On this day in 2007, India advanced over Pakistan to win the inaugural T-20 World Cup

On 24th September 2007, a relatively young Indian side clinched a historic win over their all-time adversary Pakistan to etch their names in the history books forever. This is also considered as a turn in the tides for the Indian cricket team, as this was their first major ICC title since 2002.

On 24th September 2007, a relatively young Indian side clinched a historic win over their all-time adversary Pakistan to etch their names in the history books forever. This is also considered as a turn in the tides for the Indian cricket team, as this was their first major ICC title since 2002.

The final was set to be a belter. As a relatively younger and inexperienced Indian side was going to take over the in form Pakistan squad. Since the last encounter between the two teams was decided over a bowl out, the whole cricket fraternity knew that they were going to witness a historic match.

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Winning the toss, India chose to bat first. However, the move backfired as they lost opener Yusuf Pathan and No.3 Robin Uthappa, within the powerplay overs. The Pakistani bowling unit, lead by Umar Gul, made sure that the in-form Yuvraj Singh and M.S. Dhoni were sent packing early on their innings. As wickets fell from one end, Gambhir stood his ground and scored a fast-paced 75 off 54 bowls. A late fury by Rohit Sharma saw India cross the mark of 150 as they ended their innings at a total of 157. Indian bowling unit was put to test when Sreesanth conceded 21 runs in his very first over. They made a riveting comeback, with RP Singh’s dual strike that claimed both Hafeez and Akmal. It was the run out of Imran Nazir, that turned the tide in India’s favour.

Misbah ul-Haq took charge of the innings at the later stage and strike Harbhajan Singh for 3 consecutive sixes. Leaving the match hanging in balance. Pakistan required 13 runs off the final over and Misbah reduced the deficit to 6 required in 3 balls. However, he too succumbed to the pressure, and in an attempt to scoop the bowl over the fine leg region, he ended up giving an easy catch to Sreesanth.

India won the match along with the praise and hearts of fans all around the globe.