The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has consistently served as a global stage where international stars thrive under pressure, delivering moments of brilliance far from home. Over the years, several overseas batters have risen to the occasion, producing extraordinary innings that showcased flair, fearlessness, and supreme match awareness on unfamiliar conditions.

This article revisits three of the most memorable innings by overseas campaigners in ICC T20 World Cup history—knocks defined by skill, composure, and intent, each leaving a decisive impact on the result and carving a lasting legacy in the tournament’s rich narrative.

1. Carlos Braithwaite (34* runs off 10 balls vs England, 2016 T20 World Cup)

In the 2016 T20 World Cup final, Carlos Brathwaite delivered one of the most iconic cameos the format has ever seen. Needing 19 runs from the final over, the West Indies all-rounder unleashed a stunning 34 off just 10 balls*, hammering four consecutive sixes off Ben Stokes to snatch victory from the brink.

Brathwaite’s audacious stroke play under extreme pressure, breathtakingly sealed the title and perfectly captured the drama and volatility that define T20 cricket. That unforgettable over didn’t just win a World Cup—it etched the moment into cricketing folklore, forever immortalising the words: “Remember the name.”

2. Brendon McCullum (123 runs off 58 balls vs Bangladesh, 2012 T20 World Cup)

Brendon McCullum produced one of the most explosive innings in T20 World Cup history when he smashed 123 off just 58 balls against Bangladesh during the 2012 edition in Pallekele, making him the highest run-scorer in an inning of the whole T20 World Cup.

Powered by McCullum’s onslaught, New Zealand piled up 191 runs batting first and went on to secure a commanding 59-run victory in their tournament opener, with Tim Southee and Kyle Mills backing up the effort by claiming three wickets each.

3. Joe Root (83 runs off 44 balls vs South Africa, 2016 T20 World Cup)

Known primarily for his marathon Test innings, Joe Root produced one of the most thrilling knocks of his career during the 2016 T20 World Cup in India. In a high-scoring group-stage clash at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, Root smashed a superb 83 off 44 balls against South Africa. 

Despite regular wickets falling, Root held the innings together with composure and timely acceleration, guiding England to a remarkable two-wicket victory with two balls to spare, sealing one of the greatest chases in T20 World Cup history.