Journey through the captivating evolution of T20 cricket, from its inception to the upcoming World Cup in the USA and West Indies. Relive historic rivalries and unforgettable moments that have defined this exhilarating format.
Cricket began in the 16th century in England and has undergone numerous transformations. Test cricket, the oldest and most traditional format, laid the foundation. Introducing One Day Internationals (ODIs) added excitement with colorful kits and white balls. However, it was in 2003 that England revolutionized the game by introducing the T20 format, which swiftly became a global sensation. The inaugural international T20 match between Australia and New Zealand in 2005 set the stage for what was to come.
Australia wins as finalists of the 2003 T20 World Cup PHOTO: Cricket Australia
The first ICC T20 World Cup, hosted by South Africa in 2007, saw 12 teams compete in a highly entertaining tournament. The India vs. Pakistan group match was a standout, ending in a dramatic tie and subsequent bowl-out, where India triumphed. Under Shoaib Malik’s captaincy, Pakistan advanced to the finals but was narrowly defeated by India in a heart-stopping finale. Misbah-ul-Haq’s valiant efforts almost clinched the victory, but India emerged victorious under MS Dhoni’s leadership.
In 2009, amid political turmoil and terrorism in Pakistan, the national cricket team, led by Younis Khan and powered by Shahid Afridi’s all-round brilliance, clinched the T20 World Cup in England. Despite a shaky start, Pakistan’s historic win over Sri Lanka in the final brought the nation a wave of joy and pride.
Subsequent tournaments continued to deliver unforgettable moments. In 2010, Pakistan reached the semi-finals but lost to Australia in a dramatic finish. The 2012 edition saw West Indies, led by Marlon Samuels and Sunil Narine, triumph over hosts Sri Lanka. The 2014 tournament in Bangladesh crowned Sri Lanka champions after they defeated India in the final.
The 2016 T20 World Cup in India featured an iconic final where West Indies’ Carlos Brathwaite hit four consecutive sixes off Ben Stokes to win the title.
In 2021, Pakistan made history by defeating India for the first time in a World Cup match, thanks to stellar performances by Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, and Babar Azam.
Pakistan team defeats Indian team in 2021 T20 World Cup PHOTO:Aljazeera
The excitement is palpable as we look ahead to the 2024 T20 World Cup, hosted jointly by the USA and West Indies. Pakistan, led by Babar Azam, aims to recreate its past glory. Despite a surprising loss to minnows USA in their opening match, the team remains determined to perform well and make its mark. The much-anticipated clash between Pakistan and India on June 9 in New York promises to be a tournament highlight.
