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The T20 World Cup final is the ultimate stage where stars become legends. Since 2007, a handful of players have delivered under immense pressure to guide their nations to glory. Here is the full list of those who stood tallest in the biggest game of all and were adjudged the Player of the Match (POTM) in the T20 WC Final.
The Elite List of T20 World Cup Final POTM heroes
2007: Irfan Pathan (India)
In the historic first-ever final against Pakistan, Irfan Pathan was the difference-maker with the ball. He broke the back of the opposition's batting lineup, taking 3 wickets for just 16 runs in his four overs. His clinical spell ensured India became the inaugural world champions in Johannesburg, with Irfan being chosen as the POTM.
2009: Shahid Afridi (Pakistan)
After falling short in 2007, Pakistan found their hero in Shahid Afridi against Sri Lanka. "Lala" showed his class with an unbeaten 54 off 40 balls, calmly anchoring the chase at Lord’s. He also contributed with the ball, taking 1/20 to ensure Pakistan finally lifted the trophy.
2010: Craig Kieswetter (England)
England secured their first major ICC trophy thanks to Craig Kieswetter’s aggressive intent. Chasing a target against rivals Australia, the wicketkeeper-batter smashed 63 runs from 49 balls. His fearless approach at the top of the order took the game away from the Aussies early on, winning him the POTM award.
2012: Marlon Samuels (West Indies)
When the West Indies were reeling at 32/2 after 10 overs, Marlon Samuels played one of the gutsiest knocks in history. He hammered 78 off 56 balls against Sri Lanka, single-handedly reviving the innings. He followed it up with a tidy spell of 1/15 to secure the title.
2014: Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)
Legendary left-hander Kumar Sangakkara saved his best for his final T20 international. In the final against India, he played a composed and steady knock of 52* from 35 deliveries. His experienced batting ensured Sri Lanka chased down the target comfortably to clinch their maiden T20 crown.
2016: Marlon Samuels (West Indies)
Marlon Samuels became the first person to win two Final POTM awards with another masterclass against England. Despite early wickets falling around him, he remained cool, blasting an unbeaten 85 off 66 balls. His resilience set the stage for a dramatic West Indian victory at Eden Gardens.
2021: Mitchell Marsh (Australia)
Mitchell Marsh turned the tide for Australia in their final against New Zealand. Coming in at number three, he played with incredible power, scoring a brutal 77* off just 50 balls. His dominant performance made a difficult chase look easy, helping Australia win their first T20 World Cup title.
2022: Sam Curran (England)
On a night that favoured the bowlers at the MCG, Sam Curran was virtually unplayable. The left-arm seamer dismantled the Pakistani batting order with a brilliant display of death bowling. He finished with incredible figures of 3/12, ensuring England became double white-ball world champions.
2024: Virat Kohli (India)
After a quiet tournament, Virat Kohli stepped up when India needed him most in the final against South Africa. He played a masterful innings of 76 from 59 balls, stabilising the innings after early wobbles. It was the perfect "big game" performance to end his T20 international career.
