On this day in 2007, India became victorious from the inaugural T20 World Cup at the Wanderers stadium in Johannesburg, defeating their bitter rivals, Pakistan, in an exciting final.
When the Indian cricket team defeated Pakistan, their bitter rivals, at the Wanderers stadium in Johannesburg on this day in 2007, they became the first-ever T20 World Cup Champions. Despite being viewed as underdogs going into the competition, India, captained by the composed and astute MS Dhoni, started an exciting campaign that showcased their superiority in the shortest format through a combination of exhilarating wins and nerve-racking moments.
The ideal way to cap off their incredible tournament run was India’s victory in the final, as they defeated rivals Pakistan by just 5 runs in a close match. In a tense and dramatic battle, India prevailed historically by maintaining cool in the last seconds.
What happened in the 2007 T20 World Cup final?
India vs. Pakistan in the 2007 T20 World Cup final was an exciting, thrilling match. After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, India amassed a score of 157/5 thanks to the outstanding efforts of Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir. In a high-stress scenario, Gambhir spearheaded the attack with an incredible 75 off 54 balls, smashing eight boundaries and two sixes. With two boundaries and a six in just 16 deliveries, Rohit made a vital contribution of thirty runs.
In response, Misbah-ul-Haq led Pakistan’s chase, but their progress was halted by RP Singh’s early breakthroughs. By the 12th over, Pakistan was struggling at 77/6 as India was gaining more and more control of the match.
Pakistan needed 13 runs to win, thus the last over was dramatic. Pakistan seemed certain to win at one stage, needing just six runs off the final four balls when Joginder Sharma was handed the task of bowling the final over. But Misbah was dismissed for attempting a scoop shot, which gave India a thrilling five-run victory.
Joginder Sharma collected two crucial dismissals, while RP Singh and Irfan Pathan each took three wickets to contribute to India’s victory.
In 2024, India successfully won their second T20 World Cup in Barbados. They took home the championship after a fiercely contested final in which they overcame South Africa by seven runs, captained by Rohit Sharma.
