ICC T20 World Cup: 5 teams with the most wins in the tournament's history

The action never seems to stop in the world of cricket. And after an exhilarating 2019, cricket enthusiasts keenly await the arrival of 2020.

2019 was really special owing to the remarkable ICC World Cup, the nerve-wracking Ashes series and several other entertaining encounters. But with the year coming to a close, it’s time to embrace the next one.

A plethora of exciting competitions are lined up for 2020, but the most awaited event is undoubtedly the ICC T20 World Cup, being hosted by Australia.

The popular tournament was last contested in 2016 when Carlos Brathwaite smashed four successive sixes off England's Ben Stokes in the final over to help West Indies claim their second title. Brathwaite broke many records that day, as he did the unthinkable in helping Windies reign supreme at the famous Wankhede Cricket Ground.

Speaking of records in the T20 World Cup, the one for highest number of wins in the history of the competition is perhaps the most important. While numerous countries have been crowned as World Champions over the years, the consistency of a team is best indicated by the number of wins they have registered.

Here, we list down the top 5 teams that have won the most matches in the tournament's history:

#5 West Indies

ICC World Twenty20 India 2016: Final - England v West Indies

The only nation to lift the T20 World Cup trophy twice, West Indies have been entertaining fans all around the globe for a long time now. From Carlos Brathwaite's mauling of Ben Stokes to Marlon Samuels' heroics in 2012, the Windies have been a lethal unit when it comes to the T20 World Cup.

The Carribean side has won 17 matches at the T20 World Cup so far, and has reached the semifinals of the tournament on four occasions. Some of the most successful T20 cricketers have come from the beautiful Caribbean islands; it's no secret that on their day, the Windies are a potent unit who can thrash any opposition.

Players like Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels and others have helped West Indies perform brilliantly in the format. It won't be far-fetched to say that the Caribbean giants will be among the favourites for the trophy in 2020 when the competition returns for its seventh edition.

Also see – T10 points table

#4 South Africa

Pakistan v South Africa - ICC Twenty20 World Cup Semi-Final

The Proteas may have never lifted the majestic cup, but they still possess an impressive record at the tournament. Having won a total of 18 matches, South Africa have consistently performed well in the T20 World Cup.

They've twice reached the semi-finals of the competition, but are yet to feature in a final. It was in 2009 when the Proteas enjoyed their best campaign till date as they breezed their way through to the semi-finals, only to suffer a disappointing loss at the hands of the eventual champions Pakistan.

Their undefeated run until the semis made them seem like the favourites for the trophy but as they say, South Africa and knockouts is not a great love story!

The Proteas endured a torrid tournament in England this year as they failed to reach the semifinals at the ICC World Cup 2019. They would be keen to better their record at ICC tournaments, looking for their first ever T20 World Cup title in 2020.

Also see - ENG vs NZ schedule 2019

#3 Pakistan

ICC Twenty20 World Cup Final

Over the years, Pakistan have produced some of the finest T20 cricketers like Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik and Misbah-ul-Haq to name just a few. The Men in Green have always possessed a tremendous amount of firepower in their squad and are known for their aggression, something they channeled well in 2009 when they lifted the ICC World T20 trophy.

Pakistan famously defeated Sri Lanka in the final, thanks to a Man of the Match worthy performance by Afridi.

That wasn't Pakistan's first taste of a T20 World Cup final though. They came close to winning the cup in the inaugural season where they lost to arch-rivals India at the Wanderers Stadium.

The Falcons managed to reach the last four in the 2010 and 2012 editions as well, and as a result they hold a pretty commendable record at the tournament in terms of wins registered. Having won 19 games in T20 World Cup history, Pakistan rank third on this illustrious list.

#2 India

Pakistan v India - Twenty20 Championship Final

The inaugural champions of the T20 World Cup take the second spot as they have won 20 World Cup matches so far.

The Men in Blue have time and again proved their mettle as a fearsome T20 unit, and their record at the tournament reinforces that. Their triumph in 2007 was truly memorable as they defeated Pakistan in the final by five runs to become the first nation ever to lift the cup.

The Men in Blue reached the final again in 2014, but things weren't the same this time around as they were comfortably beaten by Sri Lanka.

All in all, India have reached the last four of the tournament on three instances, including the last two editions. They were the heavy favourites for the 2016 edition as well but suffered a shocking defeat at the hands of West Indies in the semifinal.

Virat Kohli and company will be looking to better their performance in 2020 when the tournament takes place in Australia.

#1 Sri Lanka

India v Sri Lanka - ICC World Twenty20 Bangladesh 2014 Final

The Lankan Lions have won 22 World T20 fixtures, which makes them the numero uno side on this list. Sri Lanka are the only team to have played three World T20 finals, which clearly shows their impressive track record at the tournament.

Sri Lanka played their first final in 2009 but they suffered heartbreak at the hands of Pakistan at Lord's. Their second heartbreak came in 2012 when they were defeated by West Indies on home soil. The hosts were set a paltry target of 138 by the Windies and were expected to cruise home, but Darren Sammy and Co had other plans as they wreaked havoc with the ball and bundled them out for a meagre 101.

It was in 2014 when Kumar Sangakkara helped his side claim the title with an emphatic 6-wicket victory over India at Bangladesh's Shere Bangla National Stadium. The elegant left-hander played a composed knock of 52 to help his nation reign supreme over their subcontinent rivals.