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On This Day In 2007: MS Dhoni's Captaincy Era Began With India's Thrilling Bowl-Out Win Vs Pakistan

OTD in 2007, India recorded a clinical win vs Pakistan [X]OTD in 2007, India recorded a clinical win vs Pakistan [X]

On this day 17 years ago, MS Dhoni led India to one of the most memorable victories in their rich history. Under the captain cool's astute leadership, the Men in Blue pipped their arch-rivals Pakistan, emerging victorious in a tie-breaking bowl-out in the inaugural T20 World Cup edition. 

Former wicket-keeper batter MS Dhoni is renowned as one of the finest tacticians of all time. Besides his explosive batting, Dhoni scripted several memorable victories for India through his game-awareness and strategic on-field calls. However, his journey as the Indian captain began with an epic clash, with the Men in Blue snatching victory from the jaws of defeat in a high-stakes game against Pakistan. 

Dhoni And Uthappa's Fighting Knocks Power India To A Respectable Score

The first few overs of the game were forgettable for India, as a rampant Mohammad Asif exploited the seam-friendly conditions, reducing them to 36 for four in 6.4 overs. However, experienced batter Robin Uthappa joined hands with skipper MS Dhoni to bail India out of trouble with a valuable fifth-wicket stand. 

After Uthappa departed for a magnificent 39-ball 50, Dhoni kept his composure to add a few more runs to the Indian total alongside Irfan Pathan. Furthermore, a useful knock from Ajit Agarkar helped India breach the 140-run mark, as they finished their innings on 141 for nine in 20 overs. 

India's Incredible Fightback Sets The Stage For An Epic Bowl Out

India's bowling unit had an equally impressive start, as Pakistan were soon reduced to 47 for four in 8.5 overs. But how could an India vs Pakistan game have concluded in a one-sided manner? 

Shoaib Malik and Misbah-ul-Haq scripted Pakistan's remarkable comeback before India pulled things back with some quick breakthroughs. Although Misbah batted till the end, he failed to clear the in-field and score the final run for his side. Thus, the stage was set for an epic bowl-out, the tie-breaking method during those days. 

India were well-prepared for the unforeseen scenario, as they were bang on target on three consecutive occasions. On the other hand, their Pakistani counterparts, including the legendary Shahid Afridi, failed to hit the stumps even once. 

While the event highlighted Pakistan's lack of preparation, it also shed light on MS Dhoni's proactiveness in preparing his troops for the bowl-out. Thus, Dhoni, who later went on to become one of India's most successful skipper, was always a visionary leader and had the knack for turning an inevitable defeat into a sweet victory with his Midas touch.