Top 10 Most Thrilling T20 International Matches of All Time
T20 International cricket has been a theatre of adrenaline-fueled battles, last-ball dramas, and record-breaking performances since its inception in 2005. From unexpected underdog triumphs to high-voltage India-Pakistan clashes, these encounters have defined the very soul of the shortest format. Here’s a countdown of the 10 most thrilling T20 International matches of all time—arranged in chronological order.
1. South Africa vs West Indies – Johannesburg (2007)
Date: September 11, 2007
Result: South Africa won by 8 wickets
Why It Thrilled: In the opening game of the inaugural T20 World Cup, Chris Gayle smashed the first-ever T20I century (117 off 57 balls), but South Africa chased down 205 with ease, thanks to Herschelle Gibbs and Justin Kemp. It was the match that set the tone for the T20 revolution.
2. India vs Pakistan – Durban (2007)
Date: September 14, 2007
Result: Tie – India won in Bowl Out
Why It Thrilled: India Pakistan match always regarded as high voltage cricket match. History has witnessed it time and again. This match ended in a tie, and the first-ever bowl-out in T20 World Cup history ensued. India held their nerve and won 3-0. It was a nerve-jangling contest and set up the legendary rivalry in T20s.
3. India vs Pakistan – Johannesburg (2007 Final)
Date: September 24, 2007
Result: India won by 5 runs
Why It Thrilled: The inaugural T20 World Cup final. A young Indian team under MS Dhoni defended 157. Misbah-ul-Haq’s attempted scoop off Joginder Sharma in the final over ended in heartbreak for Pakistan and euphoria for Indian fans.
4. India vs Sri Lanka – Mohali (2009)
Date: December 12, 2009
Result: India won by 6 wickets
Why It Thrilled: In a high-scoring chase of 207, Yuvraj Singh scored a blazing 60 off 25 balls. India clinched the game in the last over—this was early proof of the high-octane finishes T20s were becoming known for.
5. South Africa vs England – Mumbai (2016)
Date: March 18, 2016
Result: England won by 2 wickets
Why It Thrilled: South Africa scored 229/4, but Joe Root’s stunning 83 off 44 powered England to a historic chase. A nail-biting finish made this one of the most memorable World Cup group matches.
6. India vs Bangladesh – Bangalore (2016)
Date: March 23, 2016
Result: India won by 1 run
Why It Thrilled: Bangladesh needed 2 runs off 3 balls but lost three wickets in three balls. MS Dhoni’s sprint to run out Mustafizur Rahman is etched in every Indian fan’s memory.
7. England vs New Zealand – Delhi (2016)
Date: March 30, 2016
Result: England won by 7 wickets (Semi-final)
Why It Thrilled: Chasing 154, Jason Roy’s 78 off 44 took England to the final. Though not a last-ball finish, it was a high-quality knockout with masterclass batting.
8. India vs Australia – Mohali (2016)
Date: March 27, 2016
Result: India won by 6 wickets
Why It Thrilled: In a must-win match, Virat Kohli played arguably the finest T20I innings (82* off 51). His running between the wickets and flawless shot selection sealed the chase.
9. India vs Pakistan – Melbourne (2022)
Date: October 23, 2022
Result: India won by 4 wickets
Why It Thrilled: Arguably the greatest T20I match in modern history. Virat Kohli’s 82* off 53 helped India chase 160, including a magical six off Haris Rauf. Over 90,000 fans witnessed this thriller at the MCG.
10. India vs South Africa – Bridgetown (2024 Final)
Date: June 29, 2024
Result: India won by 7 runs
Why It Thrilled: India defended 176 in the final over, thanks to Hardik Pandya’s nerveless death bowling. It ended India’s 17-year-long T20 World Cup drought and sent the nation into raptures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): ICC Men’s T20 International Matches Records
Q1: Which is considered the most thrilling T20 International match ever?
A: The 2007 ICC World T20 final between India and Pakistan is widely regarded as the most thrilling T20 matches, ending with India clinching victory in a last-over thriller.
Q2: Has there ever been a T20I match decided by a bowl-out or Super Over?
A: Yes, several. For example, India vs Pakistan in the 2007 World T20 group stage ended in a tie and was decided by a bowl-out—India won 3-0. This, we believe is the most unforgettable t20 world cup matches ever considering Pakistan’s best bowling attack. However, no one from the Pakistan side managed to hit the stumps.
Q3: What is the highest run-chase successfully completed in T20I history?
A: As of now, South Africa chased down 259 against West Indies in 2023—the highest successful chase in a T20I match.
Q4: Which countries have won the ICC T20 World Cup, and how many times?
- West Indies – 2 titles (2012, 2016)
- England – 2 titles (2010, 2022)
- India – 2 title (2007, 2024)
- Pakistan – 1 title (2009)
- Sri Lanka – 1 title (2014)
- Australia – 1 title (2021)
Q5: What is a Super Over in T20 cricket?
A: A Super Over is used to decide the winner if the match ends in a tie. Each team gets 6 balls to score as many runs as possible, and the higher scorer wins..
Q6: Has any team won the T20 World Cup undefeated?
A: Yes, India went unbeaten to win the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Q7: Who is the highest run-scorer in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup history?
A: Virat Kohli holds the record for most runs in T20 World Cup history.
- Runs Scored: 1,292 runs
- Span: 2012–2024
- Highest Average: 58.72
- Kohli has the most fifties (15) in the tournament’s history and a remarkable average, showcasing consistency at the biggest stage.
Q8: Who is the highest wicket-taker in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup history?
A: Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh) is the leading wicket-taker in the history of the T20 World Cup.
- Wickets Taken: 50 wickets
- Span: 2007–2024
- Economy: 6.86
- Known for his all-round excellence and longevity, Shakib leads the pack by combining economy and strike rate.
Q9: Who has the most dismissals as a wicketkeeper in T20 World Cup?
A: MS Dhoni leads with 32 dismissals (21 catches, 11 stumpings).