New Zealand Women’s cricket team clinched the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title by defeating South Africa by 32 runs in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on October 20.
New Zealand set a competitive total of 158/5, with Amelia Kerr leading the charge with a 38-ball 43. Kerr and Rosemary Mair also delivered with the ball, each claiming three wickets, restricting South Africa to 126/9. This victory, under the leadership of Sophie Devine, marked a significant moment for the Kiwis, who have endured a challenging past in ICC tournaments.
This win places Sophie Devine in the elite group of cricketers who have both lost and won a T20 World Cup final. Here, we look at five famous cricketers who share this distinction.
#1 Virat Kohli
Indian cricket star Virat Kohli is one of the most celebrated players to have both lost and won a T20 World Cup final. Kohli was part of the Indian team that lost the 2014 T20 World Cup final to Sri Lanka in Bangladesh. Despite his stellar performances throughout the tournament, Kohli couldn’t help India secure the trophy.
Fast forward to 2024, Kohli played a pivotal role in India’s triumph in the T20 World Cup, showcasing his ability to deliver in key moments. Though he missed out on winning another ODI World Cup in 2023, Kohli’s exceptional performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup will be remembered as one of his finest accomplishments.
#2 Sophie Devine
New Zealand’s Sophie Devine finally tasted T20 World Cup glory in 2024 after leading her side to victory against South Africa. However, her journey to the top wasn’t easy. Devine was part of the New Zealand squad that lost consecutive T20 World Cup finals in 2009 and 2010.
In 2009, they fell short against England, and in 2010, they were defeated by Australia. Despite those setbacks, Devine matured into a world-class all-rounder and leader, and her efforts culminated in guiding her team to a well-deserved T20 World Cup win in 2024.
#3 MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni, one of the greatest captains in the history of Indian cricket, also experienced both the highs and lows of T20 World Cup finals. Dhoni led India to victory in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, which propelled him to stardom.
However, under his captaincy, India lost the 2014 T20 World Cup final to Sri Lanka. India managed only 130 runs in the final, and the Lankans chased it down comfortably. Despite this disappointment, Dhoni’s legacy as a World Cup-winning captain in both T20 and ODI formats remains unparalleled.
#4 Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma, who recently retired from T20 Internationals, was part of two Indian teams that reached the summit of T20 cricket, winning in 2007 and then falling short in 2014. In the 2014 final, Sharma opened the innings but struggled to get going, scoring 29 off 26 balls. India’s modest total of 130/4 was chased down by Sri Lanka, handing them their first-ever T20 World Cup title.
Sharma, however, will always be remembered for his contributions in India’s 2007 triumph, when he was a young and emerging talent.
#5 Shahid Afridi
Pakistan’s legendary all-rounder Shahid Afridi is another cricketer to have both lost and won a T20 World Cup final. Afridi was part of the Pakistan team that lost to India in the final of the inaugural 2007 edition, a heartbreaking defeat decided by a last-over mishap from Misbah-ul-Haq.
However, Afridi redeemed himself and Pakistan in the 2009 edition, where they beat Sri Lanka comfortably at Lord’s. Afridi starred in the final, scoring an unbeaten 54 off 40 balls and playing a crucial role in helping Pakistan chase down Sri Lanka’s target of 138 to claim their first T20 World Cup title.
These five cricketers have experienced both the agony of defeat and the joy of victory in T20 World Cup finals, showcasing their resilience and ability to bounce back on the biggest stage. Their contributions have cemented their places in the history of the shortest format of the game.