Upsets, sorrows, agony and ecstasy, you name it and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 had everything in it. With 9 associate nations and 11 full member nations this was the first time that the ICC were hosting a 20 team World Cup. Cricket experts and Pandits of the game seem to be liking the decision as it gives associate nations a chance on the global platform to showcase their calibre. With quite a few upsets and shockers in the world Cup let’s have a look at some key moments of the tournaments
Virat Kohli’s form
Leaving aside his timely match-winning performance in the final against South Africa, Kohli, rather surprisingly, did not have a great run at the World Cup.
Opening with Rohit Sharma, Kohli, who it ought to be remembered was drafted in as a makeshift opener, struggled to even reach the double figures on various occasions.
Although there were a couple of innings where he looked good but couldn’t convert them into a big one. India having won the world Cup and his performance in the finals seems to have compensated for his previous performances in the tournament. He has also called it a day from the T20I’s and will be quite satisfied with his career in the format having ended it on a high. He’s a world cup winner, after all, in cricket’s most exciting format.
New Zealand getting eliminated in the group stage
With the likes of Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, Tim Southee the Kiwis looked one of the favourites to win the tournament but their dream of winning the world Cup were short lived as they could only manage to win against the two associate nations in their group, Uganda and Papua New Guinea. Their batting didn’t look promising and bowling was not upto the mark. With Kane Williamson also hanging his boots from captaincy New Zealand will have to wait for another 2 years to get closer to the title with a new T20I captain.
Afghanistan defeating the mighty Aussies
Afghanistan were considered the underdogs against the 2021 Champions, the Mithcell Marsh led side were in great touch in the group stage and were looking strong until Afghanistan defeated them made yet another upset in the tournament, this defeat was followed by Australia losing from India which eventually led to their elimination. Rashid Khan’s showed great character and composure throughout the competition but this victory will always be memorable for them and the people of Afghanistan. Although they lost to South Africa in the Semi Finals as they Proteas completely outplayed them this World Cup will be special them.
Saurabh Netravalkar, the perfect athlete
From the maidans(Grounds) of Mumbai to Oracle and the USA cricket team Saurabh’s journey has been filled with ups and downs.
From representing India in U-19s to moving to the United States for his masters and then playing for the national team in their maiden T20 World Cup 2024 and winning hearts all round the world, what Saurabh Netravalkar is doing is a dream of every Indian guy. From representing his country to doing a master’s along with a job in America, Saurabh’s his journey, which perhaps not many were aware of, has been perhaps the most inspiring tale of the T20 World Cup 2024.
Saurabh took the wickets of Virat and Rohit in the match against India and that has to be the highlight of his career so far; he impressed everyone with that performance.
In all likelihood, it’s only going upwards from here, his calibre has been displayed on the global stage, franchise and the teams around the world will definitely have an eye on him.
USA defeating Pakistan
Has to be one of the biggest upsets in the history of the game. An associate nation, hosting an ICC event for the first time, playing a World Cup for the first time scripted history as they defeated Pakistan in a group game, 159 was not enough to separate both the teams, the match went down till the last ball followed by a super over, USA scored 17 runs in reply Pakistan could only manage 13 runs. A team that consists of engineers and part time cricketers defeated a full member nation leaving everyone in awe. They eventually qualified for the super-8s as well and qualifying themselves for themselves for the next T20 World Cup.
There is one thing for sure, many World Cups will come and go but this one will be remembered for upsets and entertainment it has provided to the fans.