#OTD in 2007: India lifted T20 World Cup title in a cliff-hanger against Pakistan

India with a T20 World Cup 2007 title (PCl Twitter)

On this day, fifteen years ago, India prevailed over arch-rivals Pakistan by five runs to secure a T20 World Cup title at Johannesburg.

Gambhir, Rohit propel India to a competitive total

Batting first, India opened with their makeshift opening pair of Yusuf Pathan and Gautam Gambhir, with the former making his international debut as well. Yusuf contributed 15 off 8, before becoming a victim of Mohammad Asif.

However, Gautam Gambhir played an anchor role amid a flurry of wickets at the other end. The team's key players Yuvraj Singh (14) and MS Dhoni (6) could not provide notable contributions.

It was a sublime knock of Gambhir (75 off 54) and Rohit Sharma's late blitz (30* off 16) which helped Men in Blue to post 157 on the board.

Irfan Pathan's spell seals the game for India

In response to the chase, Mohammad Hafeez and Kamran Akmal were dismissed early, courtesy of RP Singh. However, Imran Nazir threatened the opposition with his lusty blows to steer Pakistan at a lavish rate. It was Robin Uthappa's direct hit, which sent Nazir (33 off 14) back to the hut.

Irfan Pathan returned with figures 3/16 (PC: Twitter)

The Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq was still at the crease, despite the dismissals of Shoaib Malik and Shahid Afridi by Irfan Pathan.

With 13 needed off the final over, Misbah hit a six on the second ball of the over to put Pakistan as the favourites. However, he played a risky paddle sweep off Joginder Sharma, which was holed out to Sreesanth and India won the game by five runs. 

Irfan was named Player of the Match for his figures of 3/16 in four overs. 

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