T20 World Cup semifinal match is one of the most exciting ones in cricket. The top four best teams of the tournament reach the semifinals, and generally, fans witness close encounters. When talking about the semis, the first one that flashes to the mind is the T20 WC 2007 semifinal between India and Australia.
MS Dhoni-led India defended 189 in that match and knocked the Aussies out of the tournament. The batting of Yuvraj Singh and bowling of Sreesanth and Harbhajan Singh is still in the minds of the Indian fans. Not all semifinal matches have been like that though. Here’s a list of the four most lopsided semifinals in T20 World Cup history.
1. South Africa vs Afghanistan – 2024 T20 World Cup semifinal
Afghanistan made history by qualifying for the semifinal in T20 WC 2024. However, they got all out for just 56 runs against South Africa. The Proteas chased down 57 for the loss of just one wicket and secured an entry into the final match.
2. India vs England – 2022 T20 World Cup semifinal
It is rare to see a team lose a semifinal by 10 wickets, but England bulldozed India in the knockout round of the 2022 T20 WC. The Indian bowlers proved completely ineffective while defending 170 as Jos Buttler and Alex Hales guided England to a famous win in Adelaide.
3. Sri Lanka vs West Indies – 2009
In the second semifinal of 2009 T20 WC, Sri Lanka beat West Indies by a big margin of 57 runs. Sri Lanka scored 158/5 in 20 overs and then bowled their rivals out for just 101, despite a 63-run knock from Chris Gayle.
4. West Indies vs Australia – 2012
West Indies absolutely demolished Australia in the second semifinal of 2012 T20 WC. Chris Gayle’s 75 helped the Men in Maroon reach 205/4 in 20 overs. Australia were skittled out for 131 in 16.4 overs despite a 29-ball 63 from George Bailey.
