9
The team – and the team means not just the players, but the entirety of the support staff. A moment in the sun for Gautam Gambhir's coaching staff, as well as the dozens of men and women around the team who have been so crucial towards creating back-to-back champions.
14
The weight of mighty expectations followed the Indian team into a home World Cup, and if they wanted to stake their claim as the best T20I outfit in the history of the format, a win over New Zealand in Ahmedabad was non-negotiable. It hasn't been a seamless campaign for India – but when it mattered most, everything clicked. This Indian team has the uncanny ability to show up in style in the biggest matches – and that is what earns you a historic World Cup title.
14
India are into the T20 World Cup semifinal on home turf! An incredible match in Mumbai – on a batter's paradise, 253 plays 246 as India manage to hold on against an English attempt at doing something special. Next, onto the final – against New Zealand in Ahmedabad.
10
South Africa were considered favourites heading into the semifinal – but nobody told Finn Allen that. The New Zealand opener walloped a record 100* off 33 deliveries, helping the Kiwis chase down 170 in just 12.5 overs, taking them through to the final. A demolition in Kolkata – and one which has left everyone scratching their eyes.
10
Riding on a masterful unbeaten 97 from Sanju Samson, India kept their title defence alive with a thrilling five-wicket victory over the West Indies in Kolkata. In a high-stakes encounter, Samson’s calm authority in a demanding chase proved decisive, guiding the hosts into the next round and ending the Caribbean side’s campaign in the tournament.
8
In a match with minimal bearing on the World Cup but with narratives heading into the semifinals, South Africa kept things neat and tidy as they chased down 154 with 5 wickets and time to spare. They remain unbeaten and in form, while ZImbabwe prepare to fly home a tad disappointed.