NEW DELHI: Since India lifted the inaugural ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2007 and claimed the title again two years ago, the tournament has seen countless unforgettable moments and standout performances that have defined cricket's shortest format.

As the 10th edition gets ready to kick off on 7 February, a new generation of stars is set to make their mark. Before the action begins, let's take a look back at some of the most memorable individual performances in T20 World Cup history.

2007 – Yuvraj's six sixes

At the inaugural ICC Men's T20 World Cup in South Africa, Yuvraj Singh made history by hitting six sixes off a single Stuart Broad over. He became the fourth player ever - after Garry Sobers, Ravi Shastri and Herschelle Gibbs - to achieve the feat and the first in T20 cricket. Yuvraj's 12-ball half-century, the fastest in T20Is until 2023, powered India to a big total and helped them claim the title with a five-run win over Pakistan in the final.

2009 – Afridi's all-round excellence

After falling short in 2007, Shahid Afridi returned to the 2009 T20 World Cup determined to make his mark. In the semi-final against South Africa, he delivered a stunning all-round performance, scoring 51 off 34 balls and taking crucial wickets of Herschelle Gibbs and AB de Villiers for 2-16. Afridi's heroics propelled Pakistan into a second consecutive final and set them on the path to lifting the trophy.

2010 – Hussey's semi-final heroics

The 2010 T20 World Cup in the West Indies saw Australia's Michael Hussey deliver one of the most explosive innings in short-format history. Coming in at No.7 in the semi-final against Pakistan, with Australia needing 87 from 45 balls, Hussey turned the chase around with ruthless hitting. He finished unbeaten on 60 from just 24 deliveries, smashing three sixes and a four off Saeed Ajmal in the final over to seal a thrilling victory with a ball to spare.

2012 – Narine's control leads Windies to glory

At the 2012 T20 World Cup, Sunil Narine starred with the ball to guide West Indies to their first ICC Men's T20 title. The mystery spinner dazzled with figures of 3-9, derailing Sri Lanka’s chase of 138. Narine removed key wicket Mahela Jayawardene and wrapped up the innings by dismissing Lasith Malinga, leaving Sri Lanka 36 runs short and securing a memorable victory for the Caribbean side.

2014 - Herath turns the tide

In a crucial match to reach the semi-finals, Rangana Herath produced a sensational performance, taking five wickets for just three runs to secure victory for Sri Lanka. After being bowled out for 119 by New Zealand, Herath decimated the Black Caps' batting line-up, claiming key wickets and contributing to two run-outs, as New Zealand were skittled out for just 60.

2016 - "Carlos Brathwaite! Remember the name!"

Carlos Brathwaite's four consecutive sixes in the 2016 T20 World Cup final have become the stuff of legend. Needing 19 runs off the final over, West Indies looked on the brink of defeat against England. But Brathwaite stepped up, smashing Ben Stokes' first four deliveries over the boundary to snatch victory for the Caribbean side. The moment was forever etched in cricket history, immortalised by Ian Bishop's iconic commentary.

2021 - Marsh leads Australia to maiden T20 title

In the 2021 final, Mitch Marsh played a match-winning innings for Australia, scoring an unbeaten 77 as the Aussies chased down their 173-run target set by New Zealand. Alongside David Warner, Marsh helped steady the ship after Aaron Finch's early dismissal before demonstrating his power-hitting abilities. Marsh duly earned the Player of the Match award as Australia won by eight wickets.

2022 - Stokes' redemption

England's second ICC Men's T20 World Cup win not only saw them become the first country to hold both white-ball world champion titles at the same time, but also allowed Stokes to banish the ghosts of 2016. In the final, Sam Curran (3-12) helped restrict Pakistan to 137-8 batting first, before England struggled in reply and quickly slipped to 45-3. Up stepped Stokes with a carefully crafted 52* which got his side over the line with an over to spare.

2024 - Kohli stands tall in the final

In the 2024 T20 World Cup final, Kohli produced a masterclass reminiscent of Stokes' heroics in 2022. After India slumped to 34-3, Kohli steadied the innings with a brilliant 76, guiding his team to a competitive 176-7 and earning the Player of the Match award. South Africa fought hard but fell seven runs short, with Jasprit Bumrah shining with the ball. Yet it was Kohli's composed brilliance that stole the show, marking a memorable farewell in his final T20I.