Yuvraj Singh, known for his aggressive batting style, unleashed a whirlwind knock of 70 runs from a mere 30 balls.
The 2007 ICC World Twenty20 was a tournament etched in the memories of Indian cricket fans. It marked the beginning of their dominance in the shortest format of the game. One of the most pivotal moments in the tournament was the thrilling semi-final clash against arch-rivals Australia at Kingsmead, Durban. This match was a rollercoaster ride of emotions, filled with breathtaking batting displays, nail-biting bowling spells, and a touch of last-over drama, culminating in a well-deserved 15-run victory for India.
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, India needed a strong start to put pressure on the formidable Australian bowling attack. However, the early dismissals of Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir threatened to derail their plans. This is where the hero of the night, Yuvraj Singh, stepped onto the stage.
Yuvraj, known for his aggressive batting style, unleashed a whirlwind knock of 70 runs from a mere 30 balls. He tore into the Australian bowling attack, with a particular liking for the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, Stuart Clark. A massive six over midwicket off Clark’s bowling sent a shiver down the spines of the Australian camp. Yuvraj’s innings was a masterclass in six-hitting, peppered with audacious strokes and audacious power.
With Yuvraj and Uthappa departing in quick succession, the onus fell on MS Dhoni to finish the Indian innings
Finding an able ally in Robin Uthappa, Yuvraj forged a quickfire partnership that left the Australian bowlers bewildered.Uthappa, known for his elegant strokeplay, complemented Yuvraj’s aggression perfectly. Together, they stitched together a lightning-fast 84-run partnership in just 39 balls, completely dismantling Australia’s bowling plans and taking the total to a dominant position. Uthappa’s contribution of 34 runs was crucial in setting a strong foundation for the Indian batting order.
With Yuvraj and Uthappa departing in quick succession, the onus fell on the experienced Mahendra Singh Dhoni to provide the finishing touches to the innings. Dhoni, known for his calm and composed demeanor, did not disappoint. He played a crucial cameo, ensuring that India posted a daunting total of 188 runs for 5 wickets on the board.
Hayden looked dangerous on the night, reaching his fifty off just 40 balls
Faced with a challenging target, Australia needed a strong start to their chase. The explosive duo of Matthew Hayden and Andrew Symonds did not disappoint. Hayden, in particular, looked dangerous, reaching his fifty off just 40 balls. He played some powerful strokes, reminding everyone why he was one of the most feared openers in the world.
However, the turning point of the match came with the introduction of Sreesanth into the bowling attack. The young pacer, known for his unorthodox action and swing bowling, proved to be a handful for the Australian batsmen. His fiery spell not only restricted the flow of runs but also created pressure. The highlight of his spell was the dismissal of Hayden, where a beauty of a delivery sent the Australian’s stumps cartwheeling, leaving the crowd in awe.
The fall of Hayden triggered a mini-collapse in the Australian batting order. Symonds, who threatened to take the game away with his powerful hitting, was dismissed by Irfan Pathan. Harbhajan Singh and Rudra Pratap Singh also chipped in with crucial wickets, stifling Australia’s momentum and making it increasingly difficult for them to chase down the target.
The Indian fielding unit, often overshadowed by their batting and bowling prowess, also played a crucial role in this victory. They displayed excellent athleticism and sharp fielding throughout the innings, preventing boundaries and running out key batsmen at crucial junctures.
With 22 runs required off the final over, the tension in the stadium was palpable. The inexperienced Joginder Sharma was entrusted with the responsibility of bowling the final over. While a nervous hush fell over the crowd, Sharma held his nerve. Michael Hussey, known for his finishing prowess, miscued a delivery, which was pouched by Yuvraj Singh at deep midwicket. Brett Lee, the last man in, was then yorked by Sharma, sending the Indian players into a frenzy of celebration.
