India’s Greatest T20I Wins: India was one of the few countries that embraced the T20 phenomenon quite late. They had played just a single T20I ahead of the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007. India in fact wasn’t even keen to participate in the first edition of the tournament. Their eventual participation and subsequent win changed the course of world cricket.
The country has won many memorable games in this format in the last 16 years. There have been a few that have stood the test of time. On account of the nation’s 77th Independence Day, we look back at a few of their greatest T20I wins.
For more Cricket News and Updates Join our Telegram Channel
India’s greatest T20I wins – Part I:
#1 The bowl out against Pakistan
India’s first league match against Scotland was called off owing to rain. Their second match in the league stage was against arch-rivals Pakistan. India had to win to top the group. Pakistan won the toss under chilly weather conditions and put India into bat. India lost their first four wickets for just 36 runs with Mohammad Asif running riot. Robin Uthappa and MS Dhoni steadied India’s ship to take India to 141-9. A total that gave the side something to fight for.
India started their defence in fine style reducing Pakistan to 47-4. But Misbah-ul-Haq put Pakistan ahead in the chase. With just 1 needed off 2 balls and 4 wickets in hand, it was Pakistan’s game to lose. But India pulled off a stunning heist. The game ended in a tie. It was down to the bowl out to decide the winner. India won the tie-breaker 3-0 and topped the group. It was the start of things to come.
#2 The win against Australia at the Brabourne
India was fresh from winning the inaugural T20 World Cup. India was slated to play a lone T20I against Australia at the Brabourne in 2007. Australia chose to bat against a spirited young Indian side. Ricky Ponting’s 76 from 53 balls helped Australia post a score of 166-5. India had to bat sensibly to get close to the total. They were jolted early as Virender Sehwag departed for just 5 runs.
It was the Gautam Gambhir-Robin Uthappa show from thereon as the duo put on a stand of 82 in just 8.1 overs. Indian batters threw caution to the wind as they approached the target fearlessly. Gambhir was awarded the player of the match for his 63. Yuvraj Singh applied the finishing touches as he stayed unbeaten on 31. This win proved that India’s T20 World Cup glory was no fluke.
#3 The semifinal chase against South Africa
India was unbeaten leading into the semi-finals of the 2014 T20 World Cup. They were up against South Africa for a place in the finals. On the slow low surface of Bangladesh, South Africa won the toss and had no hesitation to bat first. In a big game, it was a massive advantage to bat first. South Africa put up a solid total (172-4) on board. India had their task cut out against a formidable Proteas bowling lineup.
Rohit Sharma started off in flying fashion but his innings was cut short at 24 off 13 balls. Ajinkya Rahane struggled to get going as he mustered 32 off 30 balls. Virat Kohli though was in pristine touch. He blasted 72 off 44 balls to singlehandedly win India the game. Suresh Raina’s 21 off 10 balls helped ease the pressure on Kohli from the other end. India made it to yet another ICC final and handed South Africa yet another defeat in an ICC knockout game!
