India vs Pakistan, T20 World Cup Final 2007: The Match That Defined an Era
The ICC T20 World Cup Final 2007 remains one of the most iconic matches in cricket history. Played on 24 September 2007 at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, the final between arch-rivals India and Pakistan not only crowned the first-ever T20 world champions but also changed the future of modern cricket.
India, led by a young and fearless MS Dhoni, won the toss and elected to bat first. The Indian innings was anchored by a brilliant knock from Gautam Gambhir, who scored 75 runs under immense pressure. Supported by Rohit Sharma’s late cameo, India posted a competitive total of 157 for 5 in their 20 overs.
Pakistan’s chase was filled with drama and momentum shifts. Early wickets slowed their progress, but contributions from Imran Nazir, Mohammad Hafeez, and Misbah-ul-Haq kept Pakistan in the contest. The match came down to the final over, with Pakistan needing 13 runs to win.
India entrusted the final over to Joginder Sharma. Misbah-ul-Haq attempted an audacious scoop shot, but the gamble failed as he was caught by Suresh Raina. Pakistan were bowled out for 152, handing India a historic five-run victory and their first T20 World Cup title.
More than just a final, this match became a defining moment in cricket history, establishing T20 cricket as a global spectacle and adding another unforgettable chapter to the India-Pakistan rivalry.
Match Scorecard
Match: ICC T20 World Cup Final 2007
Date: 24 September 2007
Venue: Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
Result: India won by 5 runs
India Innings – 157/5 (20 Overs)
| Batsman | Runs |
|---|---|
| Gautam Gambhir | 75 (54) |
| Rohit Sharma* | 30 (16) |
| Virender Sehwag | 0 |
| Yuvraj Singh | 14 |
| MS Dhoni (c & wk) | 6 |
| Yusuf Pathan* | 15 |
Extras: 17
Pakistan Bowling:
Mohammad Asif 4–0–19–2
Sohail Tanvir 4–0–31–1
Pakistan Innings – 152 all out (19.3 Overs)
| Batsman | Runs |
|---|---|
| Imran Nazir | 33 (14) |
| Mohammad Hafeez | 32 (23) |
| Shoaib Malik | 12 |
| Shahid Afridi | 16 |
| Misbah-ul-Haq | 43 (38) |
Extras: 12
India Bowling:
Irfan Pathan 4–0–16–3
RP Singh 4–0–26–3
Joginder Sharma 2.3–0–20–2
Player of the Match: Gautam Gambhir