ICC T20 World Cup: 5 best knocks in the history of the tournament

Virat Kohli (PC: Twitter)

The whistles have been blown. The troops are ready and so are the spectators. The stage is set for the biggest T20I extravaganza. Yes, you guessed it right. We are talking about the T20 World Cup, which is only ten days away from us. 

The tournament, dated back to 2007, has witnessed plenty of incredible knocks. However, it's a little effort to make you relive the best five innings, which will enthral us for the ages to come. 

Gautam Gambhir 75 (54) vs Pakistan, 2007 

India and Pakistan were up against each other in the Grand Finale of the World Cup. There can't be a bigger stage for any player from both countries to shine and etch his name in the history books. And to India's fortune, it was the turn of Gautam Gambhir to be an overnight hero. 

Gambhir, who had blown hot and cold till then, had preserved his best for the final. Opening the batting, the stylish southpaw slammed 75 runs off 54 balls, including eight gorgeous boundaries and two humongous maxima, at a marvellous strike rate of 138.89. 

Given that India won by only five runs, his inning was arguably the most vital contribution by an Indian in that game. 

Michael Hussey 60* (24) vs Pakistan, 2010 

Michael Hussey (PC: Twitter)

This time the occasion was the second semifinal of the World Cup. Umar Akmal's breathtaking knock propelled Pakistan to a mammoth 191. Chasing 192 against a formidable Pakistan bowling attack was always going to be daunting. 

To make matters worse, Australia dug their own grave by losing wickets regularly. However, a certain Michael Hussey was determined to take his side past the finish line. 

When Australia needed 48 off just 17 deliveries, Hussey decided to go after Pakistan's premier spinner, Saeed Ajmal. He continued smashing the off-spinner all around the park and powered Australia to victory within the blink of an eye.

His 60-run knock involved six huge sixes, out of which three came in the last over. Besides bringing joy to millions of his countrymen, Mr Cricket's whirlwind inning shattered Pakistan's World Cup hopes. 

Marlon Samuels 78 (56) vs Sri Lanka, 2012 

Marlons Samuels (PC: Twitter)

The way Sri Lanka were marching in the 2012 World Cup, it was almost inevitable that they would end up being the champions. 

They won all games, barring the one against South Africa in the league stage and even defeated West Indies in the Super Eights. After all, they were the home boys. All these facts ensured their entry into the final as the firm favourites. 

However, Marlon Samuels had other ideas. Despite wickets tumbling at one end, the swashbuckling right-hander fought with utmost bravery. 

His sensational 78-run knock, involving three fours and six sixes, guided West Indies to a respectable 137 on a sluggish Colombo surface, which was defended successfully by the Men in Maroon later. 

Yuvraj Singh 70 (30) vs Australia, 2007 

Even if you ask Yuvraj Singh, he will consider it his finest T20I knock. Of course, there always revolves a lot of buzz around the iconic fifty against England, but in my humble opinion, this was probably the best I have ever seen Yuvraj bat in his career.

As expected, India had an undesirable start in the all-important semifinal, losing both openers cheaply. 

Yuvraj walks in, steamrolls the Australian bowling unit and blasts his way through a memorable 30-ball 70. 

In the words of the legendary Harsha Bhogle, it was 'Yuvraj unleashed, absolutely unleashed'. His epic inning took India to 188 despite being 41 for two at the end of eight overs. This speaks volumes for the gravity of that hurricane, which blew away the mighty Aussies in Durban that night. 

Kane Williamson 85 (48) vs Australia, 2021

Kane Williamson (PC: Twitter)

I list this knock as one of the most influential ones I have ever seen in a World Cup. Practically, Australia were clear favourites to win the title and winning the toss in Dubai just boosted their chances. 

However, a leader's job is to set an example for his men about how to deal with unfavourable conditions, and Williamson did precisely that. 

The Blackcaps skipper went bonkers against Australia's premier fast bowler Mitchell Starc, hammering him for 39 runs in only 12 deliveries. He pierced through the gaps and smashed the balls around the park, which was vital in guiding New Zealand to a defendable 172.

Unfortunately, the Kiwis lost the match, but it doesn't lessen the importance of Williamson's knock because of how he paced it and the occasion he chose to play it. 

Also Read: IND vs SA: Three Key takeaways from the series