T20 World Cup's iconic moments: From Yuvraj Singh’s six sixes to Virat Kohli’s last-over heroics

With yet another ICC Men's T20 World Cup around the corner, all eyes are on the superstars set to take the field in the popular format. Ever since India won the inaugural tournament in 2007, several players have delivered iconic performances that have become part of T20I folklore.

As new heroes emerge in every edition, let's take a look at some of the most memorable individual moments that have defined the T20 World Cup.

Yuvraj Singh's iconic six sixes (2007)

During the first-ever T20 World Cup in South Africa, Yuvraj Singh made cricket history, smashing an unbelievable six sixes in a single over from England pacer Stuart Broad.

The left-handed all-rounder became only the fourth player in history to do so, joining legends like Garry Sobers, Ravi Shastri, and Herschelle Gibbs. More importantly, he was the first-ever to achieve it in a T20 match.

Yuvraj's explosive hitting not only powered India to a massive total but also allowed him to score the fastest 50 in T20 International history, reaching his half-century in just 12 balls. India went on to win that match and were later crowned champions after a thrilling five-run victory over Pakistan in the final.

Shahid Afridi's all-round performance (2009)

After being on the losing side in the 2007 final, Shahid Afridi was determined to win in 2009. Having been named Player of the Tournament in 2007, he returned with a mission.

In the semifinal against South Africa, Afridi delivered a spectacular all-round performance that carried Pakistan into their second consecutive final. First, he scored a crucial 51 runs from 34 balls. He then starred with the ball, taking the key wickets of Herschelle Gibbs and AB de Villiers. His excellent bowling figures of 2/16 helped secure the win and put Pakistan on the path to lifting the trophy.

Michael Hussey's unbelievable semifinal innings (2010)

The 2010 tournament, hosted in the West Indies, witnessed one of the greatest T20 innings ever played. Australia's Michael Hussey blasted an unbeaten 60 runs from just 24 balls.

Coming in to bat at number seven in the semifinal against Pakistan, Australia needed a daunting 87 runs from 45 balls. Hussey completely turned the game around with his explosive hitting. In the final over, with 18 runs needed to win, he hit bowler Saeed Ajmal for three sixes and a four, sealing an incredible win with one ball to spare.

Sunil Narine to West Indies’ rescue (2012)

In the 2012 final, spinner Sunil Narine delivered a masterful bowling performance to lead the West Indies to their first ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title.

The "mystery spinner" recorded stunning figures of 3/9, leaving Sri Lanka's batsmen baffled as they tried to chase 138 for the win. Narine took the vital wicket of Mahela Jayawardene before taking the final wicket of Lasith Malinga to seal the victory. His remarkable effort ensured Sri Lanka fell 36 runs short of their target.

Rangana Herath’s incredible spell (2014)

In a crucial match where the winner would advance to the semifinals, Sri Lanka’s Rangana Herath bowled one of the most incredible spells in T20 history, taking five wickets for only three runs.

After Sri Lanka were bowled out for a low score of 119 by New Zealand, their chances looked slim. But Herath completely dismantled the Black Caps' batting lineup, taking key wickets and also contributing to two run-outs. New Zealand had no answer for Herath's skill that day and were bowled out for a mere 60 runs.

Carlos Brathwaite does the unthinkable (2016)

Carlos Brathwaite's four back-to-back sixes in the 2016 T20 World Cup final is a moment etched in cricket folklore. Needing 19 runs from the final over to beat England, victory looked almost impossible for the West Indies. But Brathwaite stepped up and smashed Ben Stokes's first four balls for sixes. The incredible finish won the trophy for the West Indies, a moment made even more famous by commentator Ian Bishop's legendary line: “Carlos Brathwaite! Remember the name!”

Mitchell Marsh powers Australia to their first T20 title (2021)

Mitchell Marsh played the innings of his life in the 2021 final, scoring an unbeaten 77 to lead Australia to its first-ever T20 World Cup title. The Aussies successfully chased down the 173-run target set by New Zealand.

After captain Aaron Finch was dismissed early, Marsh partnered with David Warner to steady the chase before unleashing his powerful hitting. For his match-winning performance, Marsh was named Player of the Match as Australia cruised to an eight-wicket victory.

Ben Stokes finds redemption in the final (2022)

England's second T20 World Cup win was historic. It made them the first nation to hold both the ODI and T20 World Cup titles at the same time. For Ben Stokes, it was also a moment of personal triumph.

After the heartbreak of the 2016 final, Stokes found redemption. First, Sam Curran's brilliant bowling (3/12) helped restrict Pakistan to a modest 137/8. In reply, England's chase stumbled, and they were soon in trouble at 45/3. But Ben Stokes anchored the chase with a calm and calculated unbeaten 52, guiding his team to victory with an over to spare.

Virat Kohli's masterclass in his final T20I (2024)

In a performance reminiscent of Stokes's calm under pressure, another modern-day great, Virat Kohli, delivered a masterclass in the 2024 final. Kohli anchored India’s innings with a magnificent 76.

After seeing his team slip to a precarious 34/3, Kohli took control, steering India to a competitive total of 176/7. Though their opponents, South Africa, came close, they ultimately fell seven runs short, thanks in part to exceptional bowling from Jasprit Bumrah. However, it was Player of the Match Kohli who stole the headlines in what was a fitting end to his T20 International career.