T20 World Cup 2016: Carlos Brathwaite and West Indies' Last-Ball Epic
The 2016 ICC World T20 final in Kolkata produced one of cricket's most dramatic finishes as West Indies needed 19 off the last over and Carlos Brathwaite hit four consecutive sixes.
The 2016 ICC World Twenty20, hosted in India, produced what is widely considered the greatest finish in T20 cricket history. West Indies required 19 runs off the final over in the final at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, with England's Ben Stokes bowling.
The Final Over: Brathwaite's Four Sixes
Carlos Brathwaite, batting at number seven, hit Stokes for four consecutive sixes off the first four balls of the over. West Indies won off the fourth ball without needing the final two deliveries. Brathwaite finished unbeaten on 34 off 10 balls. The commentary line — 'Remember the name!' — became instantly iconic.
Marlon Samuels: The Anchor Under Pressure
Before Brathwaite's pyrotechnics, Marlon Samuels held the innings together with 85 not out off 66 balls. When West Indies were 11 for 2 in the third over chasing 156, Samuels steadied the chase. His knock set up a platform that Brathwaite could launch from.
West Indies' T20 Dynasty
West Indies became the only team to win two T20 World Cups (2012 and 2016), cementing their status as the format's specialists despite inconsistency in Tests and ODIs. Their success reflected the concentration of T20 franchise talent — players like Brathwaite, Simmons, and Samuels honed their skills in CPL, IPL, and Big Bash competitions.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the 2016 T20 World Cup?
West Indies, defeating England by 4 wickets in a dramatic final at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
How many runs did West Indies need off the final over in the 2016 T20 final?
19 runs off 6 balls, bowled by Ben Stokes. Carlos Brathwaite hit four consecutive sixes to win with two balls remaining.
How many T20 World Cups have West Indies won?
Two — in 2012 (defeating Sri Lanka in Colombo) and 2016 (defeating England in Kolkata).