In recent times, T20 International cricket has delivered some electrifying finishes that have left fans on the edge of their seats. From nail-biting last-over thrillers to dramatic super-over showdowns, these matches have etched themselves into cricketing lore. Here, we recount the top 5 most memorable T20I finishes that have captivated audiences worldwide, showcasing the unpredictable and exhilarating nature of the shortest format of the game.
India vs Afghanistan, T20 series 2024
In an exciting third Twenty20 International between India and Afghanistan, the visitors chased down the goal of 212 in 20 overs, forcing a Super Over and ultimately ending in a tie.
With the help of Rinku Singh and Rohit Sharma, India progressed from 22 for 4 to 212 for 4, marking their biggest partnership in T20I history. Rohit Sharma’s task wasn’t complete as he had to return for the super over. He retired hurt in the first super over but returned for the second one, guiding India to victory.
India v Pakistan, 2007, T20 World Cup final
India and Pakistan faced off again in the final following a tie and bowl-out in their group stage match. It was another exciting game. India reached 157 with to quick starts from 20-year-old Rohit Sharma and 75 from Gautam Gambhir.
Pakistan was kept in the game by Misbah-ul-Haq despite the frequent wickets taken by India’s seamers. Joginder Sharma’s final over began with a six off the second delivery, reducing the equation to six from four with one wicket remaining. India were the first T20 world champions when Misbah went for the scoop and found a short, fine leg.
England v Netherlands, 2009
In the opening match of the T20 World Cup 2009, Netherlands stunned England. England only managed to reach 162 after wasting a century-opening partnership. Although the chase wasn’t off to a good start, Netherlands managed to surpass the set target thanks to a quick half-century stand between Tom de Grooth and Peter Borren. Stuart Broad was left to defend six from the final over.
West Indies v England, 2016
In the twentieth over at Eden Gardens, Brathwaite hammered Ben Stokes for six, six, six, to win the West Indies’ second World T20 trophy. Drama abounded in the final from the start, as England fell to 23 for 3 early on before Jos Buttler (36 off 22) and Joe Root (54 off 36) turned around the innings to take the side to 155. Root wasn’t finished. He took two wickets in the second over, including the huge one of Gayle. Then, as wickets dropped all around him, Marlon Samuels produced one of the greatest T20I innings, scoring 85 not out off 66. However, West Indies required 19 runs from the last over, and Brathwaite delivered one of the decade’s most memorable moments.
India v Australia, 2016
Australia made a quick start in a virtual quarter-final, with openers Aaron Finch and Usman Khawaja scoring 54 off 4.1 overs. On a field that offers spin and some inconsistent bounce, they set a target of 161, presenting India with a difficult chase. Then, after scoring 82 not out of 51, Virat Kohli produced one of his best T20I performances. The seven twos he ran in the Mohali heat were among his most stunning innings. India was still in the hunt thanks to those, but with 43 to eliminate, boundaries were required. After Dhoni had beaten Shane Watson, Kohli had a 4, 4, 6, 2 against James Faulkner to turn the tide of the match in India’s favour.
Editors pick
