Who are the past winners, and what's the history of the T20 World Cup?

"It was a tournament of many firsts 33 T20 international (T20I) player debuts, dozens of individual and team records, and the world's first T20 champion. The World Cup got off to a spectacular start when Chris Gayle scored the first T20I century with his 57-ball 117 in the opening match against South Africa. A few days later, Yuvraj Singh famously hit England fast bowler Stuart Broad for six sixes in an over and in the process, set a new record for the fastest T20I half-century (50 off 12 balls)."

"India and Pakistan grabbed the headlines in two separate encounters. The rivals were locked in a tied match in the Super 8 stage, resulting in a first-ever T20I bowl-out. Pakistan failed to hit the stumps in three attempts while India struck every time. A final for the ages, then set alight the cricketing world: India vs Pakistan, last-over finish. Pakistan needed 13 before Misbah ul Haq brought the equation down to six off four. And then Pakistan fans look away now Misbah scooped Joginder Sharma to S Sreesanth at fine leg to set off wild Indian celebrations. Misbah, shocked and heartbroken, remained on his haunches and India were crowned the first T20 world champions."

The ICC Men's T20 World Cup began in 2007 in South Africa with 12 teams and has grown to 20 teams since 2024. India won the inaugural title, beating Pakistan in a dramatic last-over finish. The 2007 tournament produced many firsts including 33 T20I debuts, numerous records, and the world’s first T20 champion. Chris Gayle scored the opening match’s first T20I century and Yuvraj Singh struck six sixes in one over. A Super 8 tied match led to the first T20I bowl-out, and Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi was named player of the tournament.

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