Iconic Moments of World T20 History | World T20 2022:
Let’s recall some magnificent performances in the history of the T20 World Cup.
The T20 World Cup is inching closer and the excitement is mounting for the cricket fraternity and rightly so. Before the upcoming World Cup begins, let’s revisit some of the match-winning performances who stood tall and guided their side to new heights.
1. Shahid Afridi
In the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup, Shahid Afridi lived up to his name. Although Pakistan couldn’t clinch the T20 title in that edition (2007) but Afridi was the man who guided Pakistan to new heights.The all-rounder was the fourth-highest wicket-taker of that edition, picking up 12 wickets at 15.66. The man dubbed Boom Boom also scored a total of 91 runs in 7 matches.
2. Kevin Pietersen
England clinched their maiden T20 World Cup title in 2010 and Kevin Pietersen was the one who stood out with his performances. Pietersen was the second-highest scorer of the tournament having scored 248 runs in six matches at a healthy strike rate of 137. His highest score in the tournament was 73 which came against Pakistan and the English batter also contributed with a vital 47 in the final against arch-rivals, Australia.
3. Shane Watson
During the 2012 T20 World Cup, Shane Watson showed his class both with the bat and ball. The all-rounder proved his worth and helped Australia to reach the semi-final of the tournament where they lost their race to eventual champions, West Indies. As an opener, Watson scored 249 runs in six matches. He averaged 49.80 and had a healthy strike rate of 150.
4. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli was at his glorious best during the 2014 edition of the T20 World Cup.The right-handed batsman helped his side to chase down competitive totals. Besides this, Kohli was a master at putting up match-winning totals too. The belligerent batter scored a total of 319 runs in only six matches at an average of 106 and a strike rate of 129. Nevertheless, despite the enormous efforts of Kohli, India failed to claim the T20 title as Sri Lanka lifted their maiden T20 title. Kohli also won the man of the tournament award in 2016 as he emulated his heroics of 2014.
5. David Warner
In the last edition of the T20 World Cup, David Warner was awarded this honour. He retrieved his lost form in an all-important tournament and steered his side to their maiden T20 title.The left-handed batsman scored 289 runs in seven matches at an impressive strike rate of 146.