The 2007 T20 World Cup: India's First, Cricket's Last Over Final
India won the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007, beating Pakistan in a dramatic final at Johannesburg. Learn about the tournament that launched the T20 era and Dhoni's captaincy debut.
The inaugural ICC T20 World Cup, held in South Africa in September 2007, changed cricket forever. India won the tournament under new captain MS Dhoni, beating rivals Pakistan in a last-over final in Johannesburg. The tournament launched T20 cricket as the sport's dominant commercial format.
The Group Stage Sensation
India vs Pakistan's group stage match ended in a tie — decided by a bowl-out (each team bowling at stumps without a batsman). Yuvraj Singh's six sixes in an over off Stuart Broad against England became the tournament's defining highlight and one of T20 cricket's defining moments.
The Final
Pakistan chased India's 157/5 needing 13 off the last over. Dhoni, controversially, gave the ball to first-time T20I bowler Joginder Sharma. Pakistan needed 6 off the last ball. Misbah-ul-Haq attempted a scoop over fine leg for six — and was caught by Sreesanth. India won by 5 runs.
The Tournament That Changed Cricket
The 2007 T20 World Cup's success led directly to the creation of the Indian Premier League in 2008. The BCCI saw the commercial potential of the format and the IPL was announced within months of India's victory. Cricket would never be the same again.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007?
India won the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007, beating Pakistan by 5 runs in the final at Wanderers, Johannesburg. MS Dhoni captained India in what was his first major series as captain.
Who bowled the last over of the 2007 T20 World Cup final?
Joginder Sharma bowled the last over, with MS Dhoni taking the gamble to give the ball to a relatively inexperienced bowler. Misbah-ul-Haq's attempted scoop on the last ball was caught by Sreesanth.