ICC T20 World Cup 2007: The Birth of a New Format
India won the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in South Africa in 2007, beating Pakistan in a thrilling final with Yuvraj Singh's six sixes making the tournament unforgettable.
The inaugural ICC World Twenty20 was held in South Africa in September 2007. It was the first global T20 tournament, and its success transformed world cricket. India, led by the young MS Dhoni, defeated Pakistan in the final in Johannesburg — a result that lit the spark for the Indian Premier League and the global T20 revolution.
Yuvraj Singh's Six Sixes
The defining moment of the 2007 tournament came in the group stage. Yuvraj Singh, after being sledged by England's Andrew Flintoff, hit Stuart Broad for six sixes in a single over — only the third time a batsman had achieved the feat in international cricket. The over became a symbol of T20's power-hitting potential.
India vs Pakistan — A Historic Final
The final between India and Pakistan at the Wanderers in Johannesburg drew massive global attention. India posted 157 for 5. Pakistan needed 13 off the last over, bowled by Joginder Sharma — an uncapped medium-pacer. Misbah-ul-Haq was dismissed scooping to fine leg trying to hit the winning runs, and India won by five runs.
The IPL Catalyst
India's T20 World Cup win triggered an explosion of interest in the format. Within months, the Board of Control for Cricket in India launched the Indian Premier League in 2008, changing the economics of world cricket. The 2007 tournament proved T20 could attract huge audiences and new fans to the game.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the first T20 World Cup?
India won the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in 2007, defeating Pakistan by five runs in the final at the Wanderers, Johannesburg. MS Dhoni captained the side.
How many sixes did Yuvraj Singh hit in one over at the 2007 T20 World Cup?
Yuvraj Singh hit six sixes in one over off Stuart Broad of England — one of cricket's most celebrated displays of power hitting.