The T20 World Cup has silently accumulated an impressive numerical history packed with memorable moments and remarkable feats. In anticipation of the 2026 edition, here’s a compilation of 20 intriguing, whimsical, and insightful statistics that highlight the tournament’s extremes and evolution.
20
Starting with a recent astonishing fact, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Arshdeep Singh allowed only 20 runs (excluding extras) in the final overs (16-20) during the T20 World Cup 2024 final in Bridgetown, Barbados. This was particularly impressive as South Africa had reduced their target to a run-a-ball in the 15th over. Their economy rate of 4 in these crucial overs is the best recorded across 54 team innings in T20 World Cup knockout matches, compared to the overall average of 9.96.
19
The highest target chased down in the final over of a T20 World Cup match is 19 runs, which occurred during the exhilarating 2016 final at Eden Gardens, featuring the iconic Carlos Brathwaite.
18
Brendon McCullum holds the record for the highest number of boundaries in a single T20 World Cup innings, hitting 11 fours and 7 sixes while scoring 123 against Bangladesh in 2012. Chris Gayle recorded the most sixes in an innings with 11 against England in 2016, while Herschelle Gibbs achieved the highest number of fours (14) in the inaugural match against the West Indies in 2007.
17
Shakib Al Hasan has played against 17 different teams in T20 World Cup history, a record for any player. He is followed by his fellow countrymen Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah with 16, and Mohammad Nabi from Afghanistan. Shakib and Rohit Sharma are the only players to have participated in all nine editions so far. Notably, Brendan Taylor remains the sole player from the first edition in 2007 who will also play in 2026.
16 Years, 335 Days
Aayan Afzal Khan from the UAE became the youngest player to feature in a T20 World Cup match at just 16 years and 335 days, debuting against the Netherlands during the 2022 edition. Other players who appeared in the tournament before turning 18 include Mohammad Amir and Rashid Khan.
15
Associate nations have stunned full-member teams with 15 victories throughout Men’s T20 World Cup history, with the Netherlands leading the charge with four wins, including two against England. Notably, Afghanistan’s last-over victory over the West Indies in 2016 was the only defeat for the eventual champions that year. Italy is set to join the competition as the 15th Associate team in the upcoming edition.
