With the T20 World Cup 2024 just around the corner, teams are putting their final touches on their preparations. The 20 participating teams have been divided into four groups of five each. Since the tournament's inception in 2007, there have been numerous instances of teams showcasing their prowess and dominating their opponents, while others have snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Let's delve into the closest defeat and biggest victory of T20 World Cup history.
Sri Lanka's storm over Kenya, a record-breaking T20 World Cup victory
In the annals of T20 World Cup history, Sri Lanka hold the coveted record for the biggest win in terms of runs. On September 14, 2007, in the tournament's inaugural edition, a star-studded Sri Lankan team demolished Kenya by a mammoth 172 runs, establishing a benchmark that remains unbroken to this day. At the Wanderers Stadium in South Africa, Sri Lanka while batting first and posted a colossal total of 260 runs. The Man of the Match, Sanath Jayasuriya, played a blistering knock of 88 runs off just 44 balls. Mahela Jayawardene also contributed a whirlwind 65 runs off 27 deliveries. Jehan Mubarak's fiery innings of 46 runs off 13 balls set a daunting target for Kenya. In response, the Kenyan batting lineup crumbled under the pressure of Sri Lankan bowling. Chaminda Vaas, Lasith Malinga, and Tillakaratne Dilshan each claimed two wickets, breaking the back of Kenya's batting. Kenya's entire innings was bundled out for a mere 88 runs, handing Sri Lanka a resounding 172-run victory. This remarkable victory etched Sri Lanka's name in T20 World Cup history, showcasing their dominance and setting a standard that has yet to be surpassed.
India snatched victory from the jaws of Bangladesh
In the history of the T20 World Cup, there have been five instances where the margin of victory or defeat between teams was just one run. India managed to win by one run on two occasions, thwarting the plans of the opposing teams. The most thrilling close encounter occurred on March 23, 2016, at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, when India revived a losing match and secured a one-run victory against Bangladesh. Batting first, Team India could only manage to score 146 runs in their 20 overs, with Suresh Raina scoring 30 and Virat Kohli contributing 24 runs, enabling India to reach a respectable score. In response, Bangladesh had made 145 runs for the loss of 6 wickets at one point and needed just 2 runs from the last 3 balls to win. But Hardik Pandya's incredible bowling turned the tide. He took two wickets in two balls, and with the scores tied, MS Dhoni's brilliant run-out on the last ball sealed a dramatic win for India.
Thrilling One-Run Victories in T20 World Cup History
The T20 World Cup has witnessed five nail-biting encounters where teams have emerged victorious by a mere margin of one run. These dramatic finishes have left fans on the edge of their seats and have become etched in the annals of cricket history.
2009: South Africa edged past New Zealand by one run in a pulsating encounter.
2010: New Zealand avenged their previous defeat, narrowly defeating Pakistan by one run.
2012: India produced a memorable one-run victory over South Africa, showcasing their resilience and determination.
2016: India repeated their heroics, this time against Bangladesh, in a match that went down to the wire.
2022: Zimbabwe stunned the cricketing world by defeating Pakistan by one run, adding another chapter to the T20 World Cup's legacy of thrilling finishes.
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