ICC T20 World Cup 2007: India Beat Pakistan in Inaugural Final — MS Dhoni Captains India's First T20 Title
The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2007 was the first-ever edition, hosted by South Africa in September 2007. India won the inaugural title, defeating Pakistan by 5 runs in the final at Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg on 24 September 2007. India scored 157 for 5 (Gautam Gambhir 75, Rohit Sharma 30 not out); Pakistan were bowled out for 152 in 20 overs. Joginder Sharma bowled the final over — dismissing Misbah-ul-Haq's attempted scoop to win for India. MS Dhoni was India's captain, leading a young team. India became the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup champions. Roger Binny was the team's manager. The first T20I had been played only in February 2005 (Australia vs New Zealand); this was only the second year of international T20 cricket.
The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2007 was the inaugural edition of the ICC's T20 World Cup tournament, hosted by South Africa across three venues in September 2007. It featured 12 teams. The format was experimental — international T20 cricket had only begun in February 2005 when Australia and New Zealand played the first T20 International at Auckland. India were captained by MS Dhoni — a young appointment at the time, with Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, and Rahul Dravid not selected, making it one of the youngest Indian squads in recent memory.
The Inaugural Final: Joginder Sharma's Last Over
In the final at Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg on 24 September 2007, India batted first and scored 157 for 5. Gautam Gambhir top-scored with 75; Rohit Sharma scored 30 not out. Pakistan needed 13 from the last over. Dhoni gave the ball to Joginder Sharma — an unlikely choice. Misbah-ul-Haq hit a six off the first ball to need 7 from 5, but then attempted a scoop over fine leg and was caught by Sreesanth. India won by 5 runs. The final over became one of cricket's most celebrated moments — equal parts tension and narrative. It launched a generation of Indian cricketers into T20 franchise cricket.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the first ICC T20 World Cup and how was the final decided?
India won the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007, defeating Pakistan by 5 runs in the final at the Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg on 24 September 2007. Pakistan needed 13 from the last over bowled by Joginder Sharma. Misbah-ul-Haq hit a six from the first ball but then attempted a scoop over fine leg and was caught by Sreesanth. India scored 157 for 5 (Gambhir 75, Rohit Sharma 30*); Pakistan were bowled out for 152. MS Dhoni was India's captain.