The ninth edition of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup will kick off from June 1 in the USA and the West Indies.
The tournament will be played for the first time across two countries and it is expected to provide many memorable moments since as many as 55 games are scheduled in a period of one month.
Here we look at some memorable moments from the past eight T20 World Cup editions which have left fans and the cricket fraternity stunned.
1. Gayleshow in Johannesburg – 2007 T20 World Cup
The best batter of the T20 formats, West Indies' Chris Gayle emerged with full force, smashing the format's first century in the opening match of the first T20 World Cup in 2007 against South Africa.
The Caribbean powerhouse hammered a 57-ball 117, comprising 10 sixes and seven boundaries, propelling his team to a formidable total of 205 in Johannesburg. The innings still remained in the minds of all the cricket lovers.
However, the West Indian bowlers were unable to defend the target as the Proteas wrapped up the match with 14 balls to spare, losing just two wickets. This was largely thanks to a rapid 90-run onslaught by Herschelle Gibbs and a 22-ball 46 from Justin Kemp.
2. Yuvraj Singh’s six sixes – 2007
India were at their best in the 2007 edition of the T20 World Cup by dominating most of the sides. One of the examples of their utter domination was Yuvraj Singh, who hit six sixes in an over to England's Stuart Broad.
Before the over, Andrew Flintoff had given some remarks to Yuvraj which irked him. The left-handed left his impression with towering sixes to young Borad, who paid the price.
England stunned by the Netherlands – 2009
The Netherlands secured their place in the history books with a surprising victory over hosts England at Lord's.
England set the Netherlands a target of 163. By the end of the 19th over, the associate nation had reached 156-6.
Stuart Broad delivered the final over, and despite his efforts to bowl effective yorkers, Edgar Schiferli and Ryan ten Doeschate squeezed out five singles, narrowly avoiding being run out on at least four occasions.
Mike Hussey's heroics in Pakistan semi-final – 2010
Australia were on the brink in the T20 World Cup semi-final against Pakistan in Saint Lucia when Michael Hussey delivered one of the format's most remarkable innings. He took on off-spinner Saeed Ajmal with every possible stroke.
It was a match Australia seemed destined to lose, but Hussey's heroics changed that narrative. Despite facing adversity and a stiff cross-breeze, he smashed an astounding 60 not out from just 24 deliveries to secure a famous victory.
Until the 18th over, Pakistan held the advantage, but Hussey had other plans. He, along with Mitchell Johnson, plundered 34 runs in the final two overs. Hussey, supported by Johnson, accumulated 16 runs in the 19th over.
With Johnson taking strike in the 20th over, he managed to get off strike with a fortunate edge to fine-leg. Then, with 17 runs needed, Hussey unleashed: a massive pull shot against the breeze cleared the boundary – leaving 11 required from four deliveries.
Kneeling down, Hussey smashed another six over long-on – reducing the requirement to just five runs off three balls.
Carlos Brathwaite, remember the name – 2016
West Indies clinched their second T20 World Cup title, making history as the first team to do so. Carlos Brathwaite's extraordinary power-hitting during the final over against England in Kolkata secured the victory.
With 19 runs needed off the last six balls while chasing a target of 156, Brathwaite smashed four consecutive sixes off Ben Stokes, propelling West Indies to victory.
His remarkable performance earned him memorable praise from former West Indian pacer Ian Bishop in the commentary box: "Carlos Brathwaite, remember the name."
Pakistan end India jinx – 2021
On the 24th of October 2021, Pakistan broke their streak of losses against India at the World Cup.
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan showcased their prowess with unbeaten half-centuries, propelling Pakistan to a commanding 10-wicket victory. Pursuing a target of 152, Babar (68) and Rizwan (79) guided their side to triumph with 13 balls to spare at Dubai.
Left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi paved the path to success, claiming figures of 3-31, which curtailed India to 151-7 despite a resilient 57 from captain Virat Kohli. This triumph marked Pakistan's first win over their rivals in six encounters in the tournament.
Virat Kohli’s masterclass in MCG – 2022
India's Virat Kohli entered the 2022 edition boasting a maiden T20I century from the Asia Cup 2022. With over 90,000 spectators at the MCG, he delivered a decisive 82 against arch-rivals Pakistan.
His two sixes off Haris Rauf in the 19th over etched into folklore as India chased down 160, culminating in a victory on the final ball, igniting India's campaign.
These two sixes carry significant weight among the T20 World Cup's memorable moments, given the match's intensity and Pakistan's dominance through much of the game.
England's Flawless Performance - 2022
Jos Buttler and Alex Hales celebrate. - ICC
Fans anticipated an India versus Pakistan final but openers Alex Hales and Jos Buttler had other plans. They showcased exceptional batting in the semi-final against India, marking one of England's finest displays.
In front of a pro-India crowd at the Adelaide Oval, unbeaten man-of-the-match Hales hammered 86 off 47 balls, while skipper Buttler notched an unbeaten 80, leading to a remarkable 10-wicket victory.
