A recap of the 2007 ICC World T20 final

India won a thriller by 5 runs

A World T-20 final between two arch rivals, a perfect backdrop for a mouthwatering contest, a match which every Indian will recall not only for the entertainment it provided but for the revelry that followed. The inaugural 2007 T-20 World championship held in South Africa revealed an exhilarating fast-paced version of the game which lured a lot of spectators to the sport.

India and Pakistan with new captains and a young team performed prodigiously throughout the competition. MS Dhoni and Shoaib Malik were swamped with accolades for their man-management and calm minded approach. Yuvraj Singh had set the cricketing world on fire by smashing 6 sixes off a Stuart Broad over and played some great knocks to help India reach the Final.

24th September 2007, Wanderers- The day had arrived. India brought debutant Yusuf Pathan in place of an experienced Sehwag, who was forced out due to an injury. Pakistan too made a change by bringing in the all-rounder Yasir Arafat. India won the toss and choose to bat, the bull-ring was set for the epic battle. Shops were closed, streets were silent and people were glued to their TV sets.

The Indians were off to a flying start, Yusuf Pathan smashed a four and a six in the 1st over, but it was a short stay at the crease for the newcomer. The in-form middle order was dismissed cheaply, with India losing wickets at regular intervals. Gautam Gambhir held down one end and scored an impressive 75 from just 54 balls.

Along with Rohit Sharma, they took India to a respectable total of 157/5 in 20 overs. The fight was on, Pakistan were confident after bowling well. Umar Gul took 3 wickets and restricted the Indians. We had won all the previous World-cup encounters against the old foes.

Pakistan’s reply

Dhoni with history on his side was back on the field, more determined than scared. R.P Singh foxed Mohammad Hafeez in the 1st over and Kamran Akmal followed, as Pakistan were reduced to 26/2 in the 3rd over. But the match was far from over, Imran Nazir and Younis Khan tried to steady the ship but to little use.

The Indian bowling attack (new and inexperienced) bowled their hearts out and managed to clean the rest of the Pakistani batting line-up. 77/6 and Boom Boom Afridi back in the pavilion, victory was in sight. But Misbah, who had enlarged his reputation was not ready to give up. Smashing Harbhajan Singh for 3 sixes in one over, he got Pakistan right back in the match.

We were all wondering if Dhoni had missed a trick. But matches are at times won by the captains and when the game is short, it is very important to take quick decisions. Joginder Sharma to bowl the last over, 13 runs needed. Misbah on strike, a dot followed by a huge six and the drama was at its climax.

He chose to play a brave shot, out of character, a shot which proved to be fatal for his side. We were victorious, after 24 years an entire nation had stopped, to celebrate! What cannot be denied is the fact that sporting success makes people feel more optimistic, but a win over Pakistan in a World-Cup final meant the world to us.