ICC World Twenty20: A rush down the lanes of history

Coming into existence in 2007, the World T20 has a rather short history. However, it is a dramatic one as the event is now a much anticipated cricketing fixture both among fans and players alike all over the globe. As a format, T20 springs up several surprises and as an event, T20 World Cup has repeatedly sent pulses racing and decibel levels screeching. As the first sub-continent edition gets underway in Sri Lanka from September 18, we look-back at this brief-but-exciting history:

2007 - World catches T20 fever:

The shortest format of the game was gaining popularity in domestic circuits and it was a matter of time when the big boys got into the act. South Africa was chosen as the host-nation for the first edition of the tournament with 12 teams ready to set the stage afire with some high-octane cricket.  The atmosphere was simply electric.

The 10 Test playing nations arrived along with Kenya and Scotland - the two best teams to emerge from the ICC World Cricket League.

Following was the placing and results in and of individual groups:

Group A: South Africa, Bangladesh and West Indies (out)

Group B: Australia, England and Zimbabwe (out on basis of NRR)

Group C: Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Kenya (out)

Group D: India, Pakistan and Scotland (out)

Super 8s:

Group E: India, New Zealand, England (eliminated) and South Africa (eliminated on the basis of NRR)

Group F: Pakistan, Australia, Sri Lanka (eliminated) and Bangladesh (eliminated)

The two semifinals saw Pakistan knock New Zealand out while India overcame Australia.

Final:

India won the toss against arch-rivals Pakistan at the Wanderers. Batting first, Gautam Gambhir fought his way to 75 off 54 balls to help his side post 157/5. In reply, Pakistan lost two quick wickets with the score on 26 but came back after Sreesanth was pelted for 21 in an over.

Irfan Pathan and Joginder Sharma managed to keep the opposition in check to an extent. With 13 needed off the last over, MS Dhoni tossed the ball to Joginder, a much remembered gamble in the recent times. With a wicket in hand and just 6 required off 4 balls, Misbah Ul Haq opted to scoop the ball over the short fine-leg fielder. Sreesanth, probably, took the most important catch of his life. WINNERS: INDIA

2009: Battle comes to where it all began

England hosted the second edition of the event. For a while, it seemed the venue may shift out as the British government had banned Zimbabwe from touring England in 2009. It, however, did go ahead. Three venues were finalised, including Trent Bridge.

Three associate members arrived this time - Ireland, Netherlands and Scotland.

Following was the placing and results in and of individual groups:

Group A: India, Ireland, Bangladesh (out)

Group B: England, Pakistan, Netherlands (out)

Group C: Sri Lanka, West Indies, Australia (out after losing by 7 wickets vs WI and by 6 wickets to SL)

Group D: South Africa, New Zealand and Scotland (out)

Super 8s:

Group E: South Africa, West Indies, England (eliminated), India (eliminated)

Group F: Sri Lanka, Pakistan, New Zealand (eliminated), Ireland (eliminated)

The two semifinals saw Pakistan pip South Africa and Sri Lanka beat West Indies

Final:

With a two on two record of having made it to the final, Pakistan faced Sri Lanka at the Lord's with determined intent.

Despite a gritty 64* by Kumar Sangakkara, Pakistan managed to wrap up the innings for 138/6. Sri Lanka could have claimed early wickets and put the match at level pegging but openers Kamran Akmal (37) and Shahzaib Hasan (19) set-up a firm base. Shahid Afridi came to the middle at a man down and spanked an unbeaten 54 to take his side home, this time.

2010: Caribbean flavour to the T20 mix

West Indies managed to grab the right to host the third edition. While an interval of two years was the norm being followed, this edition was only after 10 months of the tournament in England. This was because the 2008 Champions Trophy which was to be held in Pakistan was postponed due to security concerns and therefore, the scheduled Champions Trophy which was to be held in West Indies in 2010 was revised to the 20-20 format to correct the calendar.

Following was the placing and results in and of individual groups:

Group A: Australia, Pakistan, Bangladesh (out)

Group B: New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe (out)

Group C: India, South Africa and Afghanistan (out)

Group D: West Indies, England, Ireland (out)

Super 8s:

Group E: England, Pakistan, New Zealand (eliminated), South Africa (eliminated)

Group F: Australia, Sri Lanka, West Indies (eliminated), India (eliminated)

England had played good cricket so far but their game peaked at the right time as they beat Sri Lanka in the first semi-final. Australia, in the other, knocked out defending champions Pakistan.

Final:

Rivals England and Australia faced each other in the final of this tournament for the first time. Both fancied their chances. The toss, though, favoured England who chose to field.

Power-performers Shane Watson and David Warner could not get going when it mattered the most and England seized the early advantage leaving their opposition reeling at 7/2. It became 8/3 when Brad Haddin too was dispatched by a menacing Ryan Sidebottom.

David Hussey (59) and skipper Michael Clarke (27) managed to add some respect to the innings as Australia eventually ended with 147 runs.

England too lost Michael Lumb early but the top-order did not buckle this time. Craig Kieswetter (63) and Kevin Pietersen (47) denied Australia and England rode home in 17 overs.