T20 World Cup 2022: Key Highlights and Stats
Looking back at the T20 World Cup 2022 feels like flipping through a highlight reel that never gets old. From surprise upsets to record‑shattering innings, the tournament gave fans plenty to talk about. If you missed a match or just want a quick refresher, this guide has the must‑know moments, stats, and player stories that defined the event.
Tournament Overview
The 2022 edition kicked off in October and featured 16 teams battling in a mix of round‑robin and knockout stages. Australia, England, India, and Pakistan were the heavyweights, but the real drama unfolded when underdogs like Namibia and Scotland stole a few points.
Australia topped their group with three wins, while England edged out Pakistan on net run rate. The knockout round saw some nail‑biting finishes – the quarter‑final between England and New Zealand went to the last ball, with England clinching a four‑run win.
The final showdown pitted England against Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. England posted a competitive 137/5, thanks to a late surge by Ben Stokes. Pakistan chased down the target with three wickets left, sealing a thrilling 5‑run victory that sent their fans into a frenzy.
Standout Performances
Every T20 tournament has a few players who light up the scoreboard, and 2022 was no different. Shakib Al Hasan of Bangladesh was the leading wicket‑taker, bagging 12 scalps while keeping his economy under 7 runs per over. His death‑over bowling turned matches in Bangladesh’s favor more than once.
On the batting side, India's Virat Kohli impressed with a quick 57 in the group stage, showing he can still dominate the format. But the star of the show was England’s Ben Stokes, who scored a blistering 84 not out in the final, earning the Player of the Match award.
Young talent also shone. Namibia’s Gerhard Miller, a rookie off the bench, slammed 30 runs off 12 balls against Sri Lanka, proving that the T20 stage can launch new careers.
Stat geeks will love the numbers: the tournament saw an average of 8.3 runs per over, a slight dip from 2016 but still high‑scoring. The highest individual score was 101* by England’s Jos Buttler against India, marking the first T20 World Cup century.
Beyond the numbers, the 2022 edition reminded us why T20 cricket is a fan favorite – the pace, the surprise, and the sheer excitement of a game that can turn on a single ball. Whether you’re a die‑hard cricket follower or a casual viewer, the moments from this World Cup give plenty to discuss and revisit.
So, next time you hear someone brag about the 2022 final, you’ll know exactly which innings made the difference and why the tournament still gets talked about today. Grab a snack, cue up the highlight reel, and enjoy the fast‑paced world of T20 cricket all over again.