The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 comes to its final chapter with India taking on South Africa at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. With both the star studded lineups ready to lock horns against each other fans are excited to see who will deliver the goods for his team on the big stage.
The Indian Cricket Team is known to be a galaxy of stars with expectations of either of Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Virat Kohli or Hardik Pandya to win the Player Of The Match Award in the big final.
On the other hand South Africa is brimming with talent with the likes of Aiden Markram, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs or Kagiso Rabada to deliver the goods and grab the Player Of The Match award alongside the prestigious ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 trophy.
Before the final showdown, let’s have a look at the Player Of The Match holders from the finals of the previous editions of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2007 – Irfan Pathan
The veteran Indian fast bowling all-rounder, Irfan Pathan was all over India’s opponents, Pakistan in the final of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2007. The wicket at Johannesburg, South Africa felt like a paradise for Pathan as he went on dismantling Pakistan batting order claiming 3 wickets for 16 runs in his quota of 4 overs. India was able to defend 158.
Irfan Pathan dismissed Pakistan Captain Shoaib Malik, Shahid Afridi and Yasir Arafat.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2009 – Shahid Afridi
In the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2009, the Pakistani bowlers were all over the Sri Lankan batters as they restricted Sri Lanka to a modest 138. Shahid Afridi first grabbed the crucial wicket of Isuru Udana who just scored a single run.
Afridi then charged down the track with the bat smashing an unbeaten 54 off 40 balls. His six took Pakistan over the line to lift the trophy.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2010 – Craig Kieswetter
Craig Kieswetter played a memorable innings with a brisk 49-ball 63 in a crucial match. Partnering with Kevin Pietersen who scored 47 runs, Kieswetter forged a game-changing 111-run partnership. The English wicket-keeper’s innings included seven fours and two sixes, leading England to chase down the target of 148 runs with 18 balls remaining.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2012 – Marlon Samuels
Marlon Samuels delivered an iconic performance during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2012 final against Sri Lanka in Colombo. Despite West Indies losing two early wickets, Samuels took charge and played a crucial innings, scoring 78 runs off 56 balls. His contribution helped West Indies reach a total of 137/6 in their innings.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2014 – Kumar Sangakkara
Sri Lanka played against India in the final of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2014.While chasing 131, Kumar Sangakkara smashed an unbeaten 52 off 35 to guide Sri Lanka to the illustrious ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2016 – Marlon Samuels
Marlon Samuels clinched his second Player of the Match award in a World Cup final during the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2016, against England. His standout performance was crucial in the West Indies’ victorious campaign, marking their second title triumph. Samuels played a pivotal role, guiding his team with an unbeaten 85 runs off 66 balls, featuring nine boundaries and a couple of sixes. His innings was hailed as a pivotal resurrection effort, helping the Windies stage a remarkable comeback in the match.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 – Mitchell Marsh
Australia claimed their first-ever T20 World Cup title by defeating their Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand in the final held at Dubai. Mitchell Marsh, the current Australian T20 captain, was named Player of the Match for his decisive innings.
New Zealand set a competitive total of 172 runs in their 20 overs. Australia faced an early setback when Aaron Finch was dismissed cheaply. However, Mitchell Marsh and David Warner counterattacked, forging a crucial 92-run partnership that laid the groundwork for their chase.
Marsh took charge, remaining unbeaten on 77 runs off just 50 deliveries, featuring six boundaries and four sixes. After Warner’s departure, Glenn Maxwell accelerated with a quickfire 28 runs off 18 balls. Australia successfully chased down the target with seven deliveries to spare, securing their historic victory in the tournament.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 – Sam Curran
In the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 final against Pakistan, English all-rounder Sam Curran played a pivotal role by taking three key wickets, which helped restrict Pakistan to a below-par score. Despite facing challenges from Pakistan’s formidable bowling attack, England managed to successfully chase down the target of 138 runs with an over to spare.
Well it is going to be interesting to see who is awarded with the Player Of The Match in the Final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
