T20 World Cup History: Every Winner from 2007 to 2024
The ICC Men's T20 World Cup has produced cricket's most dramatic moments since 2007. From India's inaugural win to England's 2022 title, this is the complete history of T20 cricket's premier event.
The ICC T20 World Cup's Origins
The first ICC World Twenty20 was held in South Africa in 2007. Nine full members and three associates competed. India, captained by MS Dhoni, won the title — defeating Pakistan in the final in a dramatic finish that included both teams tied from the last over and settled by a bowl-out. The tournament generated enormous commercial interest; India's victory in particular drove the IPL's creation just months later.
Winners List
The T20 World Cup has been won by six different nations: India (2007, 2024, 2026), Pakistan (2009), England (2010, 2022), West Indies (2012, 2016), Sri Lanka (2014), and Australia (2021). India became the first team to successfully defend the title in 2026, beating New Zealand by 96 runs in Ahmedabad. West Indies were the first to win twice — their 2016 title, settled by Carlos Braithwaite's four sixes off Ben Stokes, is one of the most dramatic sporting moments of the decade.
2016 — Brathwaite's Four Sixes
The 2016 final at Eden Gardens between West Indies and England is T20 cricket's most dramatic match. England needed 19 to win off the last over, with Ben Stokes bowling. Carlos Brathwaite hit the first four deliveries for six — giving West Indies victory by 4 wickets. Stokes collapsed to his knees; Brathwaite danced across the pitch. The moment encapsulated T20 cricket's ability to produce sporting drama with no precedent in the sport.
2024 — India's Second Title
India won their second T20 World Cup title in 2024, co-hosted in the USA and West Indies. They defeated South Africa in the final in a match that came down to the final over — Jasprit Bumrah dismissed multiple South African batsmen as South Africa needed 16 off the last over. India's 2024 title ended an 11-year wait for an ICC title and was celebrated with a massive reception in Mumbai. The tournament also featured USA defeating Pakistan in the group stage — one of cricket's great upsets.
Frequently asked questions
Who has won the most T20 World Cup titles?
India lead with three T20 World Cup titles (2007, 2024, 2026 — the first-ever successful defence). England (2010, 2022) and West Indies (2012, 2016) have each won two. Pakistan (2009), Sri Lanka (2014) and Australia (2021) have each won one. The T20 World Cup has been highly competitive, with six different winners across eleven tournaments.
Who were the most memorable T20 World Cup players?
The T20 World Cup's most memorable individual performances include: Yuvraj Singh's six sixes off Stuart Broad in 2007 and his tournament-winning performances in 2007; Carlos Braithwaite's four sixes in the 2016 final; Marlon Samuels' anchoring innings in the same final; and Jasprit Bumrah's final over against South Africa in 2024. MS Dhoni's final six in the 2007 final to win the bowl-out against Pakistan is also enduringly celebrated.