Coronation at Lord's

An interactive retrospective of the 2009 ICC T20 World Cup, a tournament of upsets, innovation, and a nation's triumph against the odds.

Tournament at a Glance

The second edition of the T20 World Cup, hosted in the traditional heartland of cricket, England, solidified the format's global appeal. It was a tournament that showcased tactical evolution, the rise of associate nations, and culminated in a historic final at Lord's.

Champions

Pakistan

Runner-up

Sri Lanka

Player of the Series

T. Dilshan

Most Runs

T. Dilshan (317)

Most Wickets

Umar Gul (13)

The Journey to the Final

From shocking upsets in the group stage to the high-stakes drama of the knockouts, the tournament's path was unpredictable. This section breaks down the key phases and pivotal matches that defined the competition. Select a stage to explore the defining moments.

The Unforgettable Opener

Netherlands vs. England

The tournament began with one of its greatest shocks. The Netherlands, on debut, chased down England's 162 on the final ball at Lord's, thanks to a chaotic overthrow. This stunning result immediately shattered any complacency among the top-ranked teams.

The Irish Uprising

Ireland vs. Bangladesh

Just days later, fellow associate nation Ireland comprehensively defeated Full Member Bangladesh. A disciplined bowling performance restricted Bangladesh to 137, a target the O'Brien brothers chased down with composure, proving the first upset was no fluke.

Pakistan's Precarious Start

Pakistan vs. England & Netherlands

The eventual champions had a rocky start. A heavy 48-run defeat to England put them in a do-or-die match against the Netherlands. Under immense pressure, they delivered a dominant 82-run victory to keep their tournament hopes alive and scrape into the Super 8s.

Titans of the Tournament

While teamwork was key, the tournament was illuminated by individual genius. Certain players not only dominated matches but redefined what was possible in T20 cricket. Explore the statistics of the top performers and learn about the stars who stole the show.

The Dilshan Revolution

Player of the Tournament Tillakaratne Dilshan didn't just score the most runs; he revolutionized batting with the "Dilscoop"—an audacious ramp shot over the wicket-keeper's head that forced a global rethink of T20 tactics.

The Sultan of Swing

Umar Gul was the tournament's most destructive bowler, topping the wicket charts for a second consecutive T20 World Cup. His mastery of reverse swing at high pace, including a historic 5/6 spell against New Zealand, was unplayable.

Afridi's Final Flourish

Shahid Afridi transformed from an inconsistent talent into the ultimate big-match performer. His game-changing all-round display in the semi-final was followed by a mature, match-winning unbeaten 54 in the final to secure the title.

The Final: Coronation at Lord's

On June 21, at a packed Lord's, Pakistan and Sri Lanka clashed for the title. Pakistan, having found momentum at the perfect time, put on a masterclass of disciplined T20 cricket to overcome the tournament favorites and claim their first T20 World Cup trophy.

Final Scorecard Summary

Pakistan won by 8 wickets
Sri Lanka Innings: 138/6 (20 overs)
  • K. Sangakkara 64* (52)
  • A. Mathews 35* (24)
  • Best Bowler: A. Razzaq 3/20 (3)
Pakistan Innings: 139/2 (18.4 overs)
  • S. Afridi 54* (40)
  • Kamran Akmal 37 (28)
  • Player of the Match Shahid Afridi

Pakistan's bowlers, led by Abdul Razzaq's devastating opening spell, restricted Sri Lanka despite a defiant innings from Kumar Sangakkara. The chase was anchored by a mature, calculated innings from Shahid Afridi, who guided his team home with control and confidence.

Legacy and Impact

The 2009 World Cup was more than a tournament; it was a pivotal event that shaped the future of T20 cricket. Its influence is still felt today in national identities, tactical playbooks, and the global growth of the sport.

A Nation's Triumph

For Pakistan, isolated from hosting international cricket, the victory was a moment of immense national pride and unity. It cemented their identity as a brilliantly unpredictable T20 force, a persona that defines them to this day.

The Rise of the Associates

The stunning victories by the Netherlands and Ireland were watershed moments. They provided tangible proof of competitiveness, strengthening the case for increased funding and inclusion, and accelerating the professionalization of cricket globally.

Tactical Evolution

The tournament was a crucible for innovation. Dilshan's "Dilscoop" and Gul's mastery of reverse swing showed that T20 was a format for both audacious creativity and the application of high-level skills honed in Test cricket.