Embark on a mesmerizing exploration of the evolution of T20 cricket, spanning from its origins to the forthcoming World Cup in the USA and West Indies. Revisit legendary rivalries and indelible moments that have shaped the thrilling essence of this format
09 June, 2024
PHOTO: ICC
Cricket originated in England during the 16th century and has evolved significantly since then. Test cricket, the oldest and most traditional format, established the sport's foundation.
The introduction of One Day Internationals (ODIs) brought added excitement with colorful uniforms and white balls. However, a major revolution occurred in 2003 when England introduced the T20 format, which quickly became a global phenomenon. The first international T20 match between Australia and New Zealand in 2005 set the stage for the future.
The inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007, hosted by South Africa, featured 12 teams in a thrilling tournament. A highlight was the India vs. Pakistan group match, which ended in a dramatic tie and a subsequent bowl-out that India won. Under Shoaib Malik's captaincy, Pakistan advanced to the finals but narrowly lost to India, with Misbah-ul-Haq's efforts falling just short against MS Dhoni’s team.
In 2009, despite political turmoil and terrorism in Pakistan, the national cricket team, led by Younis Khan and driven by Shahid Afridi’s all-round performance, won the T20 World Cup in England. After a rocky start, Pakistan's historic victory over Sri Lanka in the final brought immense joy and pride to the nation.
Subsequent T20 World Cups continued to provide unforgettable moments. In 2010, Pakistan reached the semi-finals but lost to Australia in a thrilling match. The 2012 edition saw the West Indies, led by Marlon Samuels and Sunil Narine, triumph over hosts Sri Lanka. The 2014 tournament in Bangladesh crowned Sri Lanka as 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 clinch the title.
In 2021, Pakistan made history by defeating India for the first time in a World Cup match, with outstanding performances from Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, and Babar Azam.
Anticipation is high for the 2024 T20 World Cup, hosted jointly by the USA and West Indies. Led by Babar Azam, Pakistan aims to reclaim its former glory.
Despite a surprising loss to the USA in their opening match, the team remains determined to perform well. The much-anticipated clash between Pakistan and India on June 9 in New York is expected to be a tournament highlight.
