The Greatest T20 Finals: No. 2
Every clash between India and Pakistan generates significant excitement, but the impact of this particular match continues to resonate even today.
Sambit Bal | March 29, 2025
India vs Pakistan, T20 World Cup final, Johannesburg, 2007
India won by five runs
The unpredictable nature of the future often makes the importance of the present clearer only in hindsight, leaving us unaware that history is unfolding right before us.
The stage was perfectly set for an exhilarating match. It was the inaugural final of a new global tournament, featuring the intense rivalry between India and Pakistan. Neither team had secured a World Cup title since India in 1983 and Pakistan in 1992. The preceding league encounter in Durban had already delivered a thrilling spectacle. As the teams gathered at the Bullring on that pivotal day, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation and nervous energy.
However, due to our inexperience with the nuances of this new format, we were unable to fully comprehend the intricate strategies, whether pre-planned or spontaneous, that would ultimately define T20 cricket as a highly strategic game.
Their earlier match had resulted in a dramatic bowl-out, with India triumphing thanks to clever tactics. As Pakistan deployed their leading bowlers against the unguarded stumps, MS Dhoni opted for a team including Virender Sehwag and Robin Uthappa, alongside Harbhajan Singh. The final would also be a nail-biter, featuring a fluctuating narrative that heightened the tension of the ICC title event. Yusuf Pathan’s unexpected start helped India launch a solid innings, and although they struggled at times, they aimed for a score of 170 after reaching 100 runs in 13.1 overs. However, a double wicket haul by Umar Gul thwarted their efforts, leading to Rohit Sharma’s vital contribution of 30 runs, while Gautam Gambhir provided stability.
Despite an early setback, Pakistan seemed to gain momentum through Imran Nazir’s aggressive batting, reaching 53 for 2 in the sixth over. Yet, they fell into despair at 77 for 6 and again at 104 for 7, looking precariously positioned for a comeback.
The match would soon reveal critical truths about T20 cricket: a game is never truly over until the final ball is bowled, and fortunes can change within an over. It became evident that the match’s outcome could hinge on surprising performances rather than just the top players. With Pakistan needing 20 runs off 12 balls, it became a showdown between Misbah-ul-Haq, who had almost clinched victory for Pakistan in their previous encounter, and India’s Joginder Sharma, who had been entrusted with securing the semi-final win against Australia. Despite options like Harbhajan, Misbah chose to face Joginder.
The nail-biting climax went downhill quickly for Joginder: an errant wide, a missed swipe, and then a full toss that Misbah struck for six, leaving Pakistan with just six runs required off four balls. In a fateful moment, Misbah attempted a scoop shot—a move that would become a common feature in the game—and instead, he lobbed a catch to Sreesanth, leading India to an unexpected victory.
Those present had no idea that everything was about to change in that brief instant. Even the players didn’t grasp the significance of their win until they received a rapturous homecoming, a celebration unlike any before it. Shortly afterward, the Indian Premier League emerged, transforming the landscape of cricket forever.
Sambit Bal is editor-in-chief of ESPNcricinfo @sambitbal
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
