First T20 World Cup

MS Dhoni led India won the first T20 World Cup in 2007 [X.com]

The inaugural T20 World Cup 2007, hosted in South Africa from September 11 to 24, kick-started the global craze for the T20 format.

This pioneering event brought together 12 teams for a high-octane 13-day cricket extravaganza and set the stage for what would become one of the sport’s most electrifying competitions.

T20 World Cup History

In 2007, the cricket world witnessed the birth of the first T20 World Cup, a tournament that would soon become a cornerstone of international cricket.

Contested by the 10 Test-playing nations and two qualifiers, Kenya and Scotland, this championship introduced a brisk, intense version of the game that caught the imagination of fans worldwide.

It paved the way for a fresh, dynamic approach to cricket, thrilling audiences and reshaping the future of the sport.

First T20 World Cup Teams

The tournament lineup was a melting pot of established and emerging cricket nations. Alongside cricket heavyweights like India, Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan, West Indies, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe, the event featured lesser-known T20 teams such as Kenya and Scotland.

This diverse participation highlighted the tournament’s role in levelling the playing field and promoting cricket's global appeal.

First T20 World Cup Results

Rohit Sharma with Stumps after India's World Cup win [X.com]

India emerged victorious in a nail-biting finale against Pakistan, clinching the title by a whisker with a five-run victory.

The tournament was marked by a unique rule for resolving ties—a bowl-out, which was notably employed in a group-stage clash between India and Pakistan.

Here’s a detailed look at the first T20 World Cup results

Sr No.	Date	Countries	Ground	Result
1	11/09/2007	South Africa vs West Indies	Wanderers Stadium	South Africa won by 8 wickets
2	12/09/2007	Kenya vs New Zealand	Kingsmead	New Zealand won by 9 wickets
3	12/09/2007	Pakistan vs Scotland	Kingsmead	Pakistan won by 51 runs
4	12/09/2007	Australia vs Zimbabwe	Newlands	Zimbabwe won by 5 wickets
5	13/09/2007	Bangladesh vs West Indies	Wanderers Stadium	Bangladesh won by 6 wickets
6	13/09/2007	England vs Zimbabwe	Newlands	England won by 50 runs
7	13/09/2007	India vs Scotland	Kingsmead	No result
8	14/09/2007	Kenya vs Sri Lanka	Wanderers Stadium	Sri Lanka won by 172 runs
9	14/09/2007	Australia vs England	Newlands	Australia won by 8 wickets
10	14/09/2007	India vs Pakistan	Kingsmead	India won in bowl-out after scores were tied
11	15/09/2007	New Zealand vs Sri Lanka	Wanderers Stadium	Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets
12	15/09/2007	South Africa vs Bangladesh	Newlands	South Africa won by 7 wickets
13	16/09/2007	India vs New Zealand	Wanderers Stadium	New Zealand won by 10 runs
14	16/09/2007	Australia vs Bangladesh	Newlands	Australia won by 9 wickets
15	16/09/2007	South Africa vs England	Newlands	South Africa won by 19 runs
16	17/09/2007	Pakistan vs Sri Lanka	Wanderers Stadium	Pakistan won by 33 runs
17	18/09/2007	England vs New Zealand	Kingsmead	New Zealand won by 5 runs
18	18/09/2007	Australia vs Pakistan	Wanderers Stadium	Pakistan won by 6 wickets
19	18/09/2007	Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka	Wanderers Stadium	Sri Lanka won by 64 runs
20	19/09/2007	South Africa vs New Zealand	Kingsmead	South Africa won by 6 wickets
21	19/09/2007	England vs India	Kingsmead	India won by 18 runs
22	20/09/2007	Australia vs Sri Lanka	Newlands	Australia won by 10 wickets
23	20/09/2007	Bangladesh vs Pakistan	Newlands	Pakistan won by 4 wickets
24	20/09/2007	South Africa vs India	Kingsmead	India won by 37 runs
25	22/09/2007	New Zealand vs Pakistan	Newlands	Pakistan won by 6 wickets
26	22/09/2007	Australia vs India	Kingsmead	India won by 15 runs
27	24/09/2007	India vs Pakistan	Wanderers Stadium	India won by 5 runs

First T20 World Cup Venue

The first T20 World Cup venues were nothing short of iconic, with matches held at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town, Kingsmead in Durban, and Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.

These stadiums, known for their lively atmospheres, were packed to the rafters, with capacities ranging from 22,000 to 34,000 enthusiastic fans cheering on their teams.

First T20 World Cup Trophy

The T20 World Cup Trophy [X.com]

The trophy for the first T20 World Cup became a symbol of innovation and triumph in cricket. As the inaugural champions, MS Dhoni-led India not only took home this prestigious award but also set a high bar for the spirited and engaging competitions that the T20 format would continue to deliver in the years to come.

First T20 World Cup: FAQs

Q.1. Where was the first T20 World Cup held?

Answer: The inaugural T20 World Cup was held in South Africa in 2007.

Q.2. How many T20 World Cup winners are there?

Answer: The ICC Men's T20 World Cup has had six winners from eight tournaments.

Q.3. Why is the T20 World Cup held every 2 years?

Answer: The T20 World Cup is held every two years to maintain a balanced international cricket calendar that accommodates various formats of the game, ensuring regular and exciting global tournaments.

Q.4. When did West Indies win the T20 World Cup?

Answer: The West Indies won the T20 World Cup in 2012 and again in 2016.

Q.5. How many T20 World Cups have been won by West Indies?

Answer: West Indies has won the T20 World Cup twice.

OTD in 2007 | MS Dhoni's Young Brigade Beat Pakistan To Become World T20 Champions