New Zealand's experienced fast bowler Trent Boult said that the current T20 World Cup will be his last tournament in this format. 

The ICC T20 World Cup 2024 being hosted by America and West Indies, was like a nightmare for New Zealand, where the team could not even succeed in reaching Super-8.

Also Read: Top 8 Wicket-takers of T20 World Cup 2021

The Kiwi team, captained by Kane Williamson, may have defeated Uganda in its third match, but the team was out of the tournament. After New Zealand's victory over Uganda, Trent Boult talked about his last World Cup.

Boult participated in four T20 World Cups

Trent Boult has been an important member of the New Zealand team since his debut in 2011. He has experience of playing in the finals of the T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup, and World Test Championship. He has participated in four T20 World Cups since 2014 but has not managed to win the World Cup even once. 

The last match will be against Papua New Guinea

"Speaking on behalf of myself, this will be my last T20 World Cup, so yeah that's all I have to say," Boult said after NZ beat Uganda by nine wickets in Trinidad.

Even before the match against Uganda, New Zealand was out of the Super Eight. The team will now face Papua New Guinea in its last match in Group C, which will be the 34-year-old left-arm bowler's last match in the T20 World Cup.

Also Read: Most ICC Men's T20 World Cup Runs

Boult's T20 career

Trent Boult has a lot of experience in international cricket. He has played 60 matches in the T20 International format, in which he has taken 81 wickets in his name. At the same time, while playing 114 ODI matches, he has taken 211 wickets. Apart from this, Boult has 317 wickets in his name in Test format, which he took while playing 78 matches. Apart from bowling, he also has a half-century in his name in batting, which was scored in the Test format.

The ICC cricket World Cup is the second most popular sport event in the world after the FIFA World Cup and Rugby World Cup. The cricket match played in the ICC World Cup between India and Pakistan is always a high voltage match. India always defeated Pakistan in the World Cup match either in the 50 over format or in the T-20 format.

The cricket match between India and Pakistan is the most sought after game in any tournament. Even cricket experts term this game as important as the final of the tournament. Any match between India and Pakistan is a game for the ages, considering the tough lineup of both teams and the relations between the two countries.

Also Read: Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam in ICC tournaments | Details Stats

In this article we will take a look at the head-to-head stats of India vs Pakistan in World Cups history.

India vs Pakistan in World Cups

India vs Pakistan in ODI World Cup

India and Pakistan have the most famous rivalry in cricket and every game is viewed by hundreds of millions of cricket fans across the globe. They have faced each other 8 times in the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup and all the games have been won by India. The most vital game was the 2011 World Cup semi-final in which India emerged the winners by 29 runs.

India vs Pakistan in T20 World Cup

India and Pakistan have met each other eight times in the previous eight editions of the T20 World Cup. The Men in Blue continue to hold the upper hand with six wins, while Pakistan have only grabbed a solitary win against India at the 2021 T20 World Cup. The inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 saw a tied match between India and Pakistan with the former winning the bowl out 3-0.

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

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 WC 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.

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

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

As 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 WC title, 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 conducted 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:

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:

The comparison between Babar Azam and Virat Kohli is one of the most discussed topics in the cricketing world. Although Virat made his debut much earlier in 2008, while Babar played his first international match in 2015, the debate about these two batting superstars across various formats continues to thrive. 

Both Kohli and Babar were U-19 stars. Kohli won the ODI World Cup in 2011, Champions Trophy in 2013 and T20 World Cup in 2024 with India, while Babar’s only international triumph is the Champions Trophy in 2017.

Here we take a look at the Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam stats comparison in ICC tournaments and see who has been a better batter in terms of numbers and stats. 

Also Read: Joe Root vs Sachin Tendulkar – Test Stats Compared: Can Root break Sachin's record

Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam: ICC ODI Events

ICC ODI World Cup

Kohli has played 37 ODI World Cup matches across four editions, scoring 1,795 runs at an average of 59.83 and a strike rate of 88.20, with five hundreds and 12 half-centuries. The former India captain has been dismissed without scoring only once in the ICC event. His best of 117 came off 113 balls against New Zealand in the 2023 ODI World Cup semifinal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Looking at Babar's record in the ODI World Cup, he has played 17 matches and has scored 794 runs at an average of 52.93 and a strike rate of 85.74, with one hundred and seven fifties. He is yet to be dismissed for a duck in a World Cup match. Babar's only ton in the ODI World Cup came against New Zealand in Birmingham in 2019, when scored 101* off 127 balls.

ICC Champions Trophy

Looking at his stats in the Champions Trophy, Kohli has played 17 innings and has scored 747 runs at an average of 74.07 and a strike rate of 89.04, with six half-centuries and one century to his name. He has been dismissed without scoring on one occasion.

Babar has featured two Champions Trophies. In seven matches so far, he has scored 220 runs at an average of 44.00 and a strike rate of 74.08, with just one fifty. In the 2017 edition that Pakistan won, Babar contributed 133 runs in five innings (two not outs) at an average of 44.33 and a strike rate of 74.71. Again, Kohli has a better average and strike rate than Babar in the Champions Trophy.

Also Read: Indian Cricketers with Most ICC Titles

Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam: ICC T20I Events

ICC T20 World Cup

Virat is the all times highest run scorer in the history of the T20 World Cup. In 33 matches, Virat has scored 1292 runs at a strike rate 128.8 of and an average of 58.7. Kohli has also scored 15 half-centuries with a top score of 89 not out to his name.

Babar, on the other hand, has played only 3 editions of the T20 World Cup. In 2021, he was the top run-scorer after he made 303 runs from 6 games at an average of 60.60. In 17 T20 World Cup matches, Babar has scored 549 runs at an average of 36.6.