The ICC T20 World Cup is ready to return with its tenth edition, running from February 7 to March 8 across stadiums in India and Sri Lanka. Over the years, this tournament has given fans many close games and big moments. But the final match is always special. It is the stage where pressure is high and only the best performances stand out.
In every final, a few players have stepped up when it mattered the most. Some have played fearless innings with the bat. Others have changed the game with smart bowling. These efforts earned them the Player of the Match award and a place in T20 World Cup history.
This article shares the full list of players who won the Player of the Match award in T20 World Cup finals.
Players Who Shined on the Biggest Stage
Most of the time, this award has gone to players from the winning team. In the first-ever final in 2007, Irfan Pathan made a strong impact for India with both bat and ball. Since then, many big names have joined this special list.
Shahid Afridi helped Pakistan lift the trophy in 2009 with a match-winning knock. Craig Kieswetter played a key role in England’s 2010 title win. Marlon Samuels stands out as the only player to win this award twice, leading West Indies to two championships.
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India also features twice on this list, with Irfan Pathan and Virat Kohli delivering memorable performances in finals.
List of Player of the Match Winners in T20 World Cup Finals
| Edition | Player of the Match | Team | Opposition | Batting | Bowling |
| 2007 | Irfan Pathan | India | Pakistan | 3* (3) | 3/16 (4) |
| 2009 | Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | Sri Lanka | 54* (40) | 1/20 (4) |
| 2010 | Craig Kieswetter | England | Australia | 63 (49) | – |
| 2012 | Marlon Samuels | West Indies | Sri Lanka | 78 (56) | 1/15 (4) |
| 2014 | Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | India | 52* (35) | – |
| 2016 | Marlon Samuels | West Indies | England | 85* (66) | – |
| 2021 | Mitchell Marsh | Australia | New Zealand | 77* (50) | 0/11 (1) |
| 2022 | Sam Curran | England | Pakistan | – | 3/12 (4) |
| 2024 | Virat Kohli | India | South Africa | 76 (59) | – |
Why These Performances Matter
These players did not just perform well. They delivered when the whole world was watching. Finals are about handling pressure, staying calm, and making smart decisions. Whether it was a fast fifty, a steady chase, or a tight bowling spell, each of these moments helped shape the history of the T20 World Cup.
Looking Ahead to the Next Final
As the next edition begins in India and Sri Lanka, fans will be waiting to see who becomes the next name on this list. Every final creates a new hero. The only question is who will rise this time and leave their mark on the biggest night of T20 cricket.
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