ICC T20I WC: 11 Players Who Went Duck in the Tourney’s Finale

Kamran Akmal was the first player to be dismissed for a duck in the history of T20 World Cup final

As the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 approaches its pinnacle on June 29th, the prospect of ducks in the final looms as a poignant subplot. In cricket, a duck signifies a batsman's dismissal without scoring a single run, often crucially impacting team momentum and strategy. Whether through a misjudged shot, a brilliant delivery, or nerves under pressure, ducks can dramatically shift fortunes in a high-stakes match like the final.

Let's review the players dismissed for a duck in the finals.

Kamran Akmal vs. India, 2007

RP Singh bowled Kamran Akmal for a duck after facing three balls, attempting an ill-judged swipe across the line after being sent in at No. 3, leaving Pakistan reeling at 26/2 against India. He was the first player to be dismissed for a duck in the T20 World Cup final history.

Shahid Afridi vs. India, 2007

Shahid Afridi was out without scoring and dismissed on the first ball he faced. He attempted a big hit outside the off stump but failed to make good contact. The ball went high in the air and was caught by Sreesanth at mid-off.

Umar Gul vs. India, 2007

Umar Gul was dismissed for a duck, scoring 0 runs off two balls. RP Singh bowled him with a leg-stump yorker in the 18.5 innings.

TillakaratneDilshan vs. Pakistan, 2009

TillakaratneDilshan fell early in the innings against Pakistan. He faced just five balls before attempting a flick-pull shot off Mohammad Amir, only to mistime it. ShahzaibHasan took a sharp catch at short fine-leg, dismissing Dilshan for a duck.

Jehan Mubarak vs. Pakistan, 2009

Jehan Mubarak's innings were brief and unfortunate against Pakistan. After facing just two balls, he attempted to whip Abdul Razzaq through midwicket, only to get a leading edge. ShahzaibHasan, at mid-off, steadied himself and took a straightforward catch, sending Mubarak back to the pavilion for a duck.

Johnson Charles vs. Sri Lanka, 2012

Johnson Charles departed early for the West Indies against Sri Lanka. After facing just five balls, he attempted to slap a short delivery from Angelo Mathews back over the bowler's head. However, he mistimed the shot, sending a simple catch to NuwanKulasekara at mid-off.

Andre Russell vs. Sri Lanka, 2012

Andre Russell faced just one ball before attempting a sweep shot off BAW Mendis. Unfortunately, Russell missed the ball, and the umpire judged him lbw, as the delivery seemed to be hitting the stumps directly. The decision appeared correct, as Russell was caught on the knee roll with the bat coming down late.

TillakaratneDilshan vs. West Indies, 2012

TillakaratneDilshan's dismissal was a swift blow for Sri Lanka. Facing only three balls from Ravi Rampaul, he encountered one that landed just outside off, slightly short of a good length. Dilshan attempted to defend, but the ball moved away subtly, beating his bat and crashing into the off stump, which cartwheeled towards the keeper.

Jason Roy vs. West Indies, 2016

Jason Roy's innings ended abruptly against West Indies. Facing just two balls from Samuel Badree, he misjudged a quicker delivery that pitched on the middle and straightened. Roy was caught playing down the wrong line, and the ball clipped the leg stump, sending it cartwheeling.

Credit: ESPN Cricinfo

Dyawne Bravo celebrates Moeen Ali's wicket

Moeen Ali vs. West Indies, 2016 

Moeen Ali's dismissal was a disappointing moment for England. After facing just two balls from Dwayne Bravo, he fell victim to a slower delivery aimed down the leg side. Ali attempted to flick it but only managed to glove the ball to Denesh Ramdin, the wicketkeeper. Bravo's strategic slower ball proved effective again, leading to celebrations from the West Indies team, including a champion dance featuring Darren Sammy and Bravo.

Lendl Simmons vs. England, 2016

Lendl Simmons endured a swift and unfortunate start against England, facing just one ball from David Willey. The delivery straightened and struck Simmons on the pads in front of leg stump, prompting a confident appeal from the English team. Umpire Rod Tucker agreed, ruling Simmons out lbw for a golden duck. Despite some speculation about the height of the ball, Hawk-Eye confirmed it would have hit the top of the stumps.