Here’s a detailed look at Pakistan’s performances in all ICC Men’s T20 World Cups:
2024 T20 World Cup (USA and West Indies)
Pakistan’s performance in the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup was below expectations, resulting in an early exit during the group stage. Placed in Group A with India, the United States, Ireland, and Canada, they finished third, missing the Super Eight qualification.
Match Results:
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- Vs USA: Lost in a Super Over after tying at 159 runs.
- Vs India: Lost by 6 runs in a low-scoring game.
- Vs Canada: Won convincingly with standout performances from Mohammad Rizwan and Mohammad Amir.
- Vs Ireland: Won a close match by 3 wickets, led by Babar Azam.
- Performance: Group Stage Exit
- Key Matches:
- Lost to USA in a Super Over.
- Lost to India by 6 runs in a low-scoring thriller.
- Won against Canada and Ireland.
- Outcome: Failed to qualify for the Super 8s.
- Key Challenges: Poor batting performances, lack of preparation, and internal disunity.
2022 T20 World Cup (Australia)
In the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup held in Australia, Pakistan had a rollercoaster journey, ultimately finishing as runners-up.
Group Stage:
Pakistan started the tournament with two unexpected losses:
- Vs India: Lost in a last-ball thriller as Virat Kohli’s exceptional innings guided India to a dramatic win.
- Vs Zimbabwe: Lost by 1 run in a shocking upset.
- Vs Netherlands: Secured a comfortable win.
- Vs South Africa: Clinched a crucial victory in a rain-affected match (DLS method).
- Vs Bangladesh: A win in the final group match helped Pakistan secure a semi-final spot after South Africa’s surprise loss to the Netherlands.
Semi-Final:
- Vs New Zealand: Pakistan delivered a dominant performance, with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan guiding the team to victory with a strong opening partnership.
Final:
- Vs England: In a highly anticipated clash, Pakistan posted a modest total of 137/8. Despite a spirited bowling effort, especially from Shaheen Afridi, England chased down the target with five wickets in hand, largely due to Ben Stokes’ composed innings.
- Performance: Runners-Up
- Key Matches:
- Group Stage: Defeated India and South Africa but suffered an upset loss to Zimbabwe.
- Semifinal: Defeated New Zealand convincingly.
- Final: Lost to England by 5 wickets (Pakistan scored 137/8; England chased it down with ease).
2021 T20 World Cup (UAE and Oman)
In the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, hosted by the UAE and Oman, Pakistan delivered an impressive campaign but fell short in the semi-finals.
Group Stage:
Pakistan was dominant in the Super 12 stage, topping their group with five consecutive wins:
- Vs India: Pakistan achieved a historic 10-wicket victory, with Babar Azam (68*) and Mohammad Rizwan (79*) chasing 152 effortlessly. Shaheen Afridi’s 3-wicket spell was pivotal.
- Vs New Zealand: Secured a 5-wicket win, with Asif Ali’s explosive hitting in the final overs sealing the game.
- Vs Afghanistan: Won by 5 wickets, thanks to Asif Ali’s 4 sixes in the 19th over.
- Vs Namibia: Registered a comfortable 45-run win.
- Vs Scotland: Dominated with a 72-run victory, highlighted by Babar Azam’s half-century.
Semi-Final:
- Vs Australia: Pakistan set a target of 177, with fifties from Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Despite a strong performance, Matthew Wade’s three consecutive sixes off Shaheen Afridi in the penultimate over turned the game, and Australia won by 5 wickets.
Key Highlights:
- Strengths: Consistent top-order batting, led by Babar Azam (tournament’s leading run-scorer) and Mohammad Rizwan, alongside a world-class bowling attack with Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan, and Haris Rauf.
- Weaknesses: Inability to close out high-pressure games, as seen in the semi-final.
- Result: Semi-finalists, showcasing strong form but falling short of their title aspirations.
2016 T20 World Cup (India)
In the 2016 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, hosted by India, Pakistan had a disappointing campaign, failing to advance beyond the group stage.
Group Stage:
Pakistan was placed in Group 2 of the Super 10 stage and managed only one win out of four matches:
- Vs Bangladesh: Pakistan started strongly with a comprehensive 55-run victory. Mohammad Hafeez and Ahmed Shehzad scored fifties, while Shahid Afridi shone with both bat and ball.
- Vs India: In a highly anticipated match, Pakistan struggled. After setting a modest target of 118/5 in 18 overs (rain-affected match), India chased it down comfortably with Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 55 leading the way.
- Vs New Zealand: Pakistan lost by 22 runs. New Zealand posted a challenging total of 180/5, and despite Sharjeel Khan’s quick 47, Pakistan fell short in the chase due to a lack of contributions from the middle order.
- Vs Australia: In their final match, Pakistan lost by 21 runs. Australia set a target of 194/4, with Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell starring. Pakistan’s chase faltered despite Khalid Latif’s 46.
- Performance: Group Stage Exit
- Key Matches:
- Defeated Bangladesh.
- Lost to India, New Zealand, and Australia.
- Challenges: Inconsistent batting performances and struggles with adapting to conditions.
- Outcome: Failed to qualify for the semifinals.
2014 T20 World Cup (Bangladesh)
In the 2014 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, hosted by Bangladesh, Pakistan had an inconsistent campaign and failed to qualify for the semi-finals, finishing fourth in their group during the Super 10 stage.
Group Stage:
Pakistan was placed in Group 2 and won two out of four matches:
- Vs India: Pakistan lost their opening match by 7 wickets. Despite setting a target of 130, India’s strong batting led by Virat Kohli ensured a comfortable chase.
- Vs Australia: Pakistan bounced back with an impressive 16-run victory. Umar Akmal’s blistering 94 and Ahmed Shehzad’s support helped Pakistan post a big total of 191. Zulfiqar Babar and Shahid Afridi’s bowling sealed the win.
- Vs Bangladesh: Pakistan dominated with a 50-run win. Ahmed Shehzad scored a brilliant century (111*), becoming the first Pakistani to score a T20I hundred, while the bowlers restricted Bangladesh effectively.
- Vs West Indies: In a must-win game, Pakistan faltered, losing by 84 runs. The West Indies posted 166/6, with a late onslaught from Dwayne Bravo and Darren Sammy. Pakistan was bowled out for just 82, ending their hopes of progressing.
Key Highlights:
- Strengths: Individual brilliance from Ahmed Shehzad and Umar Akmal in the batting lineup, supported by Shahid Afridi’s all-round capabilities.
- Weaknesses: Inconsistencies in batting and bowling under pressure, along with a weak lower order.
- Result: Pakistan finished fourth in Group 2, missing out on a semi-final spot.
This performance was seen as a step back for Pakistan, given their history of strong performances in T20 World Cups. The campaign raised questions about team management and strategy.
- Performance: Group Stage Exit
- Key Matches:
- Defeated Australia and Bangladesh but lost to India and the West Indies.
- Outcome: Despite a good start, they couldn’t advance due to a poor net run rate.
2012 T20 World Cup (Sri Lanka)
In the 2012 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, held in Sri Lanka, Pakistan had a strong and competitive campaign, finishing as semi-finalists. They performed admirably throughout the tournament but were ultimately eliminated by Sri Lanka in the semi-finals.
Group Stage:
Pakistan was placed in Group 2 of the Super 8 stage and won all three of their group matches:
- Vs New Zealand: Pakistan won by 13 runs. Pakistan posted a competitive total of 134/8, with Shahid Afridi’s all-round performance (leading the team in both batting and bowling) securing a crucial win.
- Vs Bangladesh: Pakistan won comfortably by 8 wickets. Bangladesh set a modest target of 175, which Pakistan chased down easily with a stellar performance from Mohammad Hafeez and Imran Nazir.
- Vs Australia: Pakistan won by 32 runs in a thrilling encounter. Pakistan posted 149/5, and despite a late fightback from Australia, their bowlers, led by Shahid Afridi, held firm to win.
Semi-Final:
- Vs Sri Lanka: In the semi-finals, Pakistan’s journey came to an end. Sri Lanka set a target of 139/6, and Pakistan fell short by 16 runs, finishing with 122/8. Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling attack, led by Lasith Malinga, and Pakistan’s inability to capitalize on key moments led to their downfall.
- Performance: Semifinalist
- Key Matches:
- Super Eights: Memorable win against Australia but lost to India.
- Semifinal: Lost to Sri Lanka.
- Key Players: Saeed Ajmal, Umar Gul, Mohammad Hafeez.
- Outcome: Knocked out in the semifinal by hosts Sri Lanka.
2010 T20 World Cup (West Indies)
In the 2010 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, held in the West Indies, Pakistan had a remarkable tournament, finishing as runners-up. Pakistan’s journey was full of resilience and strong performances, but they fell just short in the final.
Group Stage:
Pakistan was placed in Group D, and they won all their group-stage matches:
- Vs Australia: Pakistan lost by 3 wickets in a thrilling encounter. Despite posting a competitive score of 149/6, Pakistan fell short due to Australia’s late surge in the chase, with David Hussey’s crucial knock guiding them to victory.
- Vs West Indies: Pakistan won by 7 wickets. Pakistan chased down the target of 139 comfortably, thanks to key contributions from Shahzaib Hasan and Kamran Akmal.
- Vs India: Pakistan defeated India by 5 wickets in a thrilling contest. India posted 186/5, and Pakistan chased it down with one ball to spare, with notable performances from Shahzaib Hasan and Misbah-ul-Haq.
Super Eights:
Pakistan continued their strong form in the Super Eights, winning crucial matches:
- Vs New Zealand: Pakistan won by 7 wickets. They successfully chased down New Zealand’s total of 149/8, thanks to a stellar 55* from Shahid Afridi.
- Vs South Africa: Pakistan won by 11 runs. Pakistan set a target of 149/7, and despite a strong chase from South Africa, Pakistan’s bowlers held firm, with Umar Gul leading the way.
Semi-Final:
- Vs Sri Lanka: Pakistan secured a dominant win by 11 runs. Pakistan posted 157/6, and Sri Lanka could only manage 146/9 in their chase, with Shahid Afridi’s all-round brilliance playing a key role.
Final:
- Vs England: Pakistan’s campaign ended in the final, where they were defeated by England by 4 wickets. Pakistan posted 138/8 in their allotted 20 overs, which was a modest target. Despite a spirited bowling performance, England chased it down with 6 balls to spare, thanks to crucial knocks from the middle order, particularly from Graeme Swann and Jonathan Trott.
- Performance: Semifinalist
- Key Matches:
- Group Stage: Narrow escape to the Super Eights.
- Semifinal: Lost to Australia in a thrilling chase where Michael Hussey scored 60 off 24 balls to deny Pakistan.
- Outcome: Defending champions couldn’t progress beyond the semifinals.
2009 T20 World Cup (England)
In the 2009 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, held in England, Pakistan emerged as champions, winning their first-ever T20 World Cup title. Their campaign was marked by strong all-round performances, strategic leadership under Younis Khan, and a spirited display of both batting and bowling.
Group Stage:
Pakistan was placed in Group D and won both of their group-stage matches:
- Vs Scotland: Pakistan won by 82 runs. Pakistan posted a total of 173/2, with notable performances from Shahzaib Hasan and Kamran Akmal. Scotland was restricted to just 91/8 in their chase, with Pakistan’s bowlers dominating the match.
- Vs Afghanistan: Pakistan won by 8 wickets. Afghanistan set a target of 116, and Pakistan chased it down easily with 6 wickets in hand, thanks to solid performances from Shahid Afridi and Kamran Akmal.
Super Eights:
In the Super Eights, Pakistan continued their strong form, winning three out of their four matches:
- Vs Sri Lanka: Pakistan won by 19 runs. Pakistan posted a total of 157/6, and despite Sri Lanka’s strong batting, Pakistan’s bowlers held their nerve, with Umar Gul playing a key role in the win.
- Vs New Zealand: Pakistan won by 6 wickets. Pakistan successfully chased down New Zealand’s total of 99/7, with a strong bowling performance led by Shahid Afridi and Umar Gul.
- Vs South Africa: Pakistan lost by 8 wickets. South Africa chased down Pakistan’s total of 148/7 with ease, securing a comfortable victory.
Semi-Final:
- Vs New Zealand: Pakistan won by 6 wickets in a tight match. Pakistan restricted New Zealand to 99/7, and then successfully chased the target, thanks to a crucial 53* from Shahid Afridi.
Final:
- Vs Sri Lanka: In the final, Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 8 wickets to claim the 2009 T20 World Cup title. Sri Lanka posted 138/6, and Pakistan chased it down comfortably in 18.4 overs with a partnership of 106 between Shahid Afridi (54*) and Kamran Akmal (59*). Afridi’s all-round performance, both with the bat and ball (taking 1 wicket for 20 runs in the final), was crucial in Pakistan’s victory.
- Performance: Champions
- Key Matches:
- Super Eights: Defeated New Zealand and Ireland to qualify for the semifinals.
- Final: Defeated Sri Lanka by 8 wickets (Sri Lanka scored 138; Pakistan chased it with ease, courtesy of Shahid Afridi’s all-round performance).
- Key Players: Shahid Afridi, Umar Gul, Kamran Akmal.
- Outcome: Pakistan’s finest moment in T20 cricket, winning their first T20 World Cup.
2007 T20 World Cup (South Africa)
In the 2007 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, held in South Africa, Pakistan had a memorable and historic run, finishing as runners-up. This was the inaugural T20 World Cup, and Pakistan’s performance, full of drama and excitement, is still remembered by fans.
Group Stage:
Pakistan was placed in Group D and won both of their group-stage matches:
- Vs Scotland: Pakistan won comfortably by 55 runs. Pakistan set a total of 189/4, with contributions from Shahzaib Hasan and Shoaib Malik. Scotland’s chase ended at 134/7, with Pakistan’s bowlers dominating the game.
- Vs India: In a highly anticipated and dramatic match, Pakistan lost by 5 runs. India set a target of 158/5, and despite a late charge by Misbah-ul-Haq, Pakistan fell just short, finishing at 152/9. This match became iconic due to Misbah’s unfortunate last-ball shot that was caught in the deep.
Super 8s:
Pakistan continued their strong run in the Super 8s, winning two out of three matches:
- Vs New Zealand: Pakistan won by 6 wickets. New Zealand posted 136/8, and Pakistan chased down the target comfortably, with key contributions from Shoaib Malik and Shahid Afridi.
- Vs Sri Lanka: Pakistan won by 33 runs. Pakistan set a total of 159/7, and despite a solid fightback from Sri Lanka, Pakistan’s bowlers held firm, with Shahid Afridi playing a key role.
- Vs South Africa: Pakistan lost by 8 wickets. South Africa easily chased down Pakistan’s total of 149/4, thanks to solid batting from Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers.
Semi-Final:
- Vs New Zealand: Pakistan faced New Zealand again in the semi-finals and won by 6 wickets. Pakistan restricted New Zealand to 144/7, and then chased down the target with contributions from Younis Khan and Shahid Afridi, securing a place in the final.
Final:
- Vs India: In a historic final, Pakistan faced India once again. Pakistan set a total of 157/5 in their 20 overs, with contributions from Misbah-ul-Haq and Shoaib Malik. India chased the target successfully, winning by 5 wickets, with the match being decided by a dramatic finish.
- Performance: Runners-Up
- Key Matches:
- Semifinal: Defeated New Zealand convincingly.
- Final: Lost to India in a nail-biting thriller (Pakistan was bowled out for 152, losing by 5 runs).
Overall Trends:
- Strong Performances: Pakistan reached the finals in 2007 and 2022, winning the title in 2009.
- Semifinal Appearances: Consistently made it to the semifinals in 2010, 2012, and 2021.
- Inconsistent Campaigns: Poor performances in 2014, 2016, and 2024 with group-stage exits.
- Key Players Over the Years: Shahid Afridi, Umar Gul, Babar Azam, and Shaheen Afridi have been standout performers.
Pakistan remains one of the most exciting teams in T20 World Cups, capable of thrilling victories and shocking upsets.