Sri Lanka Wins Its First ICC T20 World Cup Title

Sri Lanka won its first men’s ICC T20 World Cup title at the ICC World Twenty20 2014, held in Bangladesh from 16 March to 6 April 2014. The tournament featured 16 teams, reflecting the ICC’s expanded format for the event, with matches played across several Bangladeshi venues. The final was contested on 6 April 2014 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, where Sri Lanka national cricket team faced India national cricket team. India batted first and scored 130 for 4 in their 20 overs. Sri Lanka successfully chased the target, reaching 134 for 4 with 13 balls remaining, securing victory by 6 wickets. Sri Lanka’s chase was led by Kumar Sangakkara, who scored an unbeaten 52 runs, guiding the team to the target after early wickets. Sangakkara, playing his final T20 international, was named Player of the Match for his performance. The bowling effort earlier in the match included economical spells that limited India’s scoring, keeping the chase manageable. This win marked Sri Lanka’s first ICC T20 World Cup title, following runner-up finishes in the 2009 and 2012 editions. The victory concluded Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene’s T20 international careers and ended Sri Lanka’s wait for a men’s ICC limited-overs title since the 1996 ODI World Cup.