September 24, 2007: 11 years ago, MS Dhoni and his men lifted the inaugural World T20 trophy
Mumbai, Sept 24 (IBNS): Eleven years ago, on this day, a young Indian team was led by a stylish captain MS Dhoni as they clinched the inaugural edition of the World T20 in South Africa.
In the dream final, India defeated arch-rival Pakistan to win the title.
The victory also marked the beginning of MS Dhoni's captaincy era when India also won the 50 overs World Cup in 2011.
The victory was especially significant as it was not before the tournament that Indian team was considered much as a T20 powerhouse.
Dhoni and his men changed the entire scenario and India is one of the best teams to play the format in the world today.
India also came down to South Africa to play the tournament in 2007 after the national side suffered a shocking early exit from the World Cup 2007.
India could not pass the Group stage of the 50-over tournament that year.
India's defeat at the hands of Bangladesh and then Sri Lanka ended their hopes of reaching the next round of the tournament.
The World T20 victory provided the cricket-loving nation a moment to celebrate after the 2007 World Cup debacle.
Indian cricket board BCCI remembered the special moment and posted: "#ThisDay in 2007, #TeamIndia won the inaugural T20 World Cup beating Pakistan in the final in South Africa."
#ThisDay in 2007, #TeamIndia won the inaugural T20 World Cup beating Pakistan in the final in South Africa. pic.twitter.com/zCSBH8w1S5
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 24, 2018
Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir, who had played a crucial inning in the final match, tweeted: "While I am proud of the yesterday of 2007 (on left) but the fact is it was 11 years ago. I’d like to create more space for guys who are doing a fantastic job today (on right), the class of 2018 @BCCI."
While I am proud of the yesterday of 2007 (on left) but the fact is it was 11 years ago. I’d like to create more space for guys who are doing a fantastic job today (on right), the class of 2018 @BCCI pic.twitter.com/vCkTfkqOBE
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) September 24, 2018
Another T20 World Cup star Harbhajan Singh turned nostalgic and tweeted: "Can't explain how beautiful moment this was! One epic, thrilling final against Pakistan..11 years ago in Johannesburg! #Throwback #MemoryLane #ProudMoment."
Can't explain how beautiful moment this was! One epic, thrilling final against Pakistan..11 years ago in Johannesburg! #Throwback #MemoryLane #ProudMoment pic.twitter.com/blYCAkCgOk
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) September 24, 2018
Interestingly, India is currently playing another multi-nation event in the UAE.
India defeated Pakistan by nine wickets in the high-voltage match of the tournament on Sunday.
Two players of the World T20 champion team are currently playing Asia Cup. They are MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma.
Sharma, who made his international mark in the World T20, 2007, is the current captain of the ODI side which is playing the Asia Cup.
He is captaining the side in the absence of regular skipper Virat Kohli.
Kohli has been rested for the tournament.
Image: BCCI Twitter page
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