Sports Bulletin

Sports Reporter LAHORE (October 10, 2021):-ATF Southern Punjab ended their National T20 campaign on a high as they defeated defending champions Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by 11 runs in their tenth and final match (27th match of the tournament) played at the Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday evening. Despite the victory Southern Punjab exited the tournament before the semi-final stage as they could only register three wins (six points). Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remain in the semi-final hunt as despite the defeat they are on course for a top-four finish (five wins and four defeats in nine matches). The Iftikhar Ahmed-led side play their last group match against Northern tomorrow. On Sunday evening, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa faltered in their 194-run chase despite solid contributions from Nabi Gul, Kamran Ghulam and Iftikhar. Nabi top-scored with 54 off 31 balls (five fours, three sixes). The right-hander added 79 for the fourth-wicket with Kamran who scored 46 off 33 (four fours, two sixes). The two joined hands with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reeling at 32 for three after 6.5 overs.   Khyber Pakhtunkhwa lost their way as Kamran and Nabi perished in quick succession, the lower-order batters struggled to manage the mounting asking rate. Needing 30 off the final over bowled by Mohammad Ilyas, Iftikhar and Niaz Khan managed 18 runs. Iftikhar remained unbeaten on 33 (21 balls, one four, three sixes). Earlier, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa won the toss and opted to field. Southern Punjab openers Tayyab Tahir and Sharoon Siraj (18) added 39 for the first-wicket in five overs. Tayyab then combined with Salman Ali Agha in a 56-run second-wicket stand. Salman was dismissed for 16, wicketkeeper Azam Khan joined Tayyab for a breezy 35-run third-wicket stand. Azam hit three sixes and one four in his quickfire 25 off 13 balls. Tayyab was dismissed by Imran Khan Snr for a career-best 78 off 48 balls, the right-hander’s attacking innings included eight fours and three sixes. Captain Aamer Yamin scored 24 off 13 balls while Yousuf Babar remained not out on 14 off six as Southern Punjab finished their 20 overs with a formidable total on the board. Scores in Brief: ATF Southern Punjab win by 11 runs ATF Southern Punjab 193 for 5, 20 overs (Tayyab Tahir 78, Azam Khan 25, Aamer Yamin 24; Imran Khan Snr 2-35, Niaz Khan 2-42) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 182 for 6, 20 overs (Nabi Gul 54, Kamran Ghulam 46, Iftikhar Ahmed 33 not out; Mohammad Ilyas 2-38) Player of the match:  Tayyab Tahir

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (October 10, 2021):-The winners of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 will take home a winners’ cheque of $ 1.6 million while the runners up will get half that amount, the International Cricket Council confirmed today. All 16 competing teams will receive part of the US $5.6m allocated as prize money for the tournament, which will be played in the United Arab Emirates and Oman from 17 October to 14 November. The two losing semi-finalists will receive $400,000 each from the games taking place on 10 and 11 November. As in 2016, there will be a bonus amount for every match that teams win in the Super 12 stage. The victors in each of the 30 games in that phase will this time win $40,000, a total pot of $1,200,000. The teams confirmed to be competing in the Super 12 stage are Afghanistan, Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, and the West Indies. The eight teams whose ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaigns end at that stage will automatically receive $70,000 each, totally $560,000. The same structure is in place for the first-round victories - with $40,000 available to those who win each of the 12 games, amounting to $480,000. The four teams knocked out in the first round will take $40,000 each from an overall $ 160,000.

Sports Reporter LAHORE (October 10, 2021):-Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ramiz Raja on Sunday interacted with domestic cricketers featuring in the National T20. Ramiz Raja, a 1992 World Cup winner and former Pakistan captain, encouraged the domestic cricketers to concentrate and focus on their cricket, and assured them that his administration will look after their wellbeing besides creating future opportunities. Ramiz Raja: “You are the route that will take us to make Pakistan a cricket great. My vision to make Pakistan cricket team the best team in the world starts with you and we need to be in sync to achieve that greatness. “With the domestic contracts significantly enhanced, you don’t have to wait to play only at the international level to secure and safeguard your future. In return, I ask you to give your best, to improve your skills and fitness and focus on becoming the best you can. “I firmly believe in meritocracy and giving opportunities to high performing cricketers irrespective of age. To help you achieve your career ambitions of representing Pakistan at the highest level, the PCB will back you and provide you all the necessary facilities, opportunities and exposure to accomplish your childhood dreams.”

H Shah Manchester (October 10, 2021):-England Men's Head Coach Chris Silverwood has named a 17-player squad for the Ashes tour of Australia starting in November. All 17 players have been capped at Test level and is the strongest available squad selected by Silverwood. Ten of the 17 will be touring Australia in an Ashes series for the first time, including Vice-captain Jos Buttler. Nottinghamshire seamer Stuart Broad, who is to embark on his fourth Ashes tour, is making excellent progress from his torn right calf sustained in the summer during the Test series against India. Next week, he is set to return to bowling at The ECB Performance Centre in Loughborough, where the Ashes and Lions squads will prepare for the Australia tour. Surrey all-rounder Sam Curran was not considered for selection after a second scan has confirmed that he has a stress fracture in his lower back. More detail regarding his management and likely return will follow after further specialist consultation. Durham's Ben Stokes was not available for selection and continues to take an indefinite break from all types of cricket to prioritise his mental wellbeing and rehabilitation from his injured left index finger. As confirmed on Friday, the Ashes tour is subject to several critical conditions being met by Cricket Australia before the team travels in November. However, positive ongoing discussions continue, and it is hoped matters will be resolved in due course. Commenting on the squad, England Men's Head Coach Chris Silverwood, said: "A tour of Australia is the pinnacle as an England Test cricketer. I am delighted that all of our available players have committed to the tour. We are looking forward to touring and enjoying the experience of this historic series. "This is why we play and coach to be involved in iconic series like this. More than half of our squad haven't featured in an Ashes tour before, which means we will be fresh and looking to embrace the cricket and the excitement of touring one of the best places in the world. "I believe we have selected a well-balanced squad with options in all areas and a blend of youth and experience. There is real competition for places and a genuine desire to work hard and compete, aiming to create some history. "We are under no illusions about how difficult the task is going to be. Australia have been strong at home in the past, and there is an expectation on them to win this series. However, from our point of view, there is genuine excitement and belief that we can do something special. "Both teams are in similar positions in the Test world rankings. For that reason, it should be a compelling series. We can enjoy the build-up to the tour, get out there, and prepare well ahead of the first Test in Brisbane. "Having the Lions with the Ashes squad will be integral to our build-up. The extended group of players will be with us before the first Test. We will play two competitive warm-up games amongst both squads to give us the match practice we need as part of our build-up. It's an excellent opportunity to connect the Lions into the England environment and gain a good understanding of what is required to play at the highest level." The Lions party for the Australian training camp will be announced in due course. England's Test specialists and the Lions squad are set to depart, subject to conditions being granted, on Thursday 4 November. Players selected, who are part of England's ICC Men's T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates, will join the tour after their tournament commitments. Dates and venues for England’s warm-up matches against the Lions will be confirmed and released by Cricket Australia in due course. There will be a three-day and a four-day match planned. Names of players: Joe Root (Yorkshire) Captain, James Anderson (Lancashire), Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire), Dom Bess (Yorkshire), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), Rory Burns (Surrey), Jos Buttler (Lancashire), Zak Crawley (Kent), Haseeb Hameed (Nottinghamshire), Dan Lawrence (Essex), Jack Leach (Somerset), Dawid Malan (Yorkshire), Craig Overton (Somerset), Ollie Pope (Surrey), Ollie Robinson (Sussex), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire), Mark Wood (Durham),  

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (October 10, 2021):-Cricket is a team sport but when it comes to the T20 format, it sometimes only takes one player to rise to the occasion and deliver a match-winning performance. That’s certainly proved to be the case in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup since its introduction in 2007, with the sport’s very best showcasing their talent on the global stage. From spectacular centuries and explosive boundary-hitting to destructive bowling spells, the tournament has delivered countless iconic moments over the last 14 years. With many more memorable performances to come in the 2021 edition, what better time to reflect on the greatest individual displays from the last six ICC Men’s T20 World Cups. Yuvraj Singh v Australia, 2007 The very first edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup provided a taster of what was to follow with a series of remarkable performances from cricket’s biggest names. Chris Gayle lived up to his billing as ‘The Universe Boss’ by becoming the first person to hit a century in an official T20 international with a sensational 117 against South Africa. But the 2007 tournament will best be remembered for the outstanding individual displays from Yuvraj Singh, who produced fireworks throughout as India clinched the inaugural title. He etched his name into T20 folklore against England in the Super 8s, smashing six sixes in one Stuart Broad over to record the fastest ever 50 (from 12 balls) in an 18-run win. Yuvraj then produced another match-winning display in India’s semi-final victory against Australia, crushing 70 from just 30 balls in a ruthless innings against a quality bowling attack. Umar Gul v New Zealand, 2010 Bowlers often get overlooked in the T20 format as the thirst for big-hitting dominates the agenda - but the 2009 edition provided two of the very best spells in tournament history. Angelo Mathews produced one of the most memorable opening overs in Sri Lanka’s semi-final triumph, leaving the West Indies on 1 for 3 after removing Xavier Marshall, Lendl Simmons and Dwayne Bravo. But Mathews’ exploits were preceded by an even more impressive performance with the ball from Pakistan’s Umar Gul in his side’s Super 8s tie against New Zealand. The pressure was on Pakistan following their defeat to Sri Lanka in their previous game but they reduced the Kiwis to 73 for 5 inside 13 overs before Gul worked his magic. He skittled the Black Caps’ middle order, taking five wickets for just six runs from his three overs to become the first bowler to take a five-for in a T20 international. Mike Hussey v Pakistan, 2010 England were crowned ICC Men’s T20 World Cup champions for the first time in 2010 as Kevin Pietersen produced a series of match-winning knocks en route to their success. The maverick batter finished with 248 runs from six games, including scores of 73 against Pakistan, 53 against South Africa and 47 in the final against Australia. Pietersen was deservedly named Player of the Tournament for his efforts but perhaps the most iconic individual display that year was actually provided by Mike Hussey. Chasing 192 to win in their semi-final showdown with Pakistan, Australia’s campaign appeared to be done and dusted before Hussey arrived at the crease in St Lucia. Hussey came in at 105 for 5, with his team needing 87 from 45 balls, but he proceeded to blast an incredible unbeaten 60 from just 24 balls to steer Australia to a famous win. Ajantha Mendis v Zimbabwe, 2012 2012 was another edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup where the bowlers arguably shone brightest as tournament hosts Sri Lanka narrowly missed out on the title. Pacer Lasith Malinga had been chosen as the event ambassador of the tournament by the ICC and he certainly put on a good show against defending champions England. Buoyed by a raucous home crowd, Malinga ripped through England’s top order with three wickets in four balls before returning to finish them off and complete an electrifying five-for. Yet Malinga’s teammate Ajantha Mendis went one better in their group clash against Zimbabwe earlier in the tournament, taking six wickets for just eight runs in a four-over spell. The mystery spinner also bowled two maiden overs in the process as he secured his place in the competition’s history books with the best ever T20 international bowling figures. Virat Kohli v South Africa, 2014 Superb death bowling from Lasith Malinga and Nuwan Kulasekara helped Sri Lanka end their wait to be crowned T20 champions in 2014 after runners-up finishes in 2009 and 2012. They were far from the only individuals to stand out in the tournament, however, with Alex Hales also registering England’s first T20I century in a victory over the eventual champions. But the greatest performance of the 2014 edition was produced by Virat Kohli, who finished the tournament with the most runs as India missed out on the title to Sri Lanka. The Player of the Tournament delivered a batting masterclass in India’s semi-final against South Africa just when they needed it - chasing 173 against Dale Steyn and co. Kohli brought up his third half-century in four innings and hit the winning runs as he made an unbeaten 72 from 44 balls, completing the chase with five balls to spare. Carlos Brathwaite v England, 2016 Five years have passed since the last ICC Men’s T20 World Cup took place but it’s safe to say the 2016 edition provided more than enough entertainment to fill the void. Chris Gayle smacked the fastest T20 World Cup ton, reaching the milestone from 48 balls, and Virat Kohli showed his class again with 82 not out in a successful chase against Australia. Kohli also struck an unbeaten 89 from 47 balls in his side’s semi-final defeat to the West Indies while Mitchell Santner marked his T20 World Cup debut by taking 4 for 11 against India. Yet the 2016 tournament will forever be remembered for Carlos Brathwaite’s heroic turn in the final and Ian Bishop’s iconic ‘remember the name’ commentary to go alongside it. With Windies needing 19 off the last over to get their hands on the silverware, Brathwaite clubbed Ben Stokes’ first four balls for sixes to get them over the line as he finished on 34 off 10 balls.

BIPIN DANI On Thursday, Chennai Super Kings could not win the IPL match against Punjab Kings at the Dubai Sports City ground but one member of the team did win the applause from the spectators and fans present. It was one of the rare instances when India's 29-year-old Deepak Chahar proposed to his girl-friend Jaya Bhardwaj immediately after the match. The friendship between the two is not as long as reported in the media. "They have been known to each other for the last two months", Deepak's father, Lokendra Chahar, speaking exclusively over the telephone from Agra, said. "Deepak's sister Meenu Singh (Malati) and Jaya are friends and she introduced Deepak to Jaya just two months ago and we have approved their marriage plan", the father added further. Later, the sister, who is working in Mumbai as an actress, said, "Jaya is a very pretty, warm, loving and a very intelligent girl. She is a self-made girl and a family person. She loves Deepak a lot and so does he". Elaborating more about the proposal plan, the sister reveals, "I knew about the plan. I and my brother are partners in this "crime". Except me, papa and people who helped in executing the entire thing, nobody knew about the plan. Jaya was totally clueless". "She is feeling on top of the world now. It was a great feeling to see my brother being so romantic. It was a cute and happy moment for all of us. And it was like a dream proposal for many girls". Along with Deepak Chahar and all other team members, Jaya Bhardwaj, who has been in the UAE since its inception this year, is also in bio-bubble, it is learnt.  "I am happy for both of them", she signed off.

Sports Reporter Lahore (October 10, 2021):-Half-centuries by opener Ali Imran and number three Zeeshan Malik spearheaded Northern’s sixth National T20 win which ensured a semi-final spot for the 2020 champion in the 26th match of the tournament played at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday night. Wicketkeeper Rohail Nazir and Sohail Tanvir scored the required 15 off the first five balls of the final over bowled by Junaid Khan with the veteran Sohail depositing Junaid over the mid-wicket boundary to snatch a thrilling win for his side on the penultimate ball of the match. Northern maintained their 100 percent record against Balochistan, this was their sixth win in as many matches against Balochistan since the National T20 was revamped as a six-team competition in 2020. On Saturday night, Ali and Zeeshan combined for an 88-run match winning second-wicket partnership in Northern’s 186-run chase under the GSL lights. Ali hit three fours and five sixes in his 45-ball 64 while Zeeshan scored 53 off 35 balls (six fours, two sixes). Ali added 60 runs in a blazing first-wicket stand with Nasir Nawaz who hit a typically aggressive 30 off 21 balls (three fours, one six). Both Ali and Zeeshan fell in quick succession, Northern then lost Umar Amin and Aamir Jamal in search of boundaries as the asking rate soared. Umaid Asif produced a sensational penultimate over which went for a mere five runs including the wicket of Aamir. The match had swung in Balochistan’s favour when the final over started, Rohail hit a four off the first ball before Sohail hit a four before his match winning six. Earlier, Northern won the toss and opted to bowl. Balochistan opener Abdullah Shafique played a series of stunning shots in the powerplay overs as he added 51 runs for the first-wicket with Abdul Wahid Bangalzai (4). Abdullah who was in supreme touch continued to assert his presence on the Northern bowlers, the right-hander reached the third fifty of his T20 career off 30 balls. He was eventually dismissed by Aamir for 73 off 44 balls (12 fours, one six). Abdullah added 63 runs for the second-wicket with captain Imam-ul-Haq, the left-hander scored 50 off 39 balls (seven fours). Sohail Akhtar (16) and Umaid Asif (17) hit some lusty blows in the death overs to take Balochistan to their 185 for seven total. Fast bowler Zaman Khan took three wickets for Northern. Scores in Brief: Northern win by five wickets Balochistan 185 for 7, 20 overs (Abdullah Shafique 73, Imam-ul-Haq 50; Zaman Khan 3-31) Northern 186 for 5, 19.5 overs (Ali Imran 64, Zeeshan Malik 53; Umaid Asif 2-31) Player of the match:  Ali Imran (Northern)  

Sports Reporter LAHORE (October 9, 2021):-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa notched up their fifth win in eight matches to join Sindh, Central Punjab and Northern on 10 points as semi-final qualification in the National T20 is all set to go down to the wire at the Gaddafi Stadium. On Saturday afternoon, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa defeated Sindh by seven wickets in front of PCB cameras to deny the latter an opportunity to seal a place in the last four. In the second match under floodlight, Northern can become the first side to confirm a semi-final place if they defeat Balochistan. Northern’s failure to win will mean barring Southern Punjab, the remaining five sides will stay in contention for places in the 12 October semi-finals. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan will be in action on the remaining two days of the league matches on 10 and 11 October. On Sunday, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will take on Southern Punjab, while Balochistan will face Central Punjab, while on Monday, Balochistan and Sindh will go head to head and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will square off against Northern. Put into bat on Saturday afternoon, Sindh recovered from 75 for four in the 12th over to finish at 152 for six – thanks to an fine 37-ball 54 with five fours and a six by Shan Masood and 34 not out by Anwar Ali off 27 balls (three sixes). Their 32-run fifth wicket partnership came at the back of a 51-run second-wicket stand between Shan and Sharjeel Khan (26, 27b, 5x4, 1x6) before Sindh lost their way. Iftikhar Ahmed was the most successful Khyber Pakhtunkhwa bowler with two for 25, while Niaz  Khan and Asif Afridi scooped a wicket each. In their turn at the wicket, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa slipped from 48 for one to 54 for three before Sahibzada Farhan and Iftikhar Ahmed held the innings together and took them home with 12 balls to spare. Farhan scored 49 out off 37 balls with five fours and a six and Iftikhar completed a good day in the office with a 34-ball 55 not out that included five fours and three sixes. He was later adjudged player of the match. Scores in brief: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa beat Sindh by seven wickets Sindh 152-6, 20 overs (Shan Masood 54, Anwar Ali 34 not out, Sharjeel Khan 26; Iftikhar Ahmed 2-25) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 154-3, 18 overs (Iftikhar Ahmed 55 not out, Sahibzada Farhan 49 not out, Musadiq Ahmed 23, Aamer Azmat 18) Player of the match – Iftikhar Ahmed (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) Sunday’s matches: ATF Southern Punjab vs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa -3pm Balochistan vs Home City Central Punjab -7:30pm

Sports Reporter LAHORE (October 9, 2021):-The three-day National Under-19 Championship and one-day National Under-19 Cup will commence on Sunday across six venues in which country’s around best 200 cricketers born on or after 1 September 2002 will get an opportunity to display their talent and move up the domestic cricket ladder. The six Cricket Associations will field two sides of 16 players each who will play in the three-day game, which, after a day’s gap, will be followed by a 50-over fixture. As such, the teenagers will experience two formats over a five-day period, which will help them to learn to adjust, adopt and tweak their game as per the required format. The 12 squads comprise players who either impressed the selectors with their performances in the recently-held City Cricket Association 50-over tournaments or through open and merit-based trials. Also part of the squads are the 32 players who attended an eight-week High Performance Camp at Karachi’s Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre under the supervision of head coach Ijaz Ahmed. The three-day National U19 Championship and one-day National Cup will also provide the PCB scouts, coaches and selectors with an opportunity to unearth the hidden talent and bring them into the national framework, thus, increasing the pool of players at the domestic level, including for next year’s ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2022 West Indies. With the PCB offering lucrative domestic contracts, there is further incentive for the teenager cricketers to demonstrate the talent and potential they have and try to vie for these contracts, which is a pathway to higher rewards and recognition. Six Whites squads have been placed in Pool A and will play their matches in Gujranwala, Muridke and Sialkot, while the remaining six Blues squads are in Pool B with their matches scheduled at Rawalpindi’s Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Academy and Islamabad’s National Ground and Shalimar Cricket Ground. First round fixtures (10-12 Oct three-day match, 14 Oct 50-over match): Pool A - Balochistan (W)-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (W), Jinnah Stadium, Sialkot; Central Punjab (W)-Sindh (W), Jinnah Stadium, Gujranwala; Northern (W)-Southern Punjab (W), Country Club, Muridke. Pool B - Balochistan (B)-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (B), Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi; Central Punjab (B)-Sindh (B), National Ground, Islamabad; Northern (B)-Southern Punjab (B), Shalimar Cricket Ground; Islamabad

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (October 8, 2021):-It may only be 14 years old, but the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is already one of the world’s great sporting events and is set to light up our screens for the seventh time in the United Arab Emirates and Oman. Whether it’s Yuvraj Singh’s golden over, Umar Gul taking five for six or Carlos Brathwaite making sure we will always remember his name, the biggest T20 moments invariably happen at the World Cup. Five different teams have lifted the sleek and slender trophy and, after this tournament, an impressive 21 nations will have appeared at some stage, making it a proven petri dish for the growth of the global game. We have seen teams score 260 and 39, combine for 459 runs in a single night, the Netherlands beat England and Zimbabwe beat Australia. It’s as unpredictable as it is compelling. Eight men who played in the inaugural tournament in 2007 are in the squads for 2021 and they have seen the game change beyond compare. The World Cup is at the heart of T20’s tug of war between bat and ball and fans are the biggest winner in that battle, with another chapter waiting to be written in the Middle East. Tournament History – 2007 The first ICC Men’s T20 World Cup was always going to be special - we just didn’t know how special. Two unforgettable weeks in South Africa began with Chris Gayle striking the first-ever international T20 century in the opening game. The Universe Boss plundered 10 sixes against the hosts in a brutal 117, coming off 57 balls and in a stunning partnership of 145 for the first wicket. Two days later, Gayle fell for a third-ball duck and West Indies slipped to a shock defeat to Bangladesh, who chased down 165 with two overs to spare. The upsets didn't end there as Zimbabwe stunned Australia to claim their first win over an ICC full member in four years, with Brendan Taylor to the fore with an unbeaten 64. Pakistan won all three of their games in the Super 8 stage, as skipper Shoaib Malik led from the front and Gul was potent with the ball to down New Zealand and reach the final. Yuvraj Singh was the defining player of the tournament, starring with 70 from 30 balls in a semi-final win over Australia that set up a final between cricket’s greatest rivals, won by India by just five runs. Meanwhile, his six sixes in an over against England made Yuvraj an international superstar. Herschelle Gibbs was the only batter to have done it in international cricket before Stuart Broad bounded in to bowl to Yuvraj in their group stage clash. An altercation with Andrew Flintoff served only to fire up the Indian legend and Broad’s bowling was soon carted to all four corners of Kingsmead.  The first maximum was arguably the best, a crushing blow over wide long-on that flew more than 100 metres. Yuvraj reached 50 in 12 balls and wrote a chapter of still unmatched T20 history. Tournament History – 2009 T20 cricket was born in England and that was where it returned for the second edition of its biggest tournament. But simply saying the word ‘Netherlands’ is enough to send a shiver down the spine of any English cricket fan. For the standout moment of the 2009 World Cup, you only have to look as far as the first game when the Dutch claimed an incredible four-wicket victory at Lord’s. Later on, Gayle would be a headline act once again, thumping 88 from 50 balls against Australia with sixes that broke records for the furthest Oval crowds had seen the ball travel at the historic ground. Packed English crowds watched on as Australia were beaten by a Kumar Sangakkara-inspired Sri Lanka to fall at the first hurdle in the group stage. Ireland downed Bangladesh by six wickets to reach the Super 8 stage on their maiden World Cup appearance, where they were placed in a tough group alongside both eventual finalists. The hosts claimed a thrilling three-run win over India in the Super 8s but finished third in their group to miss out on the final four. All of the youngsters watching tried to recreate the ‘Dilscoop’ as Tillakaratne Dilshan lit up the event, making an unbeaten 96 to down West Indies in the semi-final and ending as top run scorer. Shahid Afridi hit his straps with bat and ball in the knockout stages and made half-centuries in the semi-finals and final as Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by eight wickets in a low-scoring Lord’s affair. Tournament History – 2010 England ended their long wait for a win in an ICC-sanctioned global limited-overs event as they dispatched arch-rivals Australia to be crowned champions in the West Indies. Kevin Pietersen was named the man of the tournament for his contribution to England’s triumph, finishing with 248 runs from six matches despite getting off to a slow start. His vital stand of 111 with Craig Kieswetter against Australia was his most decisive contribution, scoring 47 from 31 balls to help England claim their first major ICC tournament win. In the group stages, Paul Collingwood’s side progressed from Group D in second behind the West Indies after a Duckworth-Lewis induced loss to the hosts and a no-result against Ireland. But England came alive in the knockout stages, topping their Super 8s group with victories over defending champions Pakistan and one of the pre-tournament favourites, South Africa. Pietersen missed England’s final Super 8 game to attend the birth of his first child but returned for their semi-final against Sri Lanka and struck an unbeaten 42 off 26 balls in the victory. On the other side of the draw, Australia also topped their group to progress along with Sri Lanka as the West Indies and 2007 champions India bowed out. Australia then won a thrilling contest against Pakistan to reach the final where they came up short against England, who chased down 148 to take the title with a seven-wicket win. Tournament History – 2012 The first T20 World Cup to be held in an Asian country delivered another first-time champion as the West Indies stunned the host nation to clinch their maiden title. Having honed their skills in the sub-continental conditions of the IPL, Gayle, Kieron Pollard and Sunil Narine transferred them to the biggest stage in sensational fashion. Darren Sammy’s men were consistent from start to finish as they ended an eight-year wait for global silverware following West Indies’ ICC Champions Trophy victory in 2004. Windies finished second in their group behind Australia before also finishing runners-up in their Super 8s group behind Sri Lanka, who won their first meeting by nine wickets. The other group saw table-toppers Australia progress along with Pakistan, with the latter falling at the semi-final hurdle to Sri Lanka in a narrow 16-run defeat. The West Indies turned on the style in their last-four encounter with Australia, with Gayle’s electrifying unbeaten 75 from 41 balls helping his side storm into the final with a 74-run victory. But it was Marlon Samuels who took centre stage in the silverware showpiece, striking 78 from 56 balls in Colombo to fire Windies to a memorable 36-run success. Tournament History – 2014 Sri Lanka finally shed their reputation as the nearly men by winning the 2014 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, beating India by six wickets in the final in Bangladesh.   Since lifting the 1996 50-over World Cup, Sri Lanka had lost in the 2007 and 2011 finals while also finishing as runners-up in the 2009 and 2012 T20 editions, the latter on home soil.  It was Englishman Paul Farbrace who steered them to glory with the whole team chipping in. In the final, it was the super death bowling of Lasith Malinga and Nuwan Kulasekara that restricted India to 130-4 and an unbeaten 52 off 35 balls from Kumar Sangakkara saw his side home.  Virat Kohli had made a half-century of his own with 77 off 58 in India’s innings and finished the tournament as the leading run-scorer with 319 at a mightily impressive average of 106.33.  South Africa’s leg-spinner Imran Tahir and Ahsan Malik, of surprise package the Netherlands, jointly topped the leading wicket-takers with 12 apiece. Alex Hales blasted 116 to register England’s first T20I century in a victory over eventual champions Sri Lanka but it was their only win of a disappointing tournament that ended at the Super 10s stage and included another defeat to the Netherlands. Tournament History – 2016 The West Indies entered unchartered territory with a sensational T20 World Cup win in 2016 in India, becoming the first side to claim the title twice. Marlon Samuels had blasted his nation to glory in 2012 and he was at it again four years later, scoring 85 off just 66 balls to pick up his second player of the match gong in a T20 World Cup final after the four-wicket win over England.  Samuels may have been player of the match but there was no question who had the champagne moment in the final.  Big-hitting all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite went from virtual unknown to cricketing superstar as he smoked Ben Stokes for four consecutive sixes in the final over.  After 2014, 2016 was the second tournament to feature 16 teams and Afghanistan were the main beneficiaries as the only associate nation to make it to the Super 10s.  All-rounder Mohammad Nabi topped the bowling rankings with 12 scalps and bowled expertly in tandem with 17-year-old leg-spinning sensation Rashid Khan who claimed 11 victims.  India’s Kohli was again in supreme form making 82 not out against Australia to ensure his side made the semi-finals.  In the last four, he struck an unbeaten 89 and although his team came up short against West Indies, he was named player of the tournament having made 273 runs at 136.50 in five innings.  Bangladesh’s Tamim Iqbal pipped Kohli to top spot in the batting rankings with 295 runs at 73.75.