Fitting Finale: Top Four Totals in T20 World Cup Finals

The T20 World Cup final is the pinnacle of the shortest format of cricket, a stage where champions are crowned and history is made. While thrilling bowling spells and nail-biting finishes are etched in memory, the high-scoring encounters also hold a special place in the tournament’s legacy. Let’s take a look at the top 4 totals posted in T20 World Cup finals:

Australia’s Calculated Onslaught (173 in 2021 T20 WC Final)

The 2021 final in Dubai witnessed a masterclass in calculated aggression from Australia. After opting to bowl first, they restricted New Zealand to a respectable 172/4. Kane Williamson (85) anchored the innings with a composed knock, while Martin Guptill (28) provided crucial support. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, New Zealand managed to post a competitive 172.

In reply, David Warner (53) provided a solid foundation before Mitchell Marsh (77*) took center stage. His knock, laced with 6 fours and 4 sixes, propelled Australia to a convincing victory with 1.1 overs to spare. This clinical display, with a score of 173/2, stands as the highest total ever posted in a T20 World Cup final.

Australia restricted New Zealand to 172/4 in the 2021 T20 WC Final

Windies’ Clinical Chase in Kolkata (161 in 2016 T20 WC Final)

The 2016 final at Eden Gardens was a classic example of the West Indies’ explosive batting prowess. Chasing a target of 156 set by England, Johnson Charles (52) provided a whirlwind start. Lendl Simmons (82*) then took over, stitching together a crucial partnership with Andre Russell (43) to guide the Windies home with 2 balls to spare. This clinical chase showcased the Windies’ ability to chase down even the most daunting totals on big occasions.

Gambhir Takes India to Fighting Total (157 in 2007 T20 WC Final)

The inaugural T20 World Cup final in 2007 witnessed a batting masterclass from Gautam Gambhir. Facing arch-rivals Pakistan, India opted to bat first. Openers Gambhir (75) and Yusuf Pathan (15) provided a flying start. Rohit Sharma continued his rampage, scoring a blistering 30 off just 16 balls, propelling India to 157/5. Pakistan’s chase fell short by 5 runs, in a thrilling last-over finish.

England Break the WC Hoodoo (148 in 2010 T20 WC Final)

In a nail-biting final at the 2010 World Twenty20, England finally exorcised their limited-overs demons by claiming their first ever ICC title with a convincing win over arch-rivals Australia. Australia’s batting faltered first, succumbing to England’s fiery pace attack for a meagre 147. Early wickets crippled the Australian innings despite a valiant 59 from David Hussey. 

England’s chase began with a stutter, but Craig Kieswetter and Kevin Pietersen steadied the ship. The duo formed an unstoppable partnership, feasting on the Australian bowling with a flurry of boundaries. Kieswetter’s audacious strokeplay and Pietersen’s characteristic aggression propelled England towards victory. Although both fell within sight of the finish line, cool heads from Eoin Morgan and Paul Collingwood ensured England crossed the line with 18 balls to spare. This emphatic win marked a turning point for English cricket, signifying a new era of dominance in the shorter formats of the game.

The highest totals in T20 World Cup finals showcase the evolving nature of the game. With ever-improving batting techniques and powerful stroke play, high-scoring encounters are becoming a regular feature of the shortest format. The upcoming editions of the T20 World Cup promise to witness a battle between bowlers and batsmen, with the possibility of these records being challenged and rewritten.