DAVID SLAYS GOLIATH AT LORD’S, AND SRI LANKA’S FIRST WORLD CUP

The T20 World Cup has had many unforgettable moments in its eight editions, which have contributed to its popularity. Here are a few.

The T20 format emerged as an innovative spectacle aimed at captivating audiences with its fast-paced action, symbolised by the brisk flight of the white Kookaburra ball. Initially met with skepticism from purists and players alike, its potential as a serious cricketing endeavour was doubted.

However, in 2007, the inaugural World Twenty20 tournament signalled a significant shift. Over the ensuing 17 years, what was once dismissed as a mere entertainment gimmick has evolved into a cricket powerhouse. Today, T20 cricket commands a fervent following, surpassing even the traditional bastion of One Day Internationals (ODIS), which now struggles to maintain its relevance beyond its quadrennial pinnacle.

In the eight editions of the T20 World Cup, there have been numerous unforgettable moments that have contributed to the format's popularity.

GIBBS STEALS GAYLE’S THUNDER

It began with an exciting knock from two of cricket's biggest names, Chris Gayle and Herschelle Gibbs of the West Indies and South Africa.

The Gayle storm hit Johannesburg on September 11, 2007, during the opening game of the World Twenty20. The West Indian opener scored a whopping 117 runs off just 57 balls, hitting the ball out of the park multiple times. The West Indies finished its innings at 205/6. South Africa then chased the total down with 14 balls to spare and eight wickets in hand, thanks to Gibbs' unbeaten 90 off 55 balls.

This game had it all: a 50-ball hundred, 18 sixes, and a total of 413 runs scored. This moment marked the arrival of the World T20 and set the standard for how the game would be played — full of excitement and entertainment.

BOWLERS HAVE THEIR SAY

The format seems to favour batters, but there have been times when bowlers have dominated the game.

In 2009, Pakistan pacer Umar Gul (above) took the first five-wicket haul of the tournament. He was introduced in the 13th over, when New Zealand was 72/4. In the next five overs, Gul took five wickets, and the Kiwis were bowled out for 99. Gul bowled three overs, picked up five wickets, and conceded just six runs.

In 2014, Rangana Herath produced a stunning spell. New Zealand had bowled Sri Lanka out for 119 in a match that decided who qualifies for the semifinals. The left-arm spinner, introduced in the fourth over, instantly claimed a wicket, and picked up two more in his next over. He conceded a single off his 14th delivery but took a wicket on the next ball, leaving the Kiwis at 30/5 in eight overs. After a break, he came on to bowl his final over, which also turned out to be the last over of the match. Herath ended up with figures of five for three in 3.3 overs, and New Zealand was bowled out for 60. Sri Lanka went on to win the title that year.