Scotland qualified for its first-ever T20 World Cup Super 12 appearance with an eight-wicket win over Oman on Thursday. Meanwhile, Bangladesh also qualifies for the Super 12 of the T20 World Cup 2021 after defeating Papua New Guinea by huge 84 runs. With Sri Lanka qualified last day, the battle is now between Ireland and Namibia in the other Group to find the last place in the Super 12.

Read Also: Most Man of the Match award winners in T20 World Cup

Scotland finishes as unbeaten in Group B of Round 1

Moreover. Scotland finishes as unbeaten in their group with 3 wins in 3 matches. As they topped in their group with Bangladesh finishes at the next spot. The 2021 edition was Scotland's fourth T20 World Cup appearance. It was one among 12 participants of the inaugural tournament in 2007. It finished bottom in its first-round group that also included India and Pakistan.

Scotland defeated the co-host country Oman by 8 wickets as they chase down the minimal target in just 17 overs. Oman skipper Zeeshan Maqsood won the toss and elected to bat first against Scotland. However, in the process, Oman collapses in just 122 runs inside 20 overs. For Scotland, Josh Davey took 3 wickets and, Safyaan Sharif took 2 and Mark Watt took one.

Scotland chased down the target of 123 inside just 17 overs and grabbed the top spot in the group B points table. Skipper Kyle Coetzer leads his team to the victory as he scored 41 runs in 28 balls. However, Cross and Berrington completed the job for Scotland as they progresses to the Super 12 Group 2.

Also Read: Most Wins in T20 World Cup

Bangladesh's easy win over Papua New Guinea :

In the other game, Bangladesh steals a huge 84 runs win over Papua New Guinea to enter the Super 12. Meanwhile, as they finish in second place in group B, they now reached the group of death which includes Australia, England, South Africa, and West Indies. Bangladesh captain Mahmudullah had won the toss as he chooses to bat first against PNG.

Bangladesh losses their in-form batsman Naim for a duck in the very first over of their innings. However, again it was Shakib who helps his team to put a good total on the board. Shakib smashes 46 runs in 37 balls with the help of 3 sixes. Also, skipper Mahmudullah smashes a half-century to post 181-7 on the board in 20 overs.

Coming to chase a huge target of 182, PNG players took it as an impossible job to do. They lost their 7 wickets inside just 11 overs in a low score of 29. However, keeper-batsman Kiplin Doriga plays a good innings to end his team to a respectable total(97). Doriga scored 46 runs in 34 balls with 2 fours and sixes. For Bangladesh, Saifuddin and Taskin took 2 wickets each with Mahdi taking 1. Meanwhile, the star of the night was non-other than Shakib, after a great inning, he took 4 wickets to confirm a place for Bangladesh in the Super 12.

Read Also: How can MSD- Mentor Singh Dhoni guide India to the T20 World Cup 2021 title

T20 World Cup 2021 : Group B Final Points Table :

The initial Round 1 is completed for the group B participants including Bangladesh, Scotland, Oman, and PNG. Scotland enters the Super 12 for the first time, while Bangladesh confirms its place after a huge win against PNG. Now, let's take a look at the final points table of Group B (round 1).

India is a nation where cricket is not just a sport but a religion. The crowd, the stadiums, and most importantly, the passion for cricket that the vibrant atmosphere brings, have made every ICC tournament hosted on Indian soil unforgettable.

Therefore, when it comes to hosting ICC tournaments, India delivers an experience like no other.

This article will take you through the history and highlights of ICC tournaments hosted by India that captivated millions.

ICC Men's Cricket World Cup

The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, inaugurated in 1975, has had 13 seasons so far. Out of which, India hosted the tournament 4 times, in the years: 1987, 1996, 2011, 2023. They are also scheduled to host the 2031 season, alongside Bangladesh.

Here's the detailed highlight of each year:

1987: First edition in India, co-hosted with Pakistan

The 1987 Cricket World Cup was the first time the tournament was held outside England. It was known as the "Reliance Cup" due to sponsorship and was also the first 50-over WC, reduced from 60 overs in previous editions.

Co-hosted with Pakistan, India topped the group stage and had a great season. However, they were eliminated in the semi-finals by England at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

The Final was played at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata, between Australia and England. Australia won their first title and lifted the World Cup with pride on Indian soil.

1996: Second edition with co-hosts Pakistan and Sri Lanka

This edition was hosted by India, along with Pakistan and Sri Lanka. India faced a controversial semi-final defeat against Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. It was caused due to crowd disturbance and India's collapsing run chase, which ultimately led to the game being abandoned.

Sri Lanka won their first World Cup title by defeating Australia and became the first co-host to do so.

2011: India's home triumph

Co-hosted with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, this was India's ultimate dream and crowning moment. Led by MS Dhoni, India had a dominant campaign and went on to win the World Cup, defeating Sri Lanka in a memorable final.

India became the first team to win the World Cup on home soil. The fact that the final match was held at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, makes it even more special. The roar of the crowd, legendary performances, and the winning six will be forever etched in the hearts of millions.

The final was also the first time two Asian teams played against each other in the tournament's history.

#ThisDayThatYear - In 2011, “Dhoni finishes off in style. India lift the World Cup after 28 years” - in @RaviShastriOfc's immortal voice pic.twitter.com/Q61sLx10VA

— BCCI (@BCCI) April 2, 2017

Read Also: India's 2011 World Cup winning squad: Where are they now?

2023: India's unfulfilled dream and heartbreak on home soil

As the sole host, India delivered a spectacular performance throughout the tournament. They dominated every opponent in the group stage and the semi-final, without losing a single match across all venues.

However, despite their brilliant efforts, they lost to the Australian side in the final, held at the world's largest stadium, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. This was a major heartbreak for the team and fans, who dreamed of a home victory after 12 years.

Virat Kohli was named the player of the tournament, setting a new record for most runs in a single WC edition, and Mohammed Shami was the leading wicket-taker.

ICC Men's T20 World Cup

India has formally hosted the ICC Men's T20 World Cup twice. Here's a summary of those tournaments:

2016: A carnival of T20 cricket on Indian soil

India battled through every match brilliantly in the season with a great squad. However, their journey ended in the semi-final with a high-scoring loss against the West Indies at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

This season was a special one and delivered many dramatic, nail-biting encounters. The final match, held at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, is also popular for its thrilling finish, where Carlos Brathwaite hit four consecutive sixes to seal the victory for WI against England.

Read Also: Who scored the fastest century in T20 World Cups?

2021: India's hostship amidst global challenges (Held in UAE & Oman)

Although India was the designated host, the tournament was moved to the UAE and Oman due to the prevailing COVID-19 situation in India. They also had a disappointing campaign, failing to qualify for the semi-finals.

ICC Men's Champions Trophy

India officially hosted the ICC Men's Champions Trophy once, in 2006, and is set to host the 2029 edition.

2006: India's first and only edition as hosts

This was the fifth edition of the Champions Trophy and the first time India had the sole hosting rights. They had a disappointing start to the season and failed to progress beyond the group stage, leading to an early exit.

The tournament featured 10 teams, and the Australian side, led by Ricky Ponting, emerged as champions.

ICC Women's Cricket World Cup

India has hosted the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 3 times, in the years 1978, 1997, and 2013. They are also scheduled to co-host the 2025 season.

Read Also: ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 Full Schedule announced; India to face Pakistan on October 5

1978: The inaugural WC on Indian soil

This was India's debut World Cup appearance as well as the first time hosting the tournament. They lost all three matches against Australia, England, and New Zealand in the round-robin format, and finished fourth (last).

This was the first time the tournament was being hosted outside England. 

1997: A record-breaking season in India

This was the largest Women's World Cup at that time, featuring 11 teams and 32 matches across various venues in India. India put up a strong fight, but was defeated by Australia in the semis.

The final at Eden Gardens attracted a significant crowd, showcasing the growing interest in women's cricket. Australia won their fourth Women's World Cup title, beating New Zealand, and their second on Indian soil.

2013: India's early exit in the home tournament

This edition saw several close matches throughout the group stage. India, as hosts, had a disappointing campaign and failed to go beyond the group stage. Yet again, Australia secured their sixth WC title, and the 3rd on Indian soil.

ICC Women's T20 World Cup

The ICC Women's T20 World Cup, organised in 2009, has been conducted for 9 seasons so far. India has hosted the tournament once, in 2016.

2016: A global showcase of women's T20 cricket in India

This tournament, held alongside the Men's T20 World Cup, served as a significant platform. India had a challenging season, winning only a single match against Bangladesh and losing the remaining ones.

West Indies emerged as champions in an intense final against Australia and lifted their first T20 World Cup title.

Read Also: Top 10 fastest centuries in Women's T20Is

Upcoming ICC tournaments to be hosted by India:

The Bangladesh vs Pakistan T20I series is all set to start from 20th July 2025. The 3-match T20I series will be played in Mirpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Before the series starts, we present you with the list of players with the most T20I runs for Bangladesh against Pakistan.

Most T20I runs for Bangladesh against Pakistan

Currently, Shakib-Al-Hasan leads the chart of players with the most T20I runs for Bangladesh against Pakistan. Not only that, Shakib is also the Bangladeshi batter with the most T20I runs for the Tigers. 

#5 Mohammed Nazimuddin | 123 runs

• 2 matches
• 123 runs
• 61.50 avg.
• 125.51 strike-rate

Nazimuddin, who played only two T20I games for Bangladesh against Pakistan way back in 2007-08, has scored 123 runs with a stunning average of 61.50. 

Interestingly, despite performing well in that Pakistan tour of Bangladesh in 2008, he was dropped from the T20I side and never played in that format for his country. 

The right-handed top-order batter even scored a fifty in his two games for Bangladesh against Pakistan. His career-best of 81 also came against Pakistan. Due to his competition with other opening batters and a slow strike-rate, he could not find a place in the team.

Read Also | Soumya Sarkar Breaks Sachin Tendulkar's 14-Year-Old Record In 2nd ODI vs New Zealand

 #4 Afif Hossain | 186 runs

• 9 matches
• 186 runs
• 23.25 avg.
• 109.41 strike-rate

The left-handed batter scored 186 runs in 9 matches for Bangladesh against Pakistan. 

Although he has already played 70 T20I matches for the Tigers, he has not been able to do justice to the talent he has. Hossain first played against Pakistan in 2020 and last played in the Asian Games 2024. 

 #3 Litton Das | 210 runs

• 8 matches
• 210 runs
• 26.25 avg.
• 131.25 strike-rate

The current Bangladeshi T20I captain, Litton Das, has done well in the chances he got against Pakistan. The flamboyant top-order batter has scored 210 runs in 8 matches against Pakistan at a strike-rate of 131.25. 

Litton has also hit a fifty against Pakistan in Christchurch in 2022 during the T20I tri-series between them and hosts New Zealand. 

In the upcoming BAN vs PAK T20I series, Das will get his chances to increase the number of runs. 

#2 Tamim Iqbal | 235 runs

• 11 matches
• 235 runs
• 21.36 avg.
• 120.51 strike-rate

There are hardly any T20I stats for Bangladesh where Tamim Iqbal does not appear. The former left-handed opener and part of the 'Golden era' of Bangladesh cricket, scored 235 runs in 11 matches for Bangladesh against Pakistan. 

He was the first Bangladeshi batter to score a T20I hundred. 

From 2007 to 2020, Tamim scored at a 120.51 strike rate against Pakistan, which is higher than his career T20I strike rate of 116.96. His only fifty against Pakistan came in his last inning against the neighbours in Lahore in 2020.

Read Also | Who scored the fastest century in T20 World Cups?

#1 Shakib-Al-Hasan | 360 runs

• 11 matches
• 360 runs
• 40 avg.
• 132.35 strike-rate

Probably the greatest Bangladeshi player, Shakib-Al-Hasan, has always proved himself against better opponents. The left-handed all-rounder has scored the most T20I runs for Bangladesh against Pakistan.

Not only that, his 2551 T20I runs are also a record for any Bangladeshi batter. 

In 11 matches against Pakistan, Shakib scored 360 runs, including four fifties, at an outstanding average of 40.00. He also had a strike rate of 132.35 against the Pakistani team. 

In fact, Shakib has scored the most T20I runs against Pakistan in his career. 

Italy has truly made the unexpected happen, conquering what many considered impossible. Their recently qualification for the 2026 T20 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, marks a historic first for the nation.

A majority of people associate Italy with football, disregarding the thought of cricket being their forte. Football is the major sport that comes to one's mind when the discussion is about Italy, just like pasta. Therefore, the nation's first-ever qualification for the T20 World Cup broke the internet in no time.

While Italy in the T20 World Cup still sounds surreal, the game of cricket has a surprisingly deep and often overlooked historical ties to the country.

Explore the stunning history of cricket in Italy and their correlation with football as a sport.

Read Also: ICC Anounces Venue and Key Dates for The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 England

Cricket in Italy: A Hidden History!

The first time cricket was even mentioned in Italy was way back in 1973. That's over 230 years ago, when a match was played among Admiral Horatio Nelson's sailors when they stopped at Naples.

Then, about a century later, Englishmen living and working in Italy, especially around busy port cities, started establishing cricket clubs. Around the end of the 19th century, several combined cricket and football clubs were formed, but they soon forgot about cricket and emphasised football to make it reach the highest level.

Read Also | Most Iconic Rivalries in European Football Leagues: History & Stats

One of the most striking examples is AC Milan, the Italian football club that recently celebrated its 125th anniversary. They were founded in 1899 as the Milan Cricket and Football Club by Englishmen, with cricket actually coming first in their name.

Another example is the oldest Italian football club, Genoa CFC, which was also founded as the Genoa Cricket and Football Club.

Thus, no matter how surreal the qualification of Italy in the T20 World Cup might sound, their deep-rooted history is a clear indication of cricket actually coming first in their nation. The game is not just a fluke, but built on a foundation that's far richer and older than most people realise!

Read Also: ICC Trophy winners list year-wise (2000-2025)

Italy heading to the World Cup 2026

Italy national cricket team is currently ranked 32nd in the ICC T20I ranking. Starting from 2012, they appeared in the T20 World Cup qualifiers 4 times, and this was the first time ever they made it to the top 2, securing their T20 World Cup 2026 spot.

The team fought so hard in the European Qualifiers that even after losing their last match to the Netherlands, they managed to qualify for the T20 World Cup 2026, based on their high net run rate.

This amazing achievement really shows how cricket as a game has evolved in Italy and how determined their team is to make it big this time.

Players with the ability to go big in the shortest format, like T20 and the grandest stage, like the World Cup, are something special. Over the years, we have witnessed several rapid-fire hundreds. But who scored the fastest century in the T20 World Cups among them?

It is time to find out who did it quicker than anyone else in this high-stakes tournament. Here's the list of players and their fastest ton feats for you to check:

Chris Gayle: Etching his name twice in history (47-ball and 50-ball record)

• Fastest century: in 47 balls vs ENG (2016)
• Second-fastest: in 50 balls vs SA (2007)

The West Indies legend, Chris Gayle, remarkably holds not just one, but the top two records for the fastest centuries in the T20 World Cup. He set the bar so high with his explosive batting qualities that no one dared to come closer.

His record-shattering fastest century came in 2016 edition against England, where he scored a century in only 47 balls. He hit 5 fours and 11 sixes with a strike rate above 200! He was also unbeaten and chased down the total to contribute to the 6-wicket victory.

Adding to his legacy, Gayle occupies the 2nd rank as well in this prestigious list, with his century in the 2007 T20 World Cup in 50 balls. This was his first century in the history of the tournament, and was the fastest for 9 years until he broke his own record.

Gayle's fearless approach and ability to change the course of a match are what set him apart from the rest at the highest level.

Read Also: Most Sixes in International Cricket History | Top 25 Batters

3. Brendon McCullum (51 balls) vs BAN | 2012

The New Zealand powerhouse, Brendon McCullum, stands third on this list with a blistering century off just 51 balls against Bangladesh in the 2012 T20 World Cup. This was his first-ever and the only century in the tournament's history.

It was also a historic moment for his nation, as it was the first time a New Zealand batter scored a century in T20 World Cup, setting a high standard for his countrymen.

4. Rilee Rossouw (52 balls) vs BAN | 2022

South Africa's Rilee Rossouw smashed his maiden T20 World Cup century in 52 balls, which is the fourth-highest so far. He helped the Proteas set a huge total of 205 on the board, making things difficult for Bangladesh in the second innings, and eventually winning in the end.

Read Also: Best bowling spells in T20 World Cups

5. Ahmed Shehzad (58 balls) vs BAN | 2014

Ahmed Shehzad registered Pakistan's fastest T20 World Cup century, scoring it in 58 balls against Bangladesh in 2014. He opened for the team and stayed unbeaten till the end, helping them build a strong total at a crucial time.

Despite a middle-order collapse, he saved the situation and converted it into a victory.

6. Suresh Raina (59 balls) vs SA | 2010

Suresh Raina's explosive 59-ball century against South Africa in the 2010 T20 WC places him among the fastest centurions. He is the only Indian batter in the list to score a hundred in less than 60 balls.

What made this knock more memorable is the fact that this was his first T20 World Cup century.

Read Also: Youngest Indian cricketers to score an international century

7. Alex Hales (60 balls) vs SL | 2014

Alex Hales brought up his hundred for England in 60 balls against Sri Lanka in 2014. His performance was a blend of calculated aggression and elegant striking.

He picked up the team after the fall of early wickets and chased down a huge total by staying till the end, which resulted in a 6-wicket victory.

8. Tamim Iqbal (60 balls) vs OMA | 2016

Tamim Iqbal stands as the only Bangladeshi batter to score a century in the T20 World Cup to date. His century also made it to the Top 10 fastest centuries and equalled the 60-ball mark as Hales.

This performance was crucial for the nation's campaign in the 2016 edition and also transformed him into a great limited-overs opener.

9. Glenn Phillips (61 balls) vs Sri Lanka | 2022

New Zealand's "Zippy," Glenn Phillips, added his name to the fastest century list with a 61-ball hundred against Sri Lanka in the 2022 edition. This knock marked his second century in T20 Internationals.

In a display of aggressive but controlled batting, Phillips proved to be crucial for his nation, cementing his place as a dynamic T20 batter.

Read Also: Is 2025 the miraculous year in sports history?

10. Mahela Jayawardene (63 balls) vs ZIM | 2010

Mahela Jayawardene, the elegant Sri Lankan maestro, scored a rapid 63-ball century against Zimbabwe in the 2010 T20 World Cup. His innings, a display of his class and ability to accelerate when needed, was a key factor in his team's strong record.

This century was also Sri Lanka's first in the T20 World Cup history.

Bowling contribution in a format like T20 matters a lot. One single good spell can crush the opponent down and turn the game completely in a blink. The T20 World Cup is a stage where some truly legendary bowlers have delivered such game-changer spells that are remembered for years!

So, let's take a look at such a fabulous class and display of bowling that goes down in history. Here are the best bowling spells in T20 World Cups:

1. Ajantha Mendis (6/8 in 4 overs) vs ZIM | 2012

• Wickets taken: 6
• Runs conceded: 8
• Overs: 4.0
• Maidens: 2
• Economy: 2.0

The Sri Lankan mystery spinner, Ajantha Mendis, holds the record for the best bowling spell in T20 World Cup history. Playing against Zimbabwe in 2012, he achieved this feat with his carrom ball and variations, tearing through their batting lineup.

Mendis bowled 4 overs, two of which were maidens, conceding only 8 runs while picking up 6 wickets. With this extraordinary performance, he became the first and only bowler to deliver a 6-wicket haul in the T20 World Cup.

He is deserving of all the credit for Sri Lanka's dominant victory in the match and for ending the contest single-handedly.

Read Also: Most sixes in T20 Internationals in 2025 so far (men & women)

2. Rangana Herath (5/3 in 3.3 overs) vs NZ | 2014

• Wickets taken: 5
• Runs conceded: 3
• Overs: 3.3
• Maidens: 2
• Economy: 0.85

Another spinner from Sri Lanka, Rangana Herath, has secured his position right at the 2nd spot for best bowling spells in T20 World Cups. His spell was full of unbelievable control and precision, which did not let New Zealand chase down a mere target of 120 runs.

Herath's destructive spell fetched him 5 wickets in only 3.3 overs, with two maidens. He took the first three wickets without conceding a single run, and later gave away only 2 more runs! 

His match-winning efforts collapsed the strong middle order and sealed the victory. This was a very special spell, that too, coming in the same year when Sri Lanka lifted the T20 World Cup for the first time (2014).

3. Umar Gul (5/6 in 3 overs) vs NZ | 2009

• Wickets taken: 5
• Runs conceded: 6
• Overs: 3.0
• Maidens: 0
• Economy: 2.00

The Pakistani pacer Umar Gul's performance against New Zealand in the 2009 T20 World Cup stands out as one of the most destructive fast-bowling spells in the tournament's history. His pinpoint yorkers and smart changes in pace dismissed the batters in quick succession.

In just 3 overs, Gul picked up 5 wickets, conceding only 6 runs. His contribution helped them restrict the opponent to 99 runs in the first innings, and he eventually bagged him the POTM trophy after their one-sided victory.

Read Also: Teams and Results of Every T20 World Cup Finals

The next set of players in the list of best bowling spells in T20 World Cups

Following the Top 3 performances, there's an impressive list of players who have such impressive figures in T20 World Cup history. Check them out: