10 Years Of 2007 T20 World Cup: Alan Wilkins Shares A Picture Of Pathan Brothers From The 2007 ICC World T20
September 24, 2007, will always be remembered as one of the most important days in the history of Indian cricket as MS Dhoni’s young brigade won the inaugural T20 World Cup in South Africa. MS Dhoni-led young team India went on to defy all odds and was crowned as the World T20 champions by defeating arch-rivals Pakistan in the inaugural edition of the tournament.
After an embarrassing group stage exit in 2007 World Cup in West Indies, a tournament in which the team went in as favorites, it was decided that India would send a rather young side for the T20 World Cup. No one took T20 seriously back then, especially the BCCI who laughed at the idea of a 20-over cricket match. The fans too didn’t expect much from the team.
But India started off well and kept on gaining momentum throughout the tournament. The win in Johannesburg, also marked a beginning of a new era (Dhoni’s era) as the then newly appointed 26-year old captain brought the silverware.
Thus, celebrating 10 years of the T20 World Cup victory, Australian commentator Alan Wilkins posted a special picture of the Pathan brothers from the 2007 ICC World T20 final at Johannesburg. Not many can forget the contribution of the Pathan brothers, especially Irfan Pathan during the course of the tournament.
India won the game by 5 runs and considering a fact that no senior players turned up for the tournament, it was a very special effort under the leadership of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Irfan was named the Man of the Match in the final as he picked up 3 crucial wickets.
The triumph was even more special considering the fact that Indian fans were utterly disappointed with their side’s rendition in the 2007 ICC World Cup in the Caribbean Islands. India got knocked out in the first round and they responded in style a few months later.
Alan Wilkins tweeted that he had a special gift for Irfan Pathan. He also asked to check out his email and people were curious to know what was that special gift. His tweet read, “Hi Irfan Pathan please check your email…a gift from me to the Pathan Brothers and a reminder of your triumph at ICC World Twenty20 2007!”
Hi @IrfanPathan please check your email…a gift from me to the Pathan Brothers and a reminder of your triumph at @ICC World Twenty20 2007!
— Alan Wilkins (@alanwilkins22) September 24, 2017
Soon after Wilkins tweeted, Irfan took to his Instagram to post a picture that featured both the Pathan brothers carrying the Indian flag with joy and pride. “This day that year will remain special very special in our memory. Thank u for the pic Alan Wilkins,” Irfan Pathan’s post read.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) official Twitter handle posted a video of team India celebrations.
September 24, 2007 – #TeamIndia was crowned World T20 champions #ThisDayThatYear pic.twitter.com/4yEJUd9iVC
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 24, 2017
So far, India has played 33 matches in the history of the tournament and has won 20 of those. Recently, their best finish was in 2014 edition when they finished as runner-up.