2014 ICC World Twenty20: Sri Lanka Win at Home on Spinning Mirpur Pitch
The 2014 T20 World Cup in Bangladesh ended with Sri Lanka defeating India in the final — Kumar Sangakkara's team winning their only T20 World Cup title on turning Bangladesh pitches.
The 2014 ICC World Twenty20, hosted by Bangladesh, produced a classic final between India and Sri Lanka at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur. Sri Lanka posted 134/4 in a controlled innings, then restricted India to 130/4 — winning by 6 runs in a tight finish that denied India the chance to win a T20 World Cup in MS Dhoni's captaincy era. Kumar Sangakkara led his team with experience and the calm authority that characterised Sri Lankan cricket in his era.
Bangladesh as Host
Bangladesh hosted the 2014 tournament on subcontinent spin-friendly pitches. The Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur was the primary venue, with Chittagong hosting additional matches. Bangladesh's own team performed creditably in the group stage but were eliminated before the knockout rounds — a similar pattern to their previous tournament hosting experiences, where they raised standards but could not sustain results against the strongest teams.
India's Campaign
India under MS Dhoni played with their characteristic composure and tactical discipline. Virat Kohli was emerging as their key batting force, his power-batting on subcontinent pitches that some assumed would be spin-dominated proving that technique could overcome the conditions. India's bowlers — Ravichandran Ashwin (off-spin), Amit Mishra (leg-spin), and Mohammad Shami (seam) — complemented Dhoni's match-management ability throughout.
The Final
Sri Lanka's batting in the final was anchored by Dilshan (52 off 35 balls) and supported by Jayawardene's experience. India's chase began well but the Sri Lankan spinners — Ajantha Mendis and Rangana Herath — created regular opportunities on a turning Mirpur pitch. Kohli battled for 77* off 58 balls but ran out of partners. India finished on 130/4 — falling 6 runs short of Sri Lanka's 134.
2014 Final — India Fall 6 Short
Sri Lanka 134/4 (20 overs) — Dilshan 52 (35). India 130/4 (20 overs) — Kohli 77* (58). Sri Lanka won by 6 runs. Herath 2/23 in 4 overs. Mendis 2/12. The slow, turning pitch was ideally suited to Sri Lanka's spinners. India needed 11 off the last over from Thisara Perera but managed only 5.
Sangakkara's Legacy
Kumar Sangakkara lifted the T20 World Cup in what was one of his last major tournaments as a white-ball captain. His leadership — combining technical brilliance with calm tactical thinking — had made Sri Lanka competitive in all formats for over a decade. The 2014 T20 World Cup was the only major ICC T20 title Sri Lanka won, and Sangakkara's contribution to it was fundamental.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the 2014 ICC World Twenty20?
Sri Lanka won the 2014 T20 World Cup, defeating India by 6 runs in the final at Mirpur, Bangladesh.
Where was the 2014 T20 World Cup hosted?
Bangladesh hosted the 2014 ICC World Twenty20, with the final at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka.
What did Virat Kohli score in the 2014 final?
Kohli scored 77* off 58 balls in a losing cause — India fell 6 runs short of Sri Lanka's 134/4.
Who was Kumar Sangakkara?
Kumar Sangakkara is one of cricket's greatest left-hand batters, who led Sri Lanka to the 2014 T20 World Cup title in one of his final major tournaments.