T20 World Cups will come and go, different champions will be crowned over the years but no one but India have the privilege to be called champions of the inaugural edition. Coming off a hearbreaking 50-over World Cup in the same year, the 2007 World T20 didn't just prove to be a reason to celebrate but wrote a new chapter in Indian cricket. Let's take a look at India's journey in that historic edition.
Leading a young pack in his new role as captain, MS Dhoni was up against arch-rivals Pakistan in the very first match. With their previous game against Scotland having been abandoned, this was a do or die clash and it proved to be a classic. The game ended in a tie, before India edged out Pakistan in a bowl out.
Up next was New Zealand and despite putting up a great fight, India fell 10 runs short of chasing down 191. It was India's game for the taking when Sehwag and Gambhir put together a 76-run stand within the powerplay overs. But a masterclass by Daniel Vittori helped The Kiwis register a win.
Then came the clash vs England which will always be remembered for 1 man only, Yuvraj Singh. Yuvi lit up Kingsmead with 6 sixes in an over and smashed a fifty off just 12 balls. It still remains the fastest half century in T20 internationals. India eventually won by 18 runs.
The men in Blue were up against South Africa after that and both teams had a chance to make it to the semi-finals. While India needed to defend 153/5, the hosts had to just cross the 126-run mark to seal a berth in the semis. However, India not just won the game but RP Singh's sensational spell of 4/13 knocked the Proteas out as they settled for 116/9.
India thus staged a last 4 clash against Australia. The mighty Aussies were expected to come hard at Dhoni's men but it was Yuvraj Singh once again who blasted 30-ball 70 and powered India to 188/5. Australia managed 173/7 in reply as India entered the final
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It was once again Pakistan which was waiting for the final showdown there. Batting first, India finished at 157/5, courtesy Gautam Gambhir's gritty 75. Pakistani batters choked in the middle overs but Misbah-ul-Haq kept their chase alive and took his side to a winning position. However, rush of blood prompted him to go for a glory hit only to find S Sreesanth. India won a thriller by 5 runs and against all odds were crowned the champions of the inaugural edition of the World T20.