T20 World Cup Winners List (2007 - 2024) | History, Records & Champions

Updated July 04, 2025

Key Takeaways

India won the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, defeating Pakistan in a thrilling final.

Pakistan bounced back to claim the 2009 title, overcoming Sri Lanka with a dominant performance.

England lifted their first T20 trophy in 2010, beating Australia convincingly in the final.

West Indies made history by winning twice?in 2012 and 2016?showcasing their flair and power-hitting.

Sri Lanka ended their final heartbreaks by winning the 2014 edition against India.

Australia finally got their hands on the title in 2021, while England secured their second in 2022.

India won their second T20 crown in 2024, going undefeated and defeating South Africa in a gripping final.

Content

Cricket is much more than a game. Cricket is cultural, poetry in motion, and in many places, it's almost a religion. In 2007 cricket changed forever. The ICC Men's T20 World Cup was a huge injection of positivity for cricket around the globe. No longer was it a shift on the established game format; it was a revolution! There were surprises and entertainment galore; it was a stage for heroes, for the seemingly disadvantaged to shine, and new records fell in the blink of an eye!

This article provides an overview of each T20 World Cup from 2007 to 2024, going back in time to tell the 'who, how, what' stories of each win, the best players, and the legacy of those events.

T20 World cup Winner List 2007-2024

ALSO READ : Unbreakable Bonds: Highest Partnerships in Test & ODI Cricket History

What is the T20 World Cup?

The ICC T20 World Cup is the largest and most significant Twenty20 cricket tournament in the world, under the governance of the International Cricket Council (ICC). T20s are the quickest and most aggressive form of the game, with each team getting 20 overs as opposed to the traditional 50 overs. T20s style of cricket enhances the competitiveness and entertainment factor when compared to other traditional forms of cricket.

People thought the event was an experiment when it started in 2007. But fans rapidly fell in love with it because of its exciting endings, high-stakes drama, and unpredictable results. Today, it's one of the most exciting events on the cricket calendar. It draws billions of viewers and shows some of the best moments in cricket history.

"The T20 World Cup isn't just a tournament; it's a feeling, a way to celebrate how unpredictable and great cricket is."

Complete List of T20 World Cup Winners (2007 - 2024)

Year

Winner

Runner-Up

Host Country

Final Venue

Player of the Tournament

2007

India

Pakistan

South Africa

Johannesburg

Shahid Afridi

2009

Pakistan

Sri Lanka

England

Lord's, London

Tillakaratne Dilshan

2010

England

Australia

West Indies

Bridgetown, Barbados

Kevin Pietersen

2012

West Indies

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka

Colombo

Shane Watson

2014

Sri Lanka

India

Bangladesh

Mirpur, Dhaka

Virat Kohli

2016

West Indies

England

India

Kolkata

Virat Kohli

2021

Australia

New Zealand

UAE & Oman

Dubai

David Warner

2022

England

Pakistan

Australia

Melbourne Cricket Ground

Sam Curran

2024

India

South Africa

West Indies/USA

Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados

Jasprit Bumrah

Note: The 2024 edition is ongoing or recently concluded depending on when you're reading this. Stay tuned for updates.

Year-by-Year Breakdown of T20 World Cup Winners

The first T20 World Cup in 2007 was won by India.

India shocked the world by winning the first T20 World Cup with a young team led by MS Dhoni. The final against Pakistan was a wild trip full of stress and brilliance. Yuvraj Singh hit six sixes in one over, making him a national hero. The team's unity and passion signalling the start of a new era in Indian cricket.

Moment of the Year: Yuvraj Singh hit Stuart Broad for six sixes in one over during the Super 8s.

Pakistan's Sweet Redemption at the 2009 T20 World Cup

Pakistan came back stronger after losing a close game in 2007. The team played brave cricket when Younis Khan was in charge. Umar Gul was deadly with the ball, while Shahid Afridi finished the game in the final, giving Pakistan a clear win over Sri Lanka at Lord's.

England wins the ICC title drought at the 2010 T20 World Cup

Everyone was astonished by England's aggressive manner, which is not what they are known for in cricket. Kevin Pietersen hit hard, and the squad beat every other team easily. In the final, they beat Australia badly and finally got their hands on an ICC trophy.

The West Indies wowed the world at the 2012 T20 World Cup.

In 2012, the West Indies were all of those things and more: charming, stylish, and explosive. They trounced Sri Lanka in the final, led by Darren Sammy, and the crowd in Colombo was quiet. The team's Gangnam Style dance celebration and Marlon Samuels' amazing knock in the final are now classics.

Sri Lanka's Moment of Glory in the 2014 T20 World Cup

Sri Lanka eventually won the title after losing two painful finals. With Sangakkara and Jayawardene as their leaders and Lasith Malinga in charge of the bowling attack, they beat India in the final. The match-winning knock by Sangakkara was a storybook ending to his T20 career.

West Indies Make History Again in the 2016 T20 World Cup

In a final that had everything, Carlos Brathwaite hit four sixes in a row off Ben Stokes to win the game. This win gave the West Indies the first team to win two T20 World Cups. Fans all around the world loved them for never giving up.

Australia won their first T20 World Cup in 2021.

Australia had been the best team in Tests and ODIs, but they had never won a T20 World Cup-until now. David Warner, who was getting back into shape, energised the team with his strong hits. The bowling team, which included Hazlewood and Zampa, had the other teams on their toes the whole event.

England's Redemption Arc in the T20 World Cup 2022

England's team was very flexible and deep, with Jos Buttler in charge. Sam Curran's bowling suffocated Pakistan's batting in the final at the MCG, and Ben Stokes once again proved the man for the big event, winning the title with a calm, collected performance.

Top Individual Performers in T20 World Cup History

Player

Total Runs

Total Wickets

T20 World Cup Appearances

Iconic Achievements

Virat Kohli

1141

4

2012 - 2022

2x Player of the Tournament (2014, 2016)

Chris Gayle

965

10

2007 - 2021

2 T20 World Cup centuries

Shahid Afridi

546

39

2007 - 2016

Match-winner in 2009 Final

Mahela Jayawardene

1016

0

2007 - 2014

Most consistent batter until retirement

Wanindu Hasaranga

31

36

2021 - 2022

Top wicket-taker in 2021

Interesting Fact: Virat Kohli has the highest batting average in T20 World Cup history-over 80.

T20 World Cup Hosts and Venues Over the Years

Year

Host Country

Major Venues and Highlights

2007

South Africa

Wanderers Stadium (final), fast bouncy tracks; suited pace-heavy attacks

2009

England

Lord's (final), seam-friendly pitches, swing played a major role

2010

West Indies

Slow pitches, high humidity; spin dominated matches in Barbados

2012

Sri Lanka

Spinners excelled; turning tracks and low scores

2014

Bangladesh

Mirpur crowd energy; big totals and nail-biters

2016

India

Varied pitches; Eden Gardens final a thriller

2021

UAE & Oman

Neutral conditions, dew impact in night games

2022

Australia

Big grounds, pace-dominated surfaces; rain impacted several matches

2024

West Indies & USA

First major ICC event in the USA; Lauderhill, Dallas feature alongside Caribbean classics

The 2024 edition is expected to be a cultural crossover of Caribbean flavor and American innovation.

Key Highlights of T20 World Cup 2024

A New Era: Cricket Finds a Home in the USA

That's correct, you heard it. The USA co-hosted the ICC T20 World Cup for the first time. It wasn't just a part of history; it was also a symbol. Cricket is becoming more popular all across the world at an unprecedented rate. There was more to the games in Florida, New York, and Texas than just sixes and wickets. They were about people coming together, youngsters holding bats instead of baseball gloves, and Americans learning to say "Howzzat!" with confidence.

Quote to Remember
"This T20 World Cup was not just a game, it was cricket's love letter to the future." - Michael Holding

Highlight

Details

Host Nations

West Indies & United States

Winning Team

India (2nd T20 World Cup title)

Player of the Tournament

Jasprit Bumrah - for his consistency, control, and game-changing spells

Final Match

India vs South Africa, Barbados - India won by 7 runs

Most Runs Scored

Travis Head (Australia) - 372 Runs

Most Wickets Taken

Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) - 17 Wickets

India's Redemption Arc - A Tale of Grit

Recallhowwoeful2022was? Thelossin the semi-finaltoEngland? The 2024 teamarrivedwithouta chipintheirshoulder,with fire in theirheart. IndiawerefearlessonthefieldasRohit SharmainspiredcalmnessandVirat Kohliwasbrilliancewiththebat.

Their2024semi-finalwin over Australia was poetic justice for the ODI World Cup final of 2023.Whichtakesustothe last?Wasitaroller-coasterride?Bumrah's 18th over?Amarveltobehold.Hardik'sactionsin the last over? Goosebumps. Indiacollectivelyheld its breath,thenroaredwithglee,anddelight.

Important Note: India last won the T20 World Cup in 2007. It took them 17 years to reclaim the crown. That's not just a win-it's legacy.

Deadzone Trivia - Did You Know?

  • First Ball Wicket: The first ball of the competition was a wicket! Shaheen Afridi of Pakistan clean bowled Scotland's opening in New York.
  • Record Attendance: Over 34,000 people came to the India vs. Pakistan match at Nassau County Stadium, breaking the record for cricket in the US.
  • Fastest Fifty: Nicholas Pooran of the West Indies hit a fifty in just 17 balls against Canada, which was the fastest of the competition.
  • The USA overcame Pakistan in a Super Over thriller, which was the biggest upset of the decade. Yes, you read that properly.

Why This World Cup Mattered (More Than Ever)

A point of interest to note however. India won their last T20 World Cup in 2007. It took 17 years to recover it back. Not just a win. Legacy. Cricket is no longer a game for only 8 or 10 nations. The event showcased 20 teams in the 2024 T20 World Cup, from Uganda to Netherlands, and the diversity was incredible. Every match told a narrative, every player possessed a dream.

And this time the commercial approach matched the highs and emotional peaks. Brands, fantasy leagues, merchandisers, and streaming platforms all had a reason to celebrate. In fact, cricket now stands as one of the most investable sports ecosystems globally.

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ODI World Cup vs T20 World Cup - Format Face-Off

Feature

ODI World Cup

T20 World Cup

Format

50 overs per innings

20 overs per innings

Duration

6-8 hours

~3 hours

Strategy Focus

Building innings, rotating

Aggressive starts, quick runs

Popularity

Traditional cricket fans

Youth-driven, global appeal

Global Expansion

Steady

Rapid, especially in new markets

T20 has changed the dynamics of cricket consumption. It's tailor-made for the digital age and Gen Z attention spans.

Women's T20 World Cup - A Parallel Rise

The Women's T20 World Cup , launched in 2009, has been instrumental in boosting women's cricket worldwide. With sold-out stadiums, passionate rivalries, and world-class performances, it's now a tournament that stands tall on its own.

Year

Winner

Runner-Up

Host

Notable Players

2018

Australia

England

West Indies

Alyssa Healy, Meg Lanning

2020

Australia

India

Australia

Shafali Verma, Ellyse Perry

2023

Australia

South Africa

South Africa

Tahlia McGrath, Laura Wolvaardt

Australia's dominance has been unrivaled, but teams like India and South Africa are closing the gap fast.

Lesser-Known Yet Fascinating Facts

  • The highest chase in T20 World Cup history is 230 by England vs South Africa in 2016.
  • Carlos Brathwaite's four consecutive sixes in 2016 are still replayed in every cricket montage.
  • Rashid Khan holds the record for the best bowling average among associate players.
  • Afghanistan has the best win-loss ratio among emerging cricket nations.
  • Chris Gayle hit over 60 sixes in World Cups alone-more than some teams combined.

What's Next for the T20 World Cup?

The T20 format is now cricket's flagbearer in global expansion. With new cricketing territories like the USA, Germany, and even Scandinavian nations investing in infrastructure and leagues, the future of T20 World Cups is boundless. More teams. More fans. And possibly, more upsets.

Expect 16+ teams in future editions, greater technological integration (like smart helmets and AI-powered analytics), and a wider global footprint.

"T20 is cricket for the modern soul-loud, fast, emotional, and undeniably exciting."

FAQ

Who has won the most T20 World Cups?

India, West Indies and England, each with 2 titles.

Who was the first T20 World Cup champion?

India won the inaugural edition in 2007.

What is the frequency of the T20 World Cup?

From 2024 onwards, it's expected to be held every 2 years.

Who is the top run scorer in T20 World Cups?

Virat Kohli, with over 1100 runs across multiple editions.

Which countries are hosting the T20 World Cup 2024?

West Indies and the USA are co-hosting it-a historic move for global cricket.

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