5 most memorable moments of the T20 World Cup history

The 2016 ICC T20 World Cup 2016 is about to get underway. It is the flagship event of the shortest format of the game. It is going to be the sixth edition of the tournament.Throughout these five editions, the spectators have witnessed many memorable moments. Whether it is Yuvraj’s breathtaking six sixes in an over, or Umar Gul’s five-wicket haul, the tournament has stored plethora of unforgettable moments in its archive. Many such moments have left an indelible impression in the viewers’ mind.Looking back at the previous editions, let us look at 5 most memorable moments from the T20 World Cup:

#1 Yuvraj\'s six sixes

Yuvraj took Broad to the cleaners

The dashing left-hander from India set the inaugural T20 World Cup on fire when he incredibly hit six sixes in an over. England bowler Stuart Broad was at the receiving end as Yuvraj unleashed breathtaking strokes ball after ball. Yuvraj also scored a 50 in the process off just 12 deliveries which is the fastest in any form of the game.

But there is an interesting story behind it. Before Broad’s over, Yuvraj and England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff had a heated conversation and according to Yuvraj it was the words of Flintoff that spurred him.

That little spur from Flintoff motivated Yuvraj to do something that very few have achieved in the history of the game. One has to feel sorry for the bowler.

This surely goes down as one of the most memorable moments in the T20 World Cup history.

#2 Celebrations by West Indies

West Indies players celebrate in their unique style

The West Indies cricket team is always full of life and they do know how to celebrate. In the 2012 ICC T20 World Cup, players of the side unleashed some of the craziest dance moves on the field after every victory. They went on to win the tournament by beating Sri Lanka in the final.

However after their thrilling win against Australia in the semifinal, they displayed some energetic dance moves which showed how much the win meant for them. Their skipper Darren Sammy hit two sixes in the final over to seal a famous win over Australia.

After the final, the way they celebrated was a thing to watch for sure. It was a resurrection of sort for West Indies as they won a world title after 33 long years. The ecstatic team members celebrated in a free-flowing manner and the celebrations are still etched in everyone’s mind.

#3 Umar Gul\'s fantastic spell

Umar Gul at his very best

With their hopes of surviving in the tournament diminishing, Pakistan speedster Umar Gul went on and recorded a sensational bowing spell. In the Super 8 stage, Gul picked up 5 wickets as New Zealand were bowled out for just 99.

In the process, he became the first bowler to pick a 5 wicket haul in T20 internationals. Gul was able to reverse swing a 12-over old ball and displayed a master class of death bowling. Pakistan stayed in the tournament as they chased it easily and later went on to win the tournament.

A great display of fast bowling by the man from Pakistan was surely a treat to watch.

#4 Gayle hammering Lee

Gayle hammered Lee for 27 in an over

The man from the Caribbean is a nightmare for most of the bowlers. The buccaneering left hander can smack the best in the business on his day. Australian speedster Brett Lee too couldn’t survive his wrath.

Gayle meted out special treatment for Lee in a game between Australia and West Indies in the 2009 ICC T20 World Cup. After Australia managed to put up 169-7 on the board, a daunting challenge lied ahead of West Indies. But what followed next was a complete treat for the viewers. The first ball was short of length on middle, and was dispatched over mid-wicket for a six. The second was a yorker but the next was again sent into the skies over long-on. A dot ball followed next up, but again Lee bowled it on off and Gayle crashed it through covers for a four. Another boundary came off the next ball, and the last ball was blasted off to mid-wicket stands.

The sight of the menacing Lee getting clobbered all over the park by the Caribbean giant is etched in the memories of the viewers forever.

#5 Hussey\'s last over heroics

A dejected Ajmal looks on as Hussey jumps in joy

Australia faced Pakistan in the semifinal of the 2010 edition of the T20 World Cup. Australia were in trouble and Hussey came into bat when his team needed an improbable 87 off the last 7 overs.

Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Mr. Cricket played the knock of his life as it was his blitzkrieg that propelled Australia to the final. Hussey hit 18 runs in the last over bowled by Pakistan’s premier off-spinner Saeed Ajmal and it was truly a memorable moment for sure.