5 Most Thrilling Super Overs in T20 World Cup History

T20 cricket has seen many thrilling encounters over the years. The format is known to reduce the gap between the top and emerging cricket nations. In T20 World Cup history, such finishes have produced some of the tournament's most unforgettable moments, which have been registered in the memory of millions of cricket fans.

From associate cricketing nations shocking some of the big names to established teams defending their reputations under immense pressure, the T20 World Cup Super Over compresses all the drama of a full match into just twelve deliveries. Here are the five most thrilling Super Overs that have defined T20 World Cup history.

List of Super Overs in T20 World Cup History

1. South Africa vs Afghanistan (2026) - Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmadabad

The first-ever Double Super Over in T20 World Cup history witnessed some unreal entertainment. After both teams were tied at 187 in regulation play, the scores were tied again in the first Super Over (17 runs each), taking them to the second one of the day.

Tristan Stubbs and David Miller, two of the best T20 batsmen, then led South Africa to 23/0 in the second super over and Afghanistan were restricted to 19/2. As a result, they won by 4 runs in the most dramatic and high-intensity T20 match cricket fans ever witnessed in the ICC T20 World Cup.

2. USA vs Pakistan (2024) - Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas

One of cricket's greatest turnarounds occurred when the USA shocked Pakistan in a Super Over thriller and made the loud announcement that they have arrived. After tying at 159, the Americans posted 18 runs, helped by costly extras from Mohammad Amir's wayward bowling.

USA's Saurabh Netravalkar then became an instant cricket hero, defending the total brilliantly by restricting one of the best cricket teams in the world, Pakistan, to just 13/1.

3. Namibia vs Oman (2024) - Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados

David Wiese produced an all-round masterclass in this low-scoring thriller that showcased individual performance under extreme pressure. After both teams managed to score 109 runs, Wiese destroyed Oman's bowling with powerful hitting, smashing a four and a six to power Namibia to 21/0. Later, he gave his input in bowling as well, as he conceded only 10 runs and booked the victory after 22 overs of the match.

4. West Indies vs New Zealand (2012) - Pallekele International Cricket Stadium

Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels chased down 17 runs in a Super Over that eliminated New Zealand from the tournament. After the match was tied at 139, this Windies duo smashed NZ seamer Tim Southee all around the park. This victory portrayed the West Indies' fearless T20 approach. Mystery spinner Sunil Narine was the player of the match.

5. Sri Lanka vs New Zealand (2012) - Pallekele

The very first Super Over in T20 World Cup history delivered instant drama when Sri Lanka and New Zealand tied at 174 after a freak run-out on regulation's final ball.

Sri Lanka posted 13/1 in their Super Over before Lasith Malinga produced a masterclass in death bowling, using his signature variations and yorkers to restrict New Zealand to just 7 runs while taking a crucial wicket. This historic moment in Pallekele set the template for Super Over intensity that future tournaments followed later.