For India in particular, the 2007 T20 World Cup was an unforgettable competition. The Indian squad emerged victorious in the T20 World Cup, making a lasting impression on the world of cricket, from the ashes of their heartbreaking elimination in the 50-over World Cup a few months prior. But how did MS Dhoni's youthful and rather inexperienced Indian team pull off the victory?
Team India entered the tournament without some of their most experienced players, such as Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sourav Ganguly, who opted out of the competition. This gave MS Dhoni, the new captain, the chance to take charge of a youthful squad. One of the things that would eventually come to define India's tournament performance was Dhoni's composed leadership.
The team's preparation wasn't extensive. India had only participated in one T20 international before to the competition, as T20 cricket was still relatively new.
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India's campaign leading to the final
The match started with an exciting draw between India and Pakistan that was resolved by a "bowl-out," a procedure akin to football penalty shootouts. India prevailed 3-0 thanks to their composure. The tone of India's campaign was established by this game.
The India-England Super 8 stage encounter was one of the tournament's most memorable moments. After hitting six sixes in one over against Stuart Broad, Yuvraj Singh made history and gained notoriety. India amassed a massive 218 runs thanks to his forceful 58 off 16 balls, which proved to be too much for England.
India's semifinal matchup with the formidable Australian team demonstrated the team's tenacity even more. India overcame Australia by 15 runs because to a scorching century from Yuvraj Singh (70 off just 30 balls) and strong bowling performances. India's triumph against bitter rivals Pakistan set up the eagerly awaited final.
Thriller of a final
The final, which took place in Johannesburg on September 24, 2007, was extremely suspenseful. India suffered early defeats after choosing to bat after winning the toss. Replacing the injured Virender Sehwag at the top of the innings, Yusuf Pathan displayed aggression but was removed for 15 after smashing a six. Within the first six overs, India was at a perilous 40 for 2, having lost Robin Uthappa (8) cheaply as well.
Gautam Gambhir, however, played a crucial role in stabilizing the innings. His 75 off of 54 balls served as the foundation for India's total. By forming alliances with the middle order, he skillfully countered Pakistan's bowling attack. Though Yuvraj Singh, India's star performer from earlier matches, failed to make a big impact (scoring just 14), Gambhir ensured India remained on track for a competitive total. There were two sixes and eight fours in his knock.
Rohit Sharma's late burst of form helped India's innings gain more traction towards the finish. Rohit, batting at number six, helped India register 157 for 5 after smashing 30 off just 16 balls. Pakistan's most effective bowler, Umar Gul, claimed three wickets at a cost of 28 runs.
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Pakistan's run-chase
Pakistan's chase got off to a disastrous start. In the opening over, they lost Mohammad Hafeez for just one run, and shortly after, RP Singh bowled Kamran Akmal for a duck. Imran Nazir was Pakistan's lone bright spot in the early going. He hit 33 off 14 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes, before being run out with the score at 53 for 3.
Younis Khan and Shoaib Malik both struggled to build on their early successes, which hurt Pakistan's middle order. Irfan Pathan and RP Singh in particular, two of India's bowlers, applied pressure and routinely took wickets. Pathan's 3 for 16 numbers were especially noteworthy because they included the removal of important players like Yasir Arafat and Pakistan's captain Shoaib Malik.
Pakistan was struggling at 77 for 6 when Shahid Afridi was out for a golden duck. Nevertheless, Misbah-ul-Haq's valiant and well-thought-out counterattack preserved their chances. He smacked Harbhajan Singh, the most expensive bowler in India that evening, three sixes in one over. Misbah's counter-attack gave Pakistan hope of pulling off an incredible win.
The thrilling outcome of Dhoni's risk with Joginder Sharma
The game was headed for a thrilling conclusion with only one wicket remaining and 13 runs needed from the last over. Dhoni's decision to hand the ball to Joginder Sharma, an inexperienced medium-pacer, raised eyebrows. Joginder got off to a cautious start, delivering a wide before Misbah blasted him for six off the second ball that was in play. Pakistan now just needs six runs in four balls.
What happened next became part of cricket folklore. In an attempt to secure the win, Misbah tried a daring scoop shot over a short, fine leg. Sreesanth, who was positioned at short fine leg, caught the ball because the shot lacked height. Misbah was devastated while India celebrated their historic five-run triumph.
Dhoni's leadership and a new era
Throughout the competition, MS Dhoni's leadership was crucial as he supported his players, made astute tactical choices, and remained composed and unflappable.
With the win, India won its first international championship since the World Cup of 1983, which ended a dismal run in Indian cricket history and ushered in a new era for T20 cricket. The victory further solidified Dhoni's standing as one of the game's greatest captains, and India's cricketing depth was increased by the ascent of players like Rohit Sharma and Yuvraj Singh.
The Indian cricket team's triumph in the 2007 T20 World Cup had a significant impact. As a result, in 2008 the Indian Premier Competition (IPL) was established, a competition that completely changed the sports industry. The victory also established India as a dominant force in T20 cricket.