MS Dhoni: The year was 2007. Indian cricket fans will never forget this year. This was the year when Team India showed dominance to become the world champion under skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. India lifted the ICC T20 World Cup trophy by defeating the archrivals Pakistan. Every minute of the match was full of thrilling, jaw-dropping moments. Both teams fought neck and neck to claim the trophy. But, in the end, it was Team India that had the last smile. Only a super over and brilliancy by MS Dhoni separate both teams that evening.
Summary of the iconic match
In the final of the T20 World Championship held in South Africa, MS Dhoni’s Team India faced their rivals, Pakistan. The initial encounter between the two teams in the tournament had ended in a tie, which India ultimately won through a bowl-out. Given this backdrop, expectations were high for a fiercely contested final, and the match did not disappoint.
In Johannesburg, India batted first, accumulating a total of 157 runs for the loss of 5 wickets. The current coach of the Indian team played a pivotal role, scoring 75 runs in the final. Gautam Gambhir emerged as the leading scorer for Team India, while the present captain, Rohit Sharma, made a swift contribution, reaching 30 runs in just 16 balls. Although the score was not overwhelming, it was certainly competitive.
In response, Pakistan struggled to maintain their innings, losing wickets at regular intervals. By the time they reached 104 runs, seven of their batsmen had already been dismissed. However, Misbah-ul-Haq remained resolute, forming a crucial partnership with the lower-order batsmen and bringing the match down to the final over. As the last over commenced, Pakistan required 13 runs to secure victory, while India sought just one wicket. MS Dhoni entrusted the final over to Joginder Sharma, who began with a wide delivery. The next ball yielded no runs, leaving Pakistan needing 12 runs from 5 balls. Misbah then struck a six, intensifying the anxiety among Indian supporters, with many feeling the pressure of the moment. Such is the nature of cricket, where matches can turn dramatically.
The turning point
Misbah-ul-Haq committed an error at a moment when Pakistan’s victory appeared imminent. At that juncture, Pakistan required 6 runs from 4 balls to secure the win. Misbah, having already scored 43 runs, was at the crease and held the strike. However, it seems he lacked confidence in his partner, Mohammad Asif, which led him to attempt to score all the runs independently. In this endeavor, Misbah-ul-Haq executed a scoop shot on the third delivery bowled by Joginder Sharma.
This was a perilous choice, particularly in the final over of the match. Ultimately, this decision became one of the most significant blunders of his career, as the ball was caught effortlessly by S. Sreesanth positioned at fine leg. Consequently, India emerged as the champions, marking their victory in the inaugural T20 World Cup.