The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has already delivered unforgettable moments, dramatic finishes, and remarkable individual performances. Yet, among the many highlights of the tournament, a few innings stand out not because they ended in victory, but because of the sheer determination and brilliance shown by the batters who almost carried their teams across the line.
Three such performances from Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Dasun Shanaka, and Jacob Bethell will be remembered as heroic efforts that deserved to be on the winning side but fate thoughout otherwise.
- WATCH – Dasun Shanaka 76* (31) vs Pakistan – ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 – Super 8 – Match 10
- HIGHLIGHTS – South Africa vs New Zealand – ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 – Semi-Final 1
Gurbaz’s Super Over Brilliance in a Thriller
Afghanistan’s explosive opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz produced one of the most electrifying innings of the tournament against the South Africa
Chasing a challenging target, Gurbaz smashed 84 runs off just 42 balls, keeping the Afghanistan the contest with fearless stroke play and relentless aggression. Just when it seemed South Africa had the match under control, Afgans late order forced the game into a super over
But the drama didn’t stop there, the first super over in the game was also tied.
In the second Super Over, Gurbaz once again rose to the occasion under immense pressure, blasting 18 runs off just four balls to push Afghanistan for a famous victory. However, South Africa responded strongly and eventually clinched the contest in a second Super Over, leaving Afghanistan heartbroken despite Gurbaz’s extraordinary effort in Ahmedabad.
Shanaka’s Captain’s Knock Against Pakistan
For Sri Lanka, captain Dasun Shanaka delivered a powerful counterattack in the death against Pakistan
With Sri Lanka struggling during their chase, Shanaka launched a stunning assault on the Pakistani bowling attack, hammering 76 runs off just 31 deliveries. His innings was filled with towering sixes and dragging Sri Lanka back into a match that had appeared to be slipping away.
Despite Shanaka’s heroic effort, Sri Lanka eventually fell just five runs short, turning what could have been yet another match winning knock in Pallekele but that turned into a bittersweet moment for the Lankan skipper.
Bethell’s Semi-Final Masterclass
In the high pressure Semi Final clash between the England and the India, 22 Year Old Jacob Bethell delivered a sensational innings that nearly carried England into the final.
Chasing a daunting total, Jacob Bethell played with remarkable composure and aggression, smashing 105 off just 48 balls. His century was a brilliant exhibition of modern T20 batting, combining calculated risk-taking with fearless aggression and inventive shot selection as he took the attack to the bowlers throughout the chase.
For much of the chase, Bethell kept England within the required rate of the target, carrying the hopes of his team on his shoulders. Yet, despite his brilliance, England ultimately fell seven runs short, bringing an end to their World Cup campaign in Mumbai.
Heroics Beyond the Result
Cricket often celebrates victories, but tournaments like this campaign in India and Sri Lanka also remind fans that greatness is not always defined by the final result.
The unforgettable efforts of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Dasun Shanaka, and Jacob Bethell showcased courage, skill, and resilience under immense pressure.
Though their teams ultimately fell short, these innings will live long in the memories of cricket fans—reminding us that some of the game’s most heroic performances are not always defined by victory, but by the courage and brilliance shown even in defeat
The Grand FINAL!
To close out a spectacular tournament co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, India will take on New Zealand in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in Ahmedabad..
Watch ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Final LIVE on Dialog TV: Star Sports 1 (Ch. 68), Star Sports 1 HD (Ch. 120), ThePapare 1 (Ch. 62) with Sinhala commentary, ThePapare.com & Dialog Play app
