These innings show the skill and bravery of these talented batsmen, highlighting their brilliance in these crucial matches. In this article, we’ll look at the top 5 amazing batting performances in the finals of the Men’s T20 World Cup.
5. Virat Kohli- Sri Lanka 2014
Sri Lanka chose to bowl first after winning the toss in the 2014 T20 World Cup final at Sher-e-Bangla Stadium. India’s Ajinkya Rahane got out early for 3 runs. Rohit Sharma (29) and Virat Kohli then built a 60-run partnership.
Despite their efforts, India struggled to score quickly against Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling. Virat Kohli stood out, scoring 77 runs off 58 balls with five fours and four sixes. India ended with a total of 130 runs, which was below expectations.
In reply, Kumar Sangakkara led Sri Lanka with an unbeaten 52-run innings, guiding them to victory by six wickets with 13 balls to spare.
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4. Gautam Gambhir- vs Pakistan 2007
India’s cricket team played against Pakistan in the first T20 World Cup in 2007 in Johannesburg. India batted first after winning the toss but lost early wickets. Gautam Gambhir played a crucial innings, scoring 75 runs from 54 balls with eight fours and two sixes. India set a total of 157 runs with help from Rohit Sharma’s quick 30 runs.
Pakistan started strong with Imran Nazir scoring quickly, but they lost wickets regularly. In the last over, Pakistan needed 13 runs with Misbah-ul-Haq at bat. Joginder Sharma took Misbah-ul-Haq’s wicket, helping India win the T20 World Cup by five runs.
3. Marlon Samuels- vs West Indies 2012
In 2007, India played Pakistan in the first T20 World Cup in Johannesburg. India batted first after winning the toss but lost early wickets. Gautam Gambhir then scored 75 runs to help India reach 157. Pakistan started strongly with Imran Nazir’s quick 33, but lost wickets regularly. In the final over, Pakistan needed 13 runs with Misbah-ul-Haq batting. Joginder Sharma took the crucial wicket, and India won the T20 World Cup by five runs.
2. Mitchell Marsh- vs New Zealand 2021
Australia chose to bat first after winning a coin toss against New Zealand in the 2021 T20 World Cup final at Dubai International Stadium. Kane Williamson played well for New Zealand, scoring 85 runs in 48 balls. New Zealand scored a total of 172 runs.
In reply, Australia lost Aaron Finch early, but David Warner (53) and Mitchell Marsh partnered well, adding 92 runs for the second wicket. Mitchell Marsh remained not out with 77 runs off 50 balls, hitting six fours and four sixes. Australia won the match by eight wickets with seven balls left to spare.
1. Marlon Samuels- vs England 2016
West Indies chose to bowl first after winning the toss in the 2016 T20 World Cup final at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. England scored 155 runs in their 20 overs, with Joe Root making 54 and Jos Buttler 36.
England started strong, taking three wickets early. Marlon Samuels and Dwayne Bravo then added 75 runs together, bringing West Indies back into the match. Going into the last over, West Indies needed 19 runs to win, and Carlos Brathwaite hit four consecutive sixes off Ben Stokes, securing victory for West Indies.
Marlon Samuels was the standout player for West Indies, scoring an unbeaten 85 off 66 balls with nine fours and two sixes, leading his team to their second T20 World Cup title.
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