Which are the greatest batting performances in T20 World Cup finals? A look at the top five innings that defined title clashes.
T20 cricket is a distinct format with its own approach and demands. It is not simply about speeding up a fifty-over game or turning singles into doubles and doubles into threes. Instead, T20 operates more like a high-risk, high-reward investment.
If a team approaches T20 with the mindset of merely rotating the strike, collecting singles and doubles, and relying on an anchor to hold the innings together, it does not always reflect the true nature of the format. T20 requires intent, calculated risks, and aggressive scoring from the outset.
With that in mind, this article looks at five of the best innings in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup finals, remembered for their intensity, match-winning impact, and heroic performances under pressure. From Virat Kohli’s calm and composed 76 under pressure to Marlon Samuels’ professional and powerful unbeaten 85, these innings helped their teams overcome difficult moments on the biggest stage.
1.Virat Kohli – 76 vs South Africa (Bridgetown, 2024 T20 World Cup final)
Talking about the best innings in an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final without mentioning Virat Kohli is almost impossible. The legendary India batter scored a crucial 76 for India against South Africa in the final of the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Although he did not score heavily in the rest of the tournament, Kohli delivered when it mattered most.
Playing at the Kensington Oval, he anchored the innings and helped India post a competitive total in the title clash. His match-winning knock proved decisive, as India went on to defeat South Africa by seven runs and lift their second T20 World Cup title.
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2. Marlon Samuels – 85* vs England (Kolkata, 2016 T20 World Cup final)
Many remember the epic 2016 final at Eden Gardens for Carlos Brathwaite and his famous heroics. However, the main architect of West Indies’ victory was Marlon Samuels. He played a calm yet powerful innings of 85* off 66 balls, keeping the West Indies in the chase when they were struggling at 11/3 while pursuing a target of 156. He held the innings together and absorbed the pressure applied by the England bowlers.
Brathwaite’s iconic four sixes in the final over came only after Samuels had already laid the foundation with his composed batting and late acceleration. Thanks to Samuels’ steady knock and crucial boundaries in the closing overs, West Indies secured a four-wicket victory and became two-time T20 World Cup champions.
3. Mitchell Marsh – 77* vs New Zealand (Dubai, 2021 T20 World Cup Final)
Mitchell Marsh proved to be the game-changer for Australia when they lifted their first ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title in 2021. Kane Williamson’s explosive batting helped the New Zealand post a competitive total of 172. However, the New Zealand bowlers found it difficult to trouble Marsh, who began his innings with a six off the very first ball he faced.
The 34-year-old went on to play a superb knock of 77, striking six fours and four sixes. Marsh was named Player of the Match as Australia secured a comfortable eight-wicket victory.
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4. Gautam Gambhir – 75 vs Pakistan (Johannesburg , 2007 T20 World Cup Final)
Nineteen years have passed since the evening of September 24, 2007, when India became the first-ever world champions in the shortest format of the game by winning the inaugural ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
After electing to bat, Gautam Gambhir, one of India’s standout performers throughout the tournament, scored a crucial 75. His innings helped MS Dhoni’s side reach 157/5 in their 20 overs. Gambhir’s calm and composed approach proved vital, playing a key role in India’s historic victory in the inaugural T20 World Cup and reinforcing his reputation as a player who thrives in high-pressure finals.
5. Shahid Afridi 54* – vs Sri Lanka (Lord’s, 2009 T20 World Cup Final)
June 21 remains a special day for Pakistan Cricket, especially for Shahid Afridi. On this day in 2009, Afridi’s 54 off 40 balls outshone Kumar Sangakkara’s 64 and helped Pakistan win their first and ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title so far.
Afridi features on this list for his match-winning performance against Sri Lanka in the final. He made a significant impact not only with the bat but also with the ball. His impressive spell of 1/20 in four overs helped restrict Sri Lanka to a modest total of 138.
After a slow start to the chase from Kamran Akmal and Shahzaib Hasan, Afridi stepped up when his team needed him most. Batting at number three, he guided Pakistan towards victory and ensured they crossed the finish line. The winning run eventually came through a leg-bye off Lasith Malinga.
In conclusion, the pressure of final matches in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup often separates great players from the rest. While many struggle under the weight of expectations, a few rise to the occasion and deliver unforgettable performances.
These innings may not always end in victory for their teams, but they leave a lasting impact on the game. Such performances showcase courage, composure, and skill at the highest level, and they continue to be remembered by cricket fans around the world.
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