T20 World Cup 2007: The Inaugural Tournament
How the first-ever ICC T20 World Cup unfolded in South Africa, climaxing in a thrilling India vs Pakistan final settled by a bowl-out.
The inaugural ICC World Twenty20 was held in South Africa in September 2007, just months after the 50-over World Cup. With top players initially sceptical of the format, India sent a young squad under the 26-year-old MS Dhoni. What followed redefined world cricket.
India vs Pakistan: Group Stage Bowl-Out
India and Pakistan met twice — once in the group stage and once in the final. Their group-stage match ended in a tie and was decided by a bowl-out (similar to a penalty shootout): five batters from each side face one ball each at an undefended wicket. India won 3–0. It was the last bowl-out in an ICC tournament; the Super Over replaced it in 2009.
The Final: Misbah's Scoop and Joginder's Last Over
Pakistan needed 13 off the last over, bowled by the inexperienced Joginder Sharma. Misbah ul Haq hit a six with a paddle-scoop, leaving 6 off 3 balls. His next scoop went straight up — Sreesanth took the catch at short fine leg. India won by 5 runs. Dhoni's decision to give the final over to Joginder rather than established bowlers became legendary in retrospect.
Legacy of the 2007 Tournament
India's victory triggered the IPL. Board president Sharad Pawar and N. Srinivasan's BCCI quickly established the Indian Premier League in 2008, transforming global cricket economics. The 2007 T20 World Cup proved that T20 could attract massive audiences and commercialise the sport in ways ODIs had not.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the 2007 T20 World Cup?
India, defeating Pakistan by 5 runs in the final played in Johannesburg.
What is a bowl-out in cricket?
A bowl-out is a tie-breaking method where nominated batters face a single delivery at an unguarded wicket. The team with more hits after five attempts per side wins. It was used in the 2007 T20 World Cup group match between India and Pakistan.
How many sixes did Yuvraj Singh hit off Stuart Broad in 2007?
Six sixes in one over, during the group stage match against England. Broad was the bowler for all six deliveries.