The T20 World Cup 2024 is set to kick off on June 2nd (according to IST), with an enthralling opening match featuring the 20-over WC debutants from the United States of America and Canada, squaring off in Dallas. The anticipation is palpable as the tournament is slated to run for 27 days, culminating in the grand final to be held on June 29th in the scenic island of Barbados.
The T20 World Cup has a storied history replete with nail-biting run-chases that have left fans on the edge of their seats. From iconic encounters like the India vs Pakistan classic to the Netherlands pulling off a stunning victory against England, the tournament has witnessed numerous last-ball dramas that encapsulate the essence of T20 cricket. Let’s delve into some of these memorable last-ball finishes that have etched themselves into the annals of cricket history.
One of the most unforgettable clashes in the history of the T20 World Cup occurred between arch-rivals India and Pakistan in 2022 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. In what can only be described as an extraordinary heist, Virat Kohli, emerging as the chase-master, led India from the brink of defeat. Chasing a formidable target of 160, India was faltering at a precarious 1/4 after just 6.1 overs, with the batting lineup struggling against a potent Pakistan bowling attack.
However, Kohli, with his characteristic composure and expert maneuvering, alongside the dependable Hardik Pandya, stitched together a remarkable partnership. Kohli played an innings for the ages, scoring a magnificent 82 from 53 balls, while Pandya contributed a crucial 40 from 37 balls. With two runs needed off the last ball, Mohammad Nawaz bowled a wide, bringing Ravi Ashwin to the crease who then lofted the ball over long-on for a boundary, sealing a historic victory for India on the final delivery.
The T20 World Cup 2014 saw Zimbabwe and the Netherlands lock horns in a gripping contest. The game oscillated throughout, with fortunes swinging like a pendulum. The Netherlands, batting first, set a target of 141, thanks largely to Tom Cooper’s stellar 72-run knock. Zimbabwe, sturdy at the start, wavered but eventually held their nerve.
In the chase, Hamilton Masakadza and Brendan Taylor gave Zimbabwe a solid platform despite an early setback when Sikandar Raza departed cheaply. Crucial knocks from Sean Williams, who scored a brisk 26 off 19 balls, and Vusi Sibanda, who hammered a six off the final ball when one run was required, ensured Zimbabwe emerged victorious in a last-ball thriller.
Interestingly, in the same 2014 edition, Zimbabwe found themselves on the other end of a last-ball chase against Ireland.
. Zimbabwe had posted a competitive 163/5, anchored by Brendan Taylor’s captain’s knock. The chase saw Ireland getting off to a steady start with a vital 80-run partnership for the opening stand between William Porterfield and Paul Stirling.
The game then swung back to Zimbabwe with Ireland losing four wickets for 49 runs. Yet, the determination of the Irish batsmen saw them needing four runs in the final over. Despite losing two wickets, a crucial bye on the last ball granted Ireland a thrilling victory with three wickets in hand.
In the 2010 T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka and India played an intensely contested match. India posted 164 runs, powered by Gautam Gambhir’s 41 and Suresh Raina’s 63. The Indian bowlers got off to a dream start, dismissing veteran batsmen Mahela Jayawardene and Sanath Jayasuriya early on.
Sri Lanka, however, fought back with Tillakaratne Dilshan, captain Kumar Sangakkara, and Angelo Matthews steading the ship. With Sri Lanka losing wickets at regular intervals, Chamara Kapugedera emerged as the hero with a game-defining 37 runs off just 16 balls. Needing three runs off the final ball, Kapugedera clobbered a six off Ashish Nehra, clinching victory for Sri Lanka.
Perhaps one of the most astonishing last-ball upsets occurred in the 2009 T20 World Cup when the Netherlands stunned host nation England. England, setting a target of 162 courtesy of Ravi Bopara (46) and Luke Wright (71), seemed in control. However, the Dutch showed tremendous grit.
After a shaky start, with both openers dismissed early by James Anderson and Stuart Broad, the Netherlands saw a resurgence through Tom de Grooth (49) and Peter Borren (30). Ryan ten Doeschate and Edgar Schiferli were at the crease in the final over, needing eight runs. Despite some tight bowling from Broad, the final ball saw an overthrow, allowing the Dutch to sneak in the required two runs for a sensational victory.
These moments crystallize the dynamic and unpredictably thrilling nature of T20 cricket, where the game can genuinely change in the blink of an eye, keeping spectators riveted till the last ball is bowled. As we look forward to the 2024 T20 World Cup, fans worldwide can only hope for more of these unforgettable last-ball dramas that make cricket a truly wonderful spectacle.
