T20 World Cup 2007: How India stunned the mighty Aussies
What's the story
On September 24, 2007, India were crowned the champions of the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup. They beat Pakistan in a final-over thriller. However, India had cleared a greater test two days before the final by stunning the mighty Australian team. India overcame a team that had the likes of Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden, Michael Clarke, and Brett Lee, among others, in the semi-final. Here's how a fearless Team India, under MS Dhoni, scripted this special win.
Underdog story
India's fairytale run to the semis
India's journey to the 2007 T20 World Cup semi-final was nothing short of a fairytale. An inexperienced team led by a young captain cleared the group stage despite facing a washout (against Scotland) and defeat to New Zealand. The team displayed exceptional resilience by beating Pakistan through the historic Bowl-Out. Yuvraj Singh's 6 sixes dismantled England, while hosts South Africa lost to India in a low-scoring thriller. This drew India against a star-studded Australian side in the semi-final.
India innings
Yuvraj's fiery 70 hammers Australia
Electing to bat first, India racked up a formidable 188/5 in 20 overs. The innings began on a shaky note, with Virender Sehwag (9) and Gautam Gambhir (24) departing early, leaving India at 41/2. Robin Uthappa and Yuvraj steadied the innings with a quickfire 84-run stand. While Uthappa held his end, Yuvraj unleashed carnage, smashing 70 off just 30 balls (5 fours and 5 sixes). MS Dhoni chipped in with 36 off 18, giving a strong finish.
Chase
India's disciplined bowling restricts Australia
Australia started well, with Matthew Hayden smashing a blistering 62 off 47 balls. Despite the early dismissals of Adam Gilchrist and Brad Hodge, Andrew Symonds accelerated with 43 off 26 balls, pushing the score past 100. Australia were cruising on 132/2 before India's bowlers fought back brilliantly. Sreesanth dismissed the dangerous Hayden, while Irfan Pathan knocked over Symonds. Harbhajan Singh and Joginder Sharma later helped India restrict Australia to 173/7.
Perspective
India make a statement
To put things into perspective, Australia were coming off title wins in their last few ICC tournaments (ODI World Cup: 2003 and 2007; Champions Trophy: 2006). They were the favorites to win the inaugural T20 World Cup as well, with experience on their side. However, the Dhoni-led side made a statement by knocking the Aussies out in the semi-final in Durban.