India has won the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup held in South Africa. In an exciting final India has edged past Pakistan. Throughout the tournament Indian players have displayed good team effort and spirit. It was a dream final. All the matches India had involved were of high intensity and thrill.
YUVRAJ – The Star Performer
Yuvraj started off the tournament little lethargically. But set ablaze the tournament with his powerful hitting. His six sixes in an over off Stuart Board in the game against England was incredible. Though he missed the next match against South Africa, he continued his magnificent hitting against Australia in the semi-finals. Most of his shots were proper cricketing shots.
Other Performers
Rohit Sharma’s burst into international cricket is long overdue. He proved everyone that he is a special player with his batting abilities and temperament. Irfan Pathan returning to form was steady and pleasing. RP Singh continued his good work in this tournament also. Gambhir was consistent throughout the tournament. Harbhajan, like Irfan, has returned to form. He provided important breakthroughs and bowled difficult overs beautifully. Dhoni was cool and had a calming presence.
Good Fielding Display
One important aspect of this bunch is their energetic fielding. Uthappa, Rohit Sharma and Dinesh Karthik came up with brilliant fielding displays. Infact Team India outdid their famed opponents like South Africa and Australia in this department.
The success of India and Pakistan in this tournament has helped Twenty20 game become more popular. These were the two teams who have been knocked in the very first round of the One-Day World Cup held in Caribbean Islands few months back. The two young teams are on the path of transition. I hope they become world-beaters.
SCORECARD: India vs Pakistan – Finals, Johannesburg 2007
