The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024: Last-Ball Thrillers That Defied the Odds
From the Netherlands pulling off a stunning upset against England to India’s memorable victory over arch-rivals Pakistan, powered by a Virat Kohli masterclass, the T20 World Cup has witnessed its fair share of the unthinkable. Let’s take a look back at the most iconic last-ball run chases in the tournament’s history.
In 2009, the Netherlands were the first team to achieve this feat, stunning England at Lord’s. Riding on impressive knocks from Ravi Bopara and Luke Wright, England posted 162/5. However, Ryan ten Doeschate’s experience helped the underdogs turn the tide. Despite losing their openers early, Tom de Grooth’s anchoring 49 off 30 balls kept the Netherlands in the hunt, and they ultimately clinched a historic win, capitalizing on an overthrow from Stuart Broad in the final delivery.
The next iconic last-ball chase took place between Sri Lanka and India in 2012. Gautam Gambhir and Suresh Raina’s efforts helped India set a 164-run target, but Lasith Malinga’s brilliant spell kept the game close. As the match slipped out of Sri Lanka’s grasp, Chamara Kapugedera’s explosive 37 off 16 balls helped them seal the win with a last-ball six.
In 2014, Ireland successfully pulled off a last-ball run-chase against Zimbabwe in the group stage. A tightly contested affair saw Ireland’s openers William Porterfield and Paul Stirling take control, but Tinashe Panyangara’s four-wicket haul kept the match alive. Ireland ultimately managed to scramble past Zimbabwe with three wickets in hand.
The same year, Zimbabwe made amends for their loss against Ireland by identically overcoming the Netherlands, winning on the final ball. Tom Cooper’s 72 off 58 balls helped the Netherlands post 140, but a steady partnership from Hamilton Masakadza and Brendan Taylor, coupled with Vusi Sibanda’s last-ball six, secured the victory for Zimbabwe.
Most recently, in the 2022 edition, India scripted one of the most memorable finishes, beating Pakistan in a last-ball thriller. Shan Masood and Iftikhar Ahmed’s knocks helped Pakistan set a 160-run target, but Virat Kohli’s heroics, along with Hardik Pandya’s support, kept India in the hunt. With 13 runs needed off the last three balls, a no-ball from Mohammad Nawaz turned the tables, and Ravichandran Ashwin’s final-ball loft over mid-off sealed the victory for India.
“The T20 World Cup has a way of producing the unthinkable, and these last-ball thrillers are a testament to the unpredictability and excitement of the game.” – ICC Men’s T20 World Cup News
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