played in Cricket History
