Hearty congratulations to the Indian team. Their indomitable spirit proved decisive in the end. Not having a reputation to live up to was the blessing in disguise. M.S. Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh did not rise to expectations in the final and yet India pulled it off thanks to players accepting responsibility and not getting overawed by the big stage.

The decisive factor was the fearless approach from a bunch of youngsters in a format that is still foreign to many. Both teams made the final a memorable affair. The one making the elementary error under pressure was likely to lose, as it happened when the usually cool and collected Misbah-ul-Haq played the slog flip shot. His innings may have made all the difference between one nation rejoicing and another left in despair. Actually, there was not much to choose between the two sides.

There were many positives India can draw from this campaign, the foremost being the captaincy of Dhoni who remained unruffled throughout the championship. His calming influence was the fulcrum around which the Indian team revolved. Each win was constructed by the nucleus of the side, with the team effort helping to shatter many myths, the first of course being that some are indispensable. If there was one player unable to deliver under pressure, there were two putting their hands up to chip in.

T20 cricket has caught the imagination of the public and this win will, I hope, herald a new era. Just as there were one-day specialists trying to make a mark in the early90’s, there will be a set of players who will train their thoughts and mind entirely to suit the demands of this format.

By winning the toss, Dhoni did a huge favour to his side. The pressure of an ICC World Twenty20 final, which too against Pakistan would have made any target an uphill task for India. Gautam Gambhir who received so much flak for not coming good against quality opposition silenced his critics with a knock that gave his team a great chance to fight. His shot selection was sublime and effective at the same time. Rohit Sharma was a revelation; the youngster came good whenever an opportunity presented itself.

The target was never going to be tough if Pakistan resorted to percentage cricket but then calmness is never easily achieved in an India-Pakistan clash. The pressure gets to you at some point and the mistakes start creeping in. Younus Khan and Shoaib Malik went into a shell and handed the match to India.

Misbah is a player who takes calculated risks and believes in the theory the match is not over until the last ball. It reminded me of the great Javed Miandad who pulled the rug out from under our feet on numerous occasions.

R.P. Singh delivered when it mattered and so did Irfan Pathan with his canny slow cutters against which the entire pace and power had to be generated by the batsmen. Joginder and the Pathan siblings provided batsmen with no pace to strike.

It was a tactical ploy that worked on a wicket that slowed down a touch towards the end of the Pakistan innings.

Hearty congratulations to the Indian team. Their indomitable spirit proved decisive in the end. Not having a reputation to live up to was the blessing in disguise. M.S. Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh did not rise to expectations in the final and yet India pulled it off thanks to players accepting responsibility and not getting overawed by the big stage.

The decisive factor was the fearless approach from a bunch of youngsters in a format that is still foreign to many. Both teams made the final a memorable affair. The one making the elementary error under pressure was likely to lose, as it happened when the usually cool and collected Misbah-ul-Haq played the slog flip shot. His innings may have made all the difference between one nation rejoicing and another left in despair. Actually, there was not much to choose between the two sides.

There were many positives India can draw from this campaign, the foremost being the captaincy of Dhoni who remained unruffled throughout the championship. His calming influence was the fulcrum around which the Indian team revolved. Each win was constructed by the nucleus of the side, with the team effort helping to shatter many myths, the first of course being that some are indispensable. If there was one player unable to deliver under pressure, there were two putting their hands up to chip in.

T20 cricket has caught the imagination of the public and this win will, I hope, herald a new era. Just as there were one-day specialists trying to make a mark in the early90’s, there will be a set of players who will train their thoughts and mind entirely to suit the demands of this format.

By winning the toss, Dhoni did a huge favour to his side. The pressure of an ICC World Twenty20 final, which too against Pakistan would have made any target an uphill task for India. Gautam Gambhir who received so much flak for not coming good against quality opposition silenced his critics with a knock that gave his team a great chance to fight. His shot selection was sublime and effective at the same time. Rohit Sharma was a revelation; the youngster came good whenever an opportunity presented itself.

The target was never going to be tough if Pakistan resorted to percentage cricket but then calmness is never easily achieved in an India-Pakistan clash. The pressure gets to you at some point and the mistakes start creeping in. Younus Khan and Shoaib Malik went into a shell and handed the match to India.

Misbah is a player who takes calculated risks and believes in the theory the match is not over until the last ball. It reminded me of the great Javed Miandad who pulled the rug out from under our feet on numerous occasions.

R.P. Singh delivered when it mattered and so did Irfan Pathan with his canny slow cutters against which the entire pace and power had to be generated by the batsmen. Joginder and the Pathan siblings provided batsmen with no pace to strike.

It was a tactical ploy that worked on a wicket that slowed down a touch towards the end of the Pakistan innings.

Hyderabad: S. Sreesanth, India's man of the moment, felt "the weight of the world" on his shoulders as Misbah-ul Haq's scoop headed his way, with five runs required off three balls in that nail-biting ICC World Twenty20 final.

"It was not as easy as it looked. The moment the ball went up in the air, I said to myself 'Oh! God, not me again'. However, I composed myself to stick to the basics, never took my eyes off the ball and never lost my head after it safely landed in my hands," Sreesanth told this correspondent over phone on Wednesday amidst the hectic celebrations in Mumbai.

He was quick to add: "Thanks to the anticipation drilled in by fielding coach Robin Singh, I had made some ground the moment Misbah moved to knock it over."

Sreesanth was also the one to knock off Pakistan in the group match that India won with a bowl-out, and the victim again was Misbah.

Are we seeing an individual rivalry building within a team game? "Maybe," Sreesanth said. "I walked up to him after the match and said 'hard luck' and he replied, "all the best for the next match". India plays Pakistan again in November on home soil and expect more fireworks.

The volatile Kerala quick maintained that India and Pakistan players were good friends off the field. "We go out after any team on the field but nothing that happens on the ground goes outside the ground," he said.

At the team hotel, the squads were only one floor apart, India on the 19th and Pakistan on the 20th floor. "We bumped into each other frequently and we were friendly," Sreesanth said.

Sreesanth said he had set up a challenge for Pakistan. He told the Pakistan team's local manager after the bowl-out that should both sides reach the final, India would win again. "After the final, I clasped his hand and reminded him 'dekh liya? Maine bola tha na?' (Didn't I tell you)," Sreesanth said.

Sreesanth was amazed that he got the chance to close out tough high-pressure matches - the ones against Pakistan and Australia in the semifinals. "I don't know how I get connected with testing situations... maybe I am the chosen one," he laughed.

Sreesanth comes across as an aggressive bloke but away from the field life is song and dance. He has written two of the 10 songs in Desh, an album of patriotic songs cut by his brother-in-law Madhu Balakrishnan, South Indian playback singer.

Hyderabad: S. Sreesanth, India's man of the moment, felt "the weight of the world" on his shoulders as Misbah-ul Haq's scoop headed his way, with five runs required off three balls in that nail-biting ICC World Twenty20 final.

"It was not as easy as it looked. The moment the ball went up in the air, I said to myself 'Oh! God, not me again'. However, I composed myself to stick to the basics, never took my eyes off the ball and never lost my head after it safely landed in my hands," Sreesanth told this correspondent over phone on Wednesday amidst the hectic celebrations in Mumbai.

He was quick to add: "Thanks to the anticipation drilled in by fielding coach Robin Singh, I had made some ground the moment Misbah moved to knock it over."

Sreesanth was also the one to knock off Pakistan in the group match that India won with a bowl-out, and the victim again was Misbah.

Are we seeing an individual rivalry building within a team game? "Maybe," Sreesanth said. "I walked up to him after the match and said 'hard luck' and he replied, "all the best for the next match". India plays Pakistan again in November on home soil and expect more fireworks.

The volatile Kerala quick maintained that India and Pakistan players were good friends off the field. "We go out after any team on the field but nothing that happens on the ground goes outside the ground," he said.

At the team hotel, the squads were only one floor apart, India on the 19th and Pakistan on the 20th floor. "We bumped into each other frequently and we were friendly," Sreesanth said.

Sreesanth said he had set up a challenge for Pakistan. He told the Pakistan team's local manager after the bowl-out that should both sides reach the final, India would win again. "After the final, I clasped his hand and reminded him 'dekh liya? Maine bola tha na?' (Didn't I tell you)," Sreesanth said.

Sreesanth was amazed that he got the chance to close out tough high-pressure matches - the ones against Pakistan and Australia in the semifinals. "I don't know how I get connected with testing situations... maybe I am the chosen one," he laughed.

Sreesanth comes across as an aggressive bloke but away from the field life is song and dance. He has written two of the 10 songs in Desh, an album of patriotic songs cut by his brother-in-law Madhu Balakrishnan, South Indian playback singer.

Former Pakistan cricket greats on Tuesday bemoaned their national side's inability to overcome India after losing to their arch-rivals in the ICC World Twenty20 final in South Africa.

But they said that the thriller was good for the game generally, and that at least Pakistan had recovered from their disastrous show at the 50-over World Cup in the West Indies earlier this year.

India lifted the inaugural cup with a narrow five-run win at Johannesburg on Monday -- maintaining the tradition of beating Pakistan in every World Cup match they have played since 1992.

"It's a repeat and it will hurt the fans and players alike for some time, but apart from that jinx both teams played superbly and cricket was the winner," former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram told AFP.

India, who also beat Pakistan in a bowl-out after both teams tied their group match at Durban, defended a target of 158 through some accurate bowling from man-of-the-match Irfan Pathan (3-16) and Rudra Pratap Singh (3-26).

Wasim, who had tipped Pakistan to beat India, said the final was memorable.

"It was a close game and the better team won, no regrets. It was only a game and people have to take it as a game and must appreciate the quality of cricket," said Wasim, who took a world record 502 one-day wickets.

"I would blame Pakistani batsmen Younis Khan and Shahid Afridi for their reckless strokes and in the end Misbah-ul Haq should have played a straight bat shot," said Wasim.

Haq gave the Indians a scare with a late charge of 43 off 38 balls but his final over chip shot was caught to bring India's win.

Younis made 24 before playing a rash shot off Joginder Sharma while Afridi holed out off Irfan for a first-ball nought.

Wasim said both teams had redeemed themselves after their bitter exits from the World Cup in March.

"Shoaib Malik has emerged as a great captain and the way he led the team from the front, I see Pakistan winning the World Cup in 2011," he said.

"India have found Mahendra Singh Dhoni as their leader and eventually he will also lead in Test cricket. I see Indian cricket going up from here and it is a boost to Twenty20 because India has the market to lift any form of the game."

Another former Pakistan captain, Javed Miandad, blamed lack of planning for the defeat.

"We have maintained our losing streak to India in World Cup matches and I would blame poor planning for that. Why did Malik not come in at number three instead of Kamran Akmal?" said Miandad.

Intikhab Alam, manager of the World Cup winning team in 1992 and also an ex-captain, said India holds a psychological edge over Pakistan in big games.

"The World Cup jinx continues and India seems to have an edge over us in all World Cup matches. But I am grateful to the Pakistan team for making the final a fitting one," he said.

Former Pakistan cricket greats on Tuesday bemoaned their national side's inability to overcome India after losing to their arch-rivals in the ICC World Twenty20 final in South Africa.

But they said that the thriller was good for the game generally, and that at least Pakistan had recovered from their disastrous show at the 50-over World Cup in the West Indies earlier this year.

India lifted the inaugural cup with a narrow five-run win at Johannesburg on Monday -- maintaining the tradition of beating Pakistan in every World Cup match they have played since 1992.

"It's a repeat and it will hurt the fans and players alike for some time, but apart from that jinx both teams played superbly and cricket was the winner," former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram told AFP.

India, who also beat Pakistan in a bowl-out after both teams tied their group match at Durban, defended a target of 158 through some accurate bowling from man-of-the-match Irfan Pathan (3-16) and Rudra Pratap Singh (3-26).

Wasim, who had tipped Pakistan to beat India, said the final was memorable.

"It was a close game and the better team won, no regrets. It was only a game and people have to take it as a game and must appreciate the quality of cricket," said Wasim, who took a world record 502 one-day wickets.

"I would blame Pakistani batsmen Younis Khan and Shahid Afridi for their reckless strokes and in the end Misbah-ul Haq should have played a straight bat shot," said Wasim.

Haq gave the Indians a scare with a late charge of 43 off 38 balls but his final over chip shot was caught to bring India's win.

Younis made 24 before playing a rash shot off Joginder Sharma while Afridi holed out off Irfan for a first-ball nought.

Wasim said both teams had redeemed themselves after their bitter exits from the World Cup in March.

"Shoaib Malik has emerged as a great captain and the way he led the team from the front, I see Pakistan winning the World Cup in 2011," he said.

"India have found Mahendra Singh Dhoni as their leader and eventually he will also lead in Test cricket. I see Indian cricket going up from here and it is a boost to Twenty20 because India has the market to lift any form of the game."

Another former Pakistan captain, Javed Miandad, blamed lack of planning for the defeat.

"We have maintained our losing streak to India in World Cup matches and I would blame poor planning for that. Why did Malik not come in at number three instead of Kamran Akmal?" said Miandad.

Intikhab Alam, manager of the World Cup winning team in 1992 and also an ex-captain, said India holds a psychological edge over Pakistan in big games.

"The World Cup jinx continues and India seems to have an edge over us in all World Cup matches. But I am grateful to the Pakistan team for making the final a fitting one," he said.

Police battled to contain surging crowds wildly celebrating the return home Wednesday of the Indian team after lifting the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 championship against Pakistan.

Thousands braved monsoon rain to greet the cricketers off a flight from South Africa which landed in the western city of Mumbai on Wednesday morning.

Private security guards were also drafted in to cope with the crush as new captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni led his side out of Chhattrapati Shivaji International Airport.

Many children joined the throng, dancing to drum beats as the cricketers boarded an open-top bus which inched its way through a sea of supporters waving Indian flags and pictures of Dhoni.

The vividly-painted bus set off on a 30-kilometre (19-mile) drive to the Wankhede cricket stadium in south Mumbai with players taking turns to hold aloft the trophy.

Fans lit firecrackers, sang songs and waved placards as the exuberant Indian players danced and hugged each other under a heavy shower.

Policemen joined in the dancing as rose and marigold petals were thrown in the air.

India, restricted to 157-5 with the bat, fought back to bowl out Pakistan for 152 in a thrilling final on Monday in Johannesburg.

"These kids have proved themselves, they have the capacity to take us to greater heights," former chief selector Kiran More told reporters.

India media reported that the team had partied through the night in South Africa.

"We just went crazy," star fast bowler Irfan Pathan said. "Unlike other Indian teams this team celebrates in style."

Skipper Dhoni was keen to temper celebrations. "Just live in the present, keep your feet on the ground, enjoy your success but don't get carried away," he told his teammates.

The surprise win by India, who were widely criticised at home earlier this year after being knocked out of the 50-overs World Cup tournament at the first stage, prompted the government and others to rain gifts on the players.

Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel announced free round-the-world air tickets for players and their families.

The private Sahara India trading group gifted each player a new house.

The Board of Cricket Control in India promised huge rewards for the players and support staff.

Among the bigger prizes was a Porsche car for Yuvraj Singh, who hit six sixes in one over.

Police battled to contain surging crowds wildly celebrating the return home Wednesday of the Indian team after lifting the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 championship against Pakistan.

Thousands braved monsoon rain to greet the cricketers off a flight from South Africa which landed in the western city of Mumbai on Wednesday morning.

Private security guards were also drafted in to cope with the crush as new captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni led his side out of Chhattrapati Shivaji International Airport.

Many children joined the throng, dancing to drum beats as the cricketers boarded an open-top bus which inched its way through a sea of supporters waving Indian flags and pictures of Dhoni.

The vividly-painted bus set off on a 30-kilometre (19-mile) drive to the Wankhede cricket stadium in south Mumbai with players taking turns to hold aloft the trophy.

Fans lit firecrackers, sang songs and waved placards as the exuberant Indian players danced and hugged each other under a heavy shower.

Policemen joined in the dancing as rose and marigold petals were thrown in the air.

India, restricted to 157-5 with the bat, fought back to bowl out Pakistan for 152 in a thrilling final on Monday in Johannesburg.

"These kids have proved themselves, they have the capacity to take us to greater heights," former chief selector Kiran More told reporters.

India media reported that the team had partied through the night in South Africa.

"We just went crazy," star fast bowler Irfan Pathan said. "Unlike other Indian teams this team celebrates in style."

Skipper Dhoni was keen to temper celebrations. "Just live in the present, keep your feet on the ground, enjoy your success but don't get carried away," he told his teammates.

The surprise win by India, who were widely criticised at home earlier this year after being knocked out of the 50-overs World Cup tournament at the first stage, prompted the government and others to rain gifts on the players.

Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel announced free round-the-world air tickets for players and their families.

The private Sahara India trading group gifted each player a new house.

The Board of Cricket Control in India promised huge rewards for the players and support staff.

Among the bigger prizes was a Porsche car for Yuvraj Singh, who hit six sixes in one over.

Indian cricket's golden moment in South Africa will play out across the country once again when the entire ICC World Twenty20 winning team will be paraded through Mumbai on an open bus from Sahar airport to Wankhede stadium for a "rousing public reception".

After the recent turmoil over the Caribbean World Cup, the Essel Group's breakaway league and Rahul Dravid's resignation as skipper, the BCCI is going all out to roll out the red carpet for the "team that delivered when it mattered most."

The result: the kind of reception that was last seen across the cricket world in 2005, when England toppled Australia in the Ashes before parading around London in an open bus, with mounds of confetti and screaming fans.

Reflecting the buoyant mood inside the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai, its Chief Administrative Officer, Prof Ratnakar Shetty told The Indian Express that "Indian cricket has now got a new direction. The core is being prepared for the 2011 World Cup, the seeds have been sown."

"We are very happy that they played the way they did, and most importantly, enjoyed every moment. What we are really happy about is that they have sent the message that Indian cricket can continue, move on. There were people who had raised the question: what after the seniors retire? The answer is here," said Prof Shetty.

Tomorrow, once the team reaches Wankhede stadium, there will be a felicitation function, organized in association with the Maharashtra government, in which the Indian board will hand over cheques to the players for the $ 200 million dollars that had been declared as bonus.

"We had celebrated then, they are celebrating now. We deserved it then, they deserve it now. It's an occasion to be proud of being an Indian," said an emotional Kapil Dev in Ahmedabad, comparing this win to the 1983 World Cup victory, when he was captain.

Dev was then 24, MS Dhoni today is 26. "A young captain has josh in him. He is fearless, courageous. And there are no expectations from him," said Kapil.

However, Kapil echoed the fears of a million fans by adding: "We have to see now whether Dhoni can fulfill the expectations of his fans. He will have to achieve his own targets. If he can attain this, I would say he has done a very good job. For public and fans, there is no limit. So we will have to see," said Kapil on the sidelines of a promotional event.

Now, the big question: how will it be to lead a side with three former captains in it, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid, against the Australians in seven one-dayers starting next week?

"I don't think that will change his approach much. A senior cricketer may feel awkward at times to take orders from a younger player. But the seniors should support Dhoni for the good of Indian cricket. Besides, the seniors had left the captaincy on their own, so they shouldn't have a problem," said Kapil.

Indian cricket's golden moment in South Africa will play out across the country once again when the entire ICC World Twenty20 winning team will be paraded through Mumbai on an open bus from Sahar airport to Wankhede stadium for a "rousing public reception".

After the recent turmoil over the Caribbean World Cup, the Essel Group's breakaway league and Rahul Dravid's resignation as skipper, the BCCI is going all out to roll out the red carpet for the "team that delivered when it mattered most."

The result: the kind of reception that was last seen across the cricket world in 2005, when England toppled Australia in the Ashes before parading around London in an open bus, with mounds of confetti and screaming fans.

Reflecting the buoyant mood inside the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai, its Chief Administrative Officer, Prof Ratnakar Shetty told The Indian Express that "Indian cricket has now got a new direction. The core is being prepared for the 2011 World Cup, the seeds have been sown."

"We are very happy that they played the way they did, and most importantly, enjoyed every moment. What we are really happy about is that they have sent the message that Indian cricket can continue, move on. There were people who had raised the question: what after the seniors retire? The answer is here," said Prof Shetty.

Tomorrow, once the team reaches Wankhede stadium, there will be a felicitation function, organized in association with the Maharashtra government, in which the Indian board will hand over cheques to the players for the $ 200 million dollars that had been declared as bonus.

"We had celebrated then, they are celebrating now. We deserved it then, they deserve it now. It's an occasion to be proud of being an Indian," said an emotional Kapil Dev in Ahmedabad, comparing this win to the 1983 World Cup victory, when he was captain.

Dev was then 24, MS Dhoni today is 26. "A young captain has josh in him. He is fearless, courageous. And there are no expectations from him," said Kapil.

However, Kapil echoed the fears of a million fans by adding: "We have to see now whether Dhoni can fulfill the expectations of his fans. He will have to achieve his own targets. If he can attain this, I would say he has done a very good job. For public and fans, there is no limit. So we will have to see," said Kapil on the sidelines of a promotional event.

Now, the big question: how will it be to lead a side with three former captains in it, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid, against the Australians in seven one-dayers starting next week?

"I don't think that will change his approach much. A senior cricketer may feel awkward at times to take orders from a younger player. But the seniors should support Dhoni for the good of Indian cricket. Besides, the seniors had left the captaincy on their own, so they shouldn't have a problem," said Kapil.

An ecstatic media revelled Tuesday in India's surprise triumph in the first ICC World Twenty20 Championship, predicting the start of a golden era for the cricket-crazed nation.

"We are the world", "Top of the world", "Superpower: India 2020" screamed the headlines on India's five-run win Monday night against Pakistan.

The Hindustan Times devoted its entire front page to a huge photo of the Indian players celebrating the historic victory in Johannesburg.

A blow-by-blow account followed on page after page interspersed with huge photos of the key moments of the thriller watched by millions of Indians on television.

"Pakistunned" said The Times of India, lavishing praise on the high-octaine brand of cricket played by new, one-day skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his young team.

"It was a fitting finale to a tournament that has been high on thrills, and a fitting triumph for a team that believed in itself when hardly anybody else did," the popular daily said.

Even the leading economic daily "The Economic Times" splashed the story on its front page and praised Dhoni and "Incredible India."

"Young India is playing with a straight bat ... young blood, young resilience and the young at heart never-say-die attitude," it gushed.

The Indian Express drew parallels from India's only World Cup victory in 1983.

"Like 24 years ago, no one expected India to win this trophy. This team has virtually done the impossible," it said.

Dhoni, in his first stint as Indian captain, took applause from veteran stars Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly.

"Dhoni led the team to a fabulous victory and I can say Indian cricket is in safe hands," Tendulkar told reporters.

"Dhoni is special. We needed a leader like Dhoni," said former skipper Ganguly.

The spoils of victory added up to a whopping seven million dollars for India, but broadcaster ESPN hit the real jackpot.

"ESPN-Star Sports which gambled with an astonishing 1.1 billion dollar bid last year to win the ICC rights for the next eight years, has earned Rs 200 crore (50 million dollars) from the Twenty20," said The Economic Times.

An ecstatic media revelled Tuesday in India's surprise triumph in the first ICC World Twenty20 Championship, predicting the start of a golden era for the cricket-crazed nation.

"We are the world", "Top of the world", "Superpower: India 2020" screamed the headlines on India's five-run win Monday night against Pakistan.

The Hindustan Times devoted its entire front page to a huge photo of the Indian players celebrating the historic victory in Johannesburg.

A blow-by-blow account followed on page after page interspersed with huge photos of the key moments of the thriller watched by millions of Indians on television.

"Pakistunned" said The Times of India, lavishing praise on the high-octaine brand of cricket played by new, one-day skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his young team.

"It was a fitting finale to a tournament that has been high on thrills, and a fitting triumph for a team that believed in itself when hardly anybody else did," the popular daily said.

Even the leading economic daily "The Economic Times" splashed the story on its front page and praised Dhoni and "Incredible India."

"Young India is playing with a straight bat ... young blood, young resilience and the young at heart never-say-die attitude," it gushed.

The Indian Express drew parallels from India's only World Cup victory in 1983.

"Like 24 years ago, no one expected India to win this trophy. This team has virtually done the impossible," it said.

Dhoni, in his first stint as Indian captain, took applause from veteran stars Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly.

"Dhoni led the team to a fabulous victory and I can say Indian cricket is in safe hands," Tendulkar told reporters.

"Dhoni is special. We needed a leader like Dhoni," said former skipper Ganguly.

The spoils of victory added up to a whopping seven million dollars for India, but broadcaster ESPN hit the real jackpot.

"ESPN-Star Sports which gambled with an astonishing 1.1 billion dollar bid last year to win the ICC rights for the next eight years, has earned Rs 200 crore (50 million dollars) from the Twenty20," said The Economic Times.

The Indians and South Africans of Asian descent screamed in hysteria as he stood on the balcony of Block 2 at the Wanderers stadium, waving out to his junta in a manner of a king surveying his subjects. That he blew kisses to the camera and to the fans at large did show he was no ordinary king but an emperor of hearts.

Even as the path below him lay blocked, all wanting a glimpse of the man, the non-Asians among the crowds stood highly bemused at the proceedings. "Is Sachin Tendulkar here," asked one of them, "But he doesn't have a ponytail, does he?"

The man who had stopped everything on September 24 at the Wanderers cricket ground was none other than Shahrukh Khan, the mega star of Hindi film industry, crudely known as Bollywood everywhere.

Once he disappeared into his suite, my ordeal commenced. I wasn't allowed in that suite because I was wearing a pair of jeans, and the dress code demanded a jacket and formals. Three hand-written notes requesting a five minute audience and a 40-minute wait outside finally paid off.

One of the star's men came outside and asked "Who's Tapan?"

"It's me, it's me, it's me," I said.

"Okay," he turned to the security personnel, "Let him in."

The man protested, "But he's wearing jeans."

The argument did not even begin as the crony said "That's fine. Shahrukh wants him inside."

There sat before me nattily dressed King Khan, looking sleek in sunglasses and a ponytail. "Can't manage my hair if I don't do the ponytail," he told me with his dimpled smile.

So, did he come down especially for the match? "Well, yes, it's great to see an India versus Pakistan final in a World Cup. I am a sportsman… my last film Chak De! India which was all about hockey, and women's hockey in particular and overcoming regional and caste barriers, was well received and I bow down to the people with humility, all those who appreciated it. Here I am, supporting my Team India, and at the same time, hoping that we can get to see some very competitive cricket from these two great teams."

I asked him if his message to Team India would be the same that he gave to the bunch of unruly girls he coached into becoming world champions in the film – sometimes winning is not the only thing, it's everything – and again the famous smile emerged. "For me, this Indian cricket team is already a winner. Irrespective of what happens from here on, every one of them is a winner. See the josh they have displayed throughout. From here on, it's chak de phatte!"

As India pulled off yet another tight victory to win the inaugural ICC World Twenty20, Shahrukh was at the team dugout, hugging the players, posing with skipper MS Dhoni and Irfan Pathan, and screaming to the crowds – what else but – "Chak de India."

It was a moment that brought a lump to the throats of many an Indian fan, as the entire stadium sang, "Chak de India."

The Indians and South Africans of Asian descent screamed in hysteria as he stood on the balcony of Block 2 at the Wanderers stadium, waving out to his junta in a manner of a king surveying his subjects. That he blew kisses to the camera and to the fans at large did show he was no ordinary king but an emperor of hearts.

Even as the path below him lay blocked, all wanting a glimpse of the man, the non-Asians among the crowds stood highly bemused at the proceedings. "Is Sachin Tendulkar here," asked one of them, "But he doesn't have a ponytail, does he?"

The man who had stopped everything on September 24 at the Wanderers cricket ground was none other than Shahrukh Khan, the mega star of Hindi film industry, crudely known as Bollywood everywhere.

Once he disappeared into his suite, my ordeal commenced. I wasn't allowed in that suite because I was wearing a pair of jeans, and the dress code demanded a jacket and formals. Three hand-written notes requesting a five minute audience and a 40-minute wait outside finally paid off.

One of the star's men came outside and asked "Who's Tapan?"

"It's me, it's me, it's me," I said.

"Okay," he turned to the security personnel, "Let him in."

The man protested, "But he's wearing jeans."

The argument did not even begin as the crony said "That's fine. Shahrukh wants him inside."

There sat before me nattily dressed King Khan, looking sleek in sunglasses and a ponytail. "Can't manage my hair if I don't do the ponytail," he told me with his dimpled smile.

So, did he come down especially for the match? "Well, yes, it's great to see an India versus Pakistan final in a World Cup. I am a sportsman… my last film Chak De! India which was all about hockey, and women's hockey in particular and overcoming regional and caste barriers, was well received and I bow down to the people with humility, all those who appreciated it. Here I am, supporting my Team India, and at the same time, hoping that we can get to see some very competitive cricket from these two great teams."

I asked him if his message to Team India would be the same that he gave to the bunch of unruly girls he coached into becoming world champions in the film – sometimes winning is not the only thing, it's everything – and again the famous smile emerged. "For me, this Indian cricket team is already a winner. Irrespective of what happens from here on, every one of them is a winner. See the josh they have displayed throughout. From here on, it's chak de phatte!"

As India pulled off yet another tight victory to win the inaugural ICC World Twenty20, Shahrukh was at the team dugout, hugging the players, posing with skipper MS Dhoni and Irfan Pathan, and screaming to the crowds – what else but – "Chak de India."

It was a moment that brought a lump to the throats of many an Indian fan, as the entire stadium sang, "Chak de India."

Over the last two years, there were days when Team India's GenerationNext would gather around in their hotel rooms on tour, wonder aloud when their big moment would come, and the leader of the pack, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, would always say, "Don't worry, hamara time bhi aayega."

He has the charisma, says Ravi Shastri. You can see that the whole team looks up towards him on the field, says Sunil Gavaskar. And speaking to The Indian Express from Johannesburg, chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar sums it all up: "He has all the good qualities of a captain, he is calm under pressure, he backs his decisions, and he is not afraid to take risks."

But what's really been the defining shade of India's new one-day captain is the lack of fear, the wealth of self-belief, this simple credo: reputations don't count, all that matters is confidence; the first man who raises his hand will get the job. He's a captain, whose no-nonsense attitude has the potential to redefine the bizarrely whimsical way in which India has been picking its final XI, and playing its cricket so far. He's a captain who has left his fingerprints on the hearts of every member of his team, young and old: prints that say, no fear.

Really, it's not about smalltown India any longer, it's about big-time confidence. Consider this:

When Yuvraj Singh, two days after that six-sixes over, was not sure about his left elbow just minutes before the next match against South Africa, what did Dhoni do? He had no fear, didn't waste much time in persuasion, he simply called in Dinesh Karthik.

When Australia needed 22 runs from the last over, who did he call in to bowl? Joginder Singh, the slow medium-pacer from Rohtak, just because he was confident he could do it, though he had gone for 18 runs in his first over, 13 in his second.

In the final against Pakistan, when Virender Sehwag pulled up with a thigh strain, did he fall back on experience and reputation - Ajit Agarkar and Dinesh Karthik - even if they were out of form? No, he threw in rookie Yusuf Pathan, Irfan's brother, and asked him to open. Again, because he was confident and he had no fear.

And finally, when Harbhajan Singh was not sure whether he could get his yorker-length balls right in the last over of the final today, Pakistan needing just 13 runs and Misbah ready for the last big shot, what did he do? He had no fear, he turned to Joginder again. Because? "Rather than give the ball to a bowler who wasn't sure, I thought I should throw the ball to someone who really wants to do well in international cricket."

And, of course, the quick-fire thinking on his feet, not scared to have five fielders in the ring against Pakistan during a Twenty20 run chase, when just four would have done. Says Vengsarkar, "He's a good student of the game, modest and disciplined. And most importantly, he has delivered."

And yes, he gives it back too. Ask the usually cocky Ravi Shastri, left red-faced, in front of millions watching on TV, when Dhoni took the mike after the Australia win, and said: "Ravi, we read your article before the match where you said Australia were the favourites. We have proved you wrong."

But surely, after having seen first-hand how the weight of a billion expectations, and the lack of adequate support from a moth-balled system did to the veteran Rahul Dravid, Dhoni knows that the test starts soon. As soon as this weekend, when the Australians, seething after their Twenty20 loss, will come hard at India in the seven-match one-day series at home. Besides the cameras and the screaming fans, he will also have to manage three former captains, give them space, still get the best out of them, drawing the line when it's needed.

Of course, it's just the beginning - remember, he's just three years old in this big, bad world. But then, with Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman and Anil Kumble near the door, Dhoni might just be the start India is looking for.

Over the last two years, there were days when Team India's GenerationNext would gather around in their hotel rooms on tour, wonder aloud when their big moment would come, and the leader of the pack, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, would always say, "Don't worry, hamara time bhi aayega."

He has the charisma, says Ravi Shastri. You can see that the whole team looks up towards him on the field, says Sunil Gavaskar. And speaking to The Indian Express from Johannesburg, chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar sums it all up: "He has all the good qualities of a captain, he is calm under pressure, he backs his decisions, and he is not afraid to take risks."

But what's really been the defining shade of India's new one-day captain is the lack of fear, the wealth of self-belief, this simple credo: reputations don't count, all that matters is confidence; the first man who raises his hand will get the job. He's a captain, whose no-nonsense attitude has the potential to redefine the bizarrely whimsical way in which India has been picking its final XI, and playing its cricket so far. He's a captain who has left his fingerprints on the hearts of every member of his team, young and old: prints that say, no fear.

Really, it's not about smalltown India any longer, it's about big-time confidence. Consider this:

When Yuvraj Singh, two days after that six-sixes over, was not sure about his left elbow just minutes before the next match against South Africa, what did Dhoni do? He had no fear, didn't waste much time in persuasion, he simply called in Dinesh Karthik.

When Australia needed 22 runs from the last over, who did he call in to bowl? Joginder Singh, the slow medium-pacer from Rohtak, just because he was confident he could do it, though he had gone for 18 runs in his first over, 13 in his second.

In the final against Pakistan, when Virender Sehwag pulled up with a thigh strain, did he fall back on experience and reputation - Ajit Agarkar and Dinesh Karthik - even if they were out of form? No, he threw in rookie Yusuf Pathan, Irfan's brother, and asked him to open. Again, because he was confident and he had no fear.

And finally, when Harbhajan Singh was not sure whether he could get his yorker-length balls right in the last over of the final today, Pakistan needing just 13 runs and Misbah ready for the last big shot, what did he do? He had no fear, he turned to Joginder again. Because? "Rather than give the ball to a bowler who wasn't sure, I thought I should throw the ball to someone who really wants to do well in international cricket."

And, of course, the quick-fire thinking on his feet, not scared to have five fielders in the ring against Pakistan during a Twenty20 run chase, when just four would have done. Says Vengsarkar, "He's a good student of the game, modest and disciplined. And most importantly, he has delivered."

And yes, he gives it back too. Ask the usually cocky Ravi Shastri, left red-faced, in front of millions watching on TV, when Dhoni took the mike after the Australia win, and said: "Ravi, we read your article before the match where you said Australia were the favourites. We have proved you wrong."

But surely, after having seen first-hand how the weight of a billion expectations, and the lack of adequate support from a moth-balled system did to the veteran Rahul Dravid, Dhoni knows that the test starts soon. As soon as this weekend, when the Australians, seething after their Twenty20 loss, will come hard at India in the seven-match one-day series at home. Besides the cameras and the screaming fans, he will also have to manage three former captains, give them space, still get the best out of them, drawing the line when it's needed.

Of course, it's just the beginning - remember, he's just three years old in this big, bad world. But then, with Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman and Anil Kumble near the door, Dhoni might just be the start India is looking for.

Johannesburg: There was no time to chew finger-nails or even think of thumping hearts as India's bowlers dug deep in their self-belief in successfully defending its low total of 157 for five to lay its hands on the ICC World Twenty20 crown with an emotional six-run victory over Pakistan at the magnificent Wanders Cricket Stadium.

There could not have been a more hard-fought contest than this one, with there being many heroes again, the team being the biggest. Gautam Gambhir (75) and Rohit Sharma (30 not out) managed the Indian innings at either end of the 20 overs and helped India to 157. Rudra Pratap Singh and man of the match Irfan Pathan took three wickets each to keep India in the hunt.

Pakistan had its stellar performers too. Umar Gul led the bowling as Pakistan kept India's batsmen in check; the two spinners Mohammed Hafeez and man of the series Shahid Afridi were instrumental in applying the brakes in second quarter of the Indian innings. And when it batted, opener Imran Nazir (33) and Misbah-ul-Haq (43) kept their chins up.

India's two left-arm seamers made the difference between winning and losing, when the bowlers were left the task of defending 157. With Mahendra Singh Dhoni leading the team with a calm and assured head, the team embraced the never-say-die spirit to keep Pakistan at bay, especially after Nazir gave the chase a fantastic start with 21 runs off S Sreesanth's first over

Pathan finished with three for 16 – a perfect response to Gul's figures of three for 28. He claimed the wickets of Shoaib Malik and Shahid Afridi in an over to swing the game India's way until Misbah-ul-Haq waded into Harbhajan Singh by hitting the off-spinner for three sixes in an over. The faster bowlers returned to stop the Pakistanis in their track.

With Sohail Tanvir also claiming two sixes of Sreesanth, Pakistan was in the chase but the fast bowler claimed his revenge and then bowling the final over, Joginder Sharma got Misbah-ul-Haq to play the lap shot to the man at short fine leg to complete an amazing win and cap a tournament in which the Indians died several deaths but refused to give in.

There really was no time to do anything but keep eyes on the ball during the thrill-a-minute contest that advertised the beauty of T20 cricket.

And as the DJ played the title track from Chak de! India, there was not a dry eye in the stadium. The Pakistani fans were in tears that Misbah-ul-Haq took the side so close and could not seal the win. The Indians could not control their emotions any longer and let the tears flow. Some tried to sing along and realized their voices were choked.

India
Gautam Gambhir, Robin Uthappa, Yuvraj Singh, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Captain and wicket-keeper), Rohit Sharma, Yusuf Pathan, Irfan Pathan, Joginder Sharma, Harbhajan Singh, S Sreesanth, RP Singh

Pakistan team
Imran Nazir, Mohammad Hafeez, Younus Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, Shoaib Malik (Captain), Shahid Afridi, Yasir Arafat, Kamran Akmal (wicket-keeper), Sohail Tanvir, Umar Gul, Mohammad Asif

Umpires: Simon Taufel (AUS) and Mark Benson (ENG)

Third umpire: Daryl Harper (AUS)

Match referee: Ranjan Madugalle (SRI)

Johannesburg: There was no time to chew finger-nails or even think of thumping hearts as India's bowlers dug deep in their self-belief in successfully defending its low total of 157 for five to lay its hands on the ICC World Twenty20 crown with an emotional six-run victory over Pakistan at the magnificent Wanders Cricket Stadium.

There could not have been a more hard-fought contest than this one, with there being many heroes again, the team being the biggest. Gautam Gambhir (75) and Rohit Sharma (30 not out) managed the Indian innings at either end of the 20 overs and helped India to 157. Rudra Pratap Singh and man of the match Irfan Pathan took three wickets each to keep India in the hunt.

Pakistan had its stellar performers too. Umar Gul led the bowling as Pakistan kept India's batsmen in check; the two spinners Mohammed Hafeez and man of the series Shahid Afridi were instrumental in applying the brakes in second quarter of the Indian innings. And when it batted, opener Imran Nazir (33) and Misbah-ul-Haq (43) kept their chins up.

India's two left-arm seamers made the difference between winning and losing, when the bowlers were left the task of defending 157. With Mahendra Singh Dhoni leading the team with a calm and assured head, the team embraced the never-say-die spirit to keep Pakistan at bay, especially after Nazir gave the chase a fantastic start with 21 runs off S Sreesanth's first over

Pathan finished with three for 16 – a perfect response to Gul's figures of three for 28. He claimed the wickets of Shoaib Malik and Shahid Afridi in an over to swing the game India's way until Misbah-ul-Haq waded into Harbhajan Singh by hitting the off-spinner for three sixes in an over. The faster bowlers returned to stop the Pakistanis in their track.

With Sohail Tanvir also claiming two sixes of Sreesanth, Pakistan was in the chase but the fast bowler claimed his revenge and then bowling the final over, Joginder Sharma got Misbah-ul-Haq to play the lap shot to the man at short fine leg to complete an amazing win and cap a tournament in which the Indians died several deaths but refused to give in.

There really was no time to do anything but keep eyes on the ball during the thrill-a-minute contest that advertised the beauty of T20 cricket.

And as the DJ played the title track from Chak de! India, there was not a dry eye in the stadium. The Pakistani fans were in tears that Misbah-ul-Haq took the side so close and could not seal the win. The Indians could not control their emotions any longer and let the tears flow. Some tried to sing along and realized their voices were choked.

India
Gautam Gambhir, Robin Uthappa, Yuvraj Singh, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Captain and wicket-keeper), Rohit Sharma, Yusuf Pathan, Irfan Pathan, Joginder Sharma, Harbhajan Singh, S Sreesanth, RP Singh

Pakistan team
Imran Nazir, Mohammad Hafeez, Younus Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, Shoaib Malik (Captain), Shahid Afridi, Yasir Arafat, Kamran Akmal (wicket-keeper), Sohail Tanvir, Umar Gul, Mohammad Asif

Umpires: Simon Taufel (AUS) and Mark Benson (ENG)

Third umpire: Daryl Harper (AUS)

Match referee: Ranjan Madugalle (SRI)

Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni predicted that Twenty20 will catch fire with a vengeance back home following his team's unexpected victory in the first-ever ICC World Twenty20 on Monday.

Dhoni, whose side had only ever played one Twenty20 international before the tournament in South Africa, said the public could not fail to be excited by the new format even if the Indian cricket authorities initially appeared luke warm.

"I think it will catch up in India as people love sixes, fours and excitement," said Dhoni whose big-hitting style had already made him an icon back home before his recent elevation to the captaincy.

"Before now, there's not been much Twenty20 but it will catch up and be huge in India," he added after their five-run victory over arch rivals Pakistan in the final.

The two-week tournament has changed the face of limited overs international cricket, with the packed houses and tight finishes in stark contrast to the bloated six-week 50 over World Cup held in the Caribbean earlier in the year.

Dhoni admitted that India's first-round exit in the West Indies had spurred on his young charges this time round, adding that their chances had also been boosted by the lack of expectations placed on them.

"There was a determination among us to do well as we had not done so in the last World Cup. Nothing much was expected of, there was no pressure -- that's why we were victorious."

India's victory was particularly unheralded given the absence of star batsmen such as Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar who all decided to take a rest before punishing home series against Australia and Pakistan.

While Dhoni has been confirmed as captain for 50-over internationals, India are still without a coach five months after Australian Greg Chappell resigned.

Dhoni refused to be drawn on whether a coach was actually needed, laughing: "No comment."

Meanwhile Dhoni's fellow newcomer as an international skipper, Pakistan's Shoaib Malik, admitted he would have a struggle on his hands to get his young charges to adjust to the rigours of five-day Test cricket when they host South Africa in just one week's time in Karachi.

"It's a bit difficult to come to Test cricket after they score bang-bang," Malik told reporters.

"But we are professionals and we will have a meeting and I will tell the guys: 'Please, it's Test cricket'."

Malik said Pakistan had every reason to be proud of their performance in getting to the final of the tournament, regardless of their eventual defeat.

Pakistan have suffered a nightmare last year which has included the death of their coach Bob Woolmer, the resignation of their skipper Inzamam ul-Haq and a drugs scandal.

"It's a great achievement for Pakistan," said Malik. "When we started we were not considered one of the favourites and we have come a long way."

Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni predicted that Twenty20 will catch fire with a vengeance back home following his team's unexpected victory in the first-ever ICC World Twenty20 on Monday.

Dhoni, whose side had only ever played one Twenty20 international before the tournament in South Africa, said the public could not fail to be excited by the new format even if the Indian cricket authorities initially appeared luke warm.

"I think it will catch up in India as people love sixes, fours and excitement," said Dhoni whose big-hitting style had already made him an icon back home before his recent elevation to the captaincy.

"Before now, there's not been much Twenty20 but it will catch up and be huge in India," he added after their five-run victory over arch rivals Pakistan in the final.

The two-week tournament has changed the face of limited overs international cricket, with the packed houses and tight finishes in stark contrast to the bloated six-week 50 over World Cup held in the Caribbean earlier in the year.

Dhoni admitted that India's first-round exit in the West Indies had spurred on his young charges this time round, adding that their chances had also been boosted by the lack of expectations placed on them.

"There was a determination among us to do well as we had not done so in the last World Cup. Nothing much was expected of, there was no pressure -- that's why we were victorious."

India's victory was particularly unheralded given the absence of star batsmen such as Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar who all decided to take a rest before punishing home series against Australia and Pakistan.

While Dhoni has been confirmed as captain for 50-over internationals, India are still without a coach five months after Australian Greg Chappell resigned.

Dhoni refused to be drawn on whether a coach was actually needed, laughing: "No comment."

Meanwhile Dhoni's fellow newcomer as an international skipper, Pakistan's Shoaib Malik, admitted he would have a struggle on his hands to get his young charges to adjust to the rigours of five-day Test cricket when they host South Africa in just one week's time in Karachi.

"It's a bit difficult to come to Test cricket after they score bang-bang," Malik told reporters.

"But we are professionals and we will have a meeting and I will tell the guys: 'Please, it's Test cricket'."

Malik said Pakistan had every reason to be proud of their performance in getting to the final of the tournament, regardless of their eventual defeat.

Pakistan have suffered a nightmare last year which has included the death of their coach Bob Woolmer, the resignation of their skipper Inzamam ul-Haq and a drugs scandal.

"It's a great achievement for Pakistan," said Malik. "When we started we were not considered one of the favourites and we have come a long way."

Says “huge success” means cricket now has a third credible international format

Managing balance between formats will ensure strong sport grows even stronger

Tournament has produced “lifetime of memories”

ICC President Ray Mali this evening thanked his homeland of South Africa for hosting a magnificent inaugural ICC World Twenty20.

And he added the success of the event has proved beyond question that cricket now has a third credible international format to sit alongside Test cricket and one-day internationals.

Speaking after India’s nerve-shredding five-run victory over Pakistan in the final at The Wanderers on Monday, Mr Mali said: “Thank you South Africa for doing such a superb job of staging this event. You have done yourselves, Cricket South Africa and the ICC proud.

“This tournament was something of a journey into the unknown for all concerned given the newness of the Twenty20 format but I can say without a shadow of a doubt that it is has been a huge success.

“To have it finish in the way it did, in the final over of the match in front of a packed and excited crowd, was completely in keeping with all that has gone before in the previous 26 matches.

“We can now move forward to plot the next staging of this event, in England in 2009, the ICC’s centenary year, safe in the knowledge that Twenty20 International cricket has taken its place at the game’s top table.

“Its success here, shown clearly by attendances and interest in the matches, puts us in the fortunate position to now have three credible and high-quality formats of the game, formats that can cater for everyone’s taste and help broaden cricket’s appeal.

“And by managing the balance between those formats as we move forward, something we have already done by limiting the number of Twenty20 Internationals that can be played in any year above and beyond an ICC event, we will ensure our strong sport grows even stronger,” he added.

There were plenty of skeptics in the run-up to the tournament and not just because the format was new. The weather in Cape Town was unkind with an exceptionally wet winter and doubts were raised about whether or not the venue would be fit for play.

Thankfully the weather changed for the better just in time, a stroke of fortune that was fully deserved according to Mr Mali given all the hard work so many people – both paid and unpaid – put in to the event.

“The weather gods smiled on us and people packed into three venues that hosted the matches, Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg, to see cricket that has produced a lifetime of memories,” he said.

“The first-ever Twenty20 hundred by Chris Gayle in the opening game, a hat-trick by Brett Lee, six sixes in an over by Yuvraj Singh, Zimbabwe’s win over Australia, the amazing final between India and Pakistan and numerous other thrilling matches, the list of highlights goes on and on.

“For that I must thank the players and officials for embracing the format so readily, applying themselves to the contests and also supporting the Spirit of Cricket so well both on and off the field.

“That was never more evident than the way they supported our continued efforts to raise awareness and reduce stigma about the issue of HIV and AIDS through our partnership with UNAIDS and UNICEF and also through the backing of our first-ever Diversity Day.”

Mr Mali also paid tribute to the people who made sure the players and spectators got the tournament they deserved.

“The work of Tournament Director Steve Elworthy and his staff, the ICC staff including host liaison Sybil Fernandes, and the three venues that staged the matches, has been phenomenal,” he commented.

“Andre Odendaal in Cape Town, Cassim Docrat in Durban and Alan Kourie in Johannesburg were asked to get their grounds ready far earlier than would normally be the case but they achieved it and the ground-staff at all three venues deserve rich praise.

“And with the help of those venues we were able to enact some of the lessons we learnt from the ICC Cricket World Cup.

“We saw fantastic atmospheres generated at all the grounds and by providing free tickets to schools and disadvantaged groups we were also able to introduce the next generation of South Africa’s youth to the joys of the game.

“Our thanks, too, go to the 500 magnificent volunteers who gave up their time for nothing to pitch in and help players, officials, spectators and the media. They have painted our rainbow nation in a wonderful light through their willingness to help and their ever-present smiles.”

The tournament represented the start of a new eight-year commercial period for the ICC, saw the retention of some long-standing commercial partners, the arrival of others and also a new broadcast partner. All played major roles in the success of the tournament, said Mr Mali.

“The game owes a huge vote of thanks to our Global Partners Reliance, Emaar MGF, Nokia, Pepsi, our global soft drinks and snacks partner, and Emirates Airlines, together with Yahoo! as our official partner, internet website and portal,” he said.

“That vote must also go to our South Africa-based supporters Standard Bank, South Africa Tourism, Southern Sun Hotels and Imperial Car Rental.

“These commercial partners, together with our host broadcaster ESPN STAR Sports (ESS), help ensure that, as a not-for-profit organization, we have been able to generate both interest in the game and funding for our Members through events such as the ICC World Twenty20.

“ESS’s commitment to innovation from new camera-angles to measuring the distance each six was hit undoubtedly brought a new dimension to the game and added to the excitement felt by the viewer.

“This tournament has been an excellent advertisement for all that is great about our sport and we look forward to working with these partners in the years to come.”

The next ICC event to be covered on ESS will be the ICC U/19 Cricket World Cup, due to take place in Malaysia in February and March of 2008; that will be followed, later in the year, by the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

Further details of these events and others, including the Women’s World Cup Qualifier in Pakistan and the ICC World Cricket League Division 2 in Namibia, both set for November 2007, will be announced in due course.

Says “huge success” means cricket now has a third credible international format

Managing balance between formats will ensure strong sport grows even stronger

Tournament has produced “lifetime of memories”

ICC President Ray Mali this evening thanked his homeland of South Africa for hosting a magnificent inaugural ICC World Twenty20.

And he added the success of the event has proved beyond question that cricket now has a third credible international format to sit alongside Test cricket and one-day internationals.

Speaking after India’s nerve-shredding five-run victory over Pakistan in the final at The Wanderers on Monday, Mr Mali said: “Thank you South Africa for doing such a superb job of staging this event. You have done yourselves, Cricket South Africa and the ICC proud.

“This tournament was something of a journey into the unknown for all concerned given the newness of the Twenty20 format but I can say without a shadow of a doubt that it is has been a huge success.

“To have it finish in the way it did, in the final over of the match in front of a packed and excited crowd, was completely in keeping with all that has gone before in the previous 26 matches.

“We can now move forward to plot the next staging of this event, in England in 2009, the ICC’s centenary year, safe in the knowledge that Twenty20 International cricket has taken its place at the game’s top table.

“Its success here, shown clearly by attendances and interest in the matches, puts us in the fortunate position to now have three credible and high-quality formats of the game, formats that can cater for everyone’s taste and help broaden cricket’s appeal.

“And by managing the balance between those formats as we move forward, something we have already done by limiting the number of Twenty20 Internationals that can be played in any year above and beyond an ICC event, we will ensure our strong sport grows even stronger,” he added.

There were plenty of skeptics in the run-up to the tournament and not just because the format was new. The weather in Cape Town was unkind with an exceptionally wet winter and doubts were raised about whether or not the venue would be fit for play.

Thankfully the weather changed for the better just in time, a stroke of fortune that was fully deserved according to Mr Mali given all the hard work so many people – both paid and unpaid – put in to the event.

“The weather gods smiled on us and people packed into three venues that hosted the matches, Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg, to see cricket that has produced a lifetime of memories,” he said.

“The first-ever Twenty20 hundred by Chris Gayle in the opening game, a hat-trick by Brett Lee, six sixes in an over by Yuvraj Singh, Zimbabwe’s win over Australia, the amazing final between India and Pakistan and numerous other thrilling matches, the list of highlights goes on and on.

“For that I must thank the players and officials for embracing the format so readily, applying themselves to the contests and also supporting the Spirit of Cricket so well both on and off the field.

“That was never more evident than the way they supported our continued efforts to raise awareness and reduce stigma about the issue of HIV and AIDS through our partnership with UNAIDS and UNICEF and also through the backing of our first-ever Diversity Day.”

Mr Mali also paid tribute to the people who made sure the players and spectators got the tournament they deserved.

“The work of Tournament Director Steve Elworthy and his staff, the ICC staff including host liaison Sybil Fernandes, and the three venues that staged the matches, has been phenomenal,” he commented.

“Andre Odendaal in Cape Town, Cassim Docrat in Durban and Alan Kourie in Johannesburg were asked to get their grounds ready far earlier than would normally be the case but they achieved it and the ground-staff at all three venues deserve rich praise.

“And with the help of those venues we were able to enact some of the lessons we learnt from the ICC Cricket World Cup.

“We saw fantastic atmospheres generated at all the grounds and by providing free tickets to schools and disadvantaged groups we were also able to introduce the next generation of South Africa’s youth to the joys of the game.

“Our thanks, too, go to the 500 magnificent volunteers who gave up their time for nothing to pitch in and help players, officials, spectators and the media. They have painted our rainbow nation in a wonderful light through their willingness to help and their ever-present smiles.”

The tournament represented the start of a new eight-year commercial period for the ICC, saw the retention of some long-standing commercial partners, the arrival of others and also a new broadcast partner. All played major roles in the success of the tournament, said Mr Mali.

“The game owes a huge vote of thanks to our Global Partners Reliance, Emaar MGF, Nokia, Pepsi, our global soft drinks and snacks partner, and Emirates Airlines, together with Yahoo! as our official partner, internet website and portal,” he said.

“That vote must also go to our South Africa-based supporters Standard Bank, South Africa Tourism, Southern Sun Hotels and Imperial Car Rental.

“These commercial partners, together with our host broadcaster ESPN STAR Sports (ESS), help ensure that, as a not-for-profit organization, we have been able to generate both interest in the game and funding for our Members through events such as the ICC World Twenty20.

“ESS’s commitment to innovation from new camera-angles to measuring the distance each six was hit undoubtedly brought a new dimension to the game and added to the excitement felt by the viewer.

“This tournament has been an excellent advertisement for all that is great about our sport and we look forward to working with these partners in the years to come.”

The next ICC event to be covered on ESS will be the ICC U/19 Cricket World Cup, due to take place in Malaysia in February and March of 2008; that will be followed, later in the year, by the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

Further details of these events and others, including the Women’s World Cup Qualifier in Pakistan and the ICC World Cricket League Division 2 in Namibia, both set for November 2007, will be announced in due course.

Cricket-crazy India erupted with joy Monday as Mahendra Singh Dhoni's young team snatched the inaugural ICC World Twenty20, defeating arch-rivals Pakistan by five runs in a nail-biting final.

Fans, who were glued to their television sets throughout the 3.5-hour game, set off firecrackers, danced and hugged each other as Shanthakumaran Sreesanth took a catch at fine leg to account for the last Pakistani wicket.

People crowded outside television shops in New Delhi, the western financial city of Mumbai and the southern high-tech hub of Bangalore in order to catch each moment of the thrilling match, witnesses said.

"It's a great victory," said 20-year-old Soumitra Mitra, a resident of the eastern city of Kolkata, who kept a fast and offered prayers at the Hindu Kalighat temple earlier Monday before the match in South Africa.

Ajoy Mukherjee, the temple's priest, said scores of youths had stood in line in the driving rain to offer prayers before and during the match.

"Priests offered prayers as long as the match continued," he told AFP.

Office workers fled their desks and shops closed early so the country's millions of fans could catch the action.

"They played well and made us all proud," Prime Minister Manmohan Singh -- who watched the game with family members while recovering from prostate surgery -- was quoted as saying by his spokesman Sanjaya Baru.

Singh also complimented Pakistan for its fine play, Baru added.

The Indian team, restricted to 157-5 after electing to take first strike in good batting conditions, fought back to bowl out valiant Pakistan for 152 before a sell-out crowd of 32,000 at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.

Pakistan appeared out for the count when they were reduced to 104-7 after 16 overs, but Misbah-ul Haq gave the Indians a scare with a late charge of 43 off 38 balls.

In a congratulatory message to team captain Dhoni, President Pratibha Patil said: "The team played positive cricket and the victory is an inspiration for our youth."

Cricket-crazy India erupted with joy Monday as Mahendra Singh Dhoni's young team snatched the inaugural ICC World Twenty20, defeating arch-rivals Pakistan by five runs in a nail-biting final.

Fans, who were glued to their television sets throughout the 3.5-hour game, set off firecrackers, danced and hugged each other as Shanthakumaran Sreesanth took a catch at fine leg to account for the last Pakistani wicket.

People crowded outside television shops in New Delhi, the western financial city of Mumbai and the southern high-tech hub of Bangalore in order to catch each moment of the thrilling match, witnesses said.

"It's a great victory," said 20-year-old Soumitra Mitra, a resident of the eastern city of Kolkata, who kept a fast and offered prayers at the Hindu Kalighat temple earlier Monday before the match in South Africa.

Ajoy Mukherjee, the temple's priest, said scores of youths had stood in line in the driving rain to offer prayers before and during the match.

"Priests offered prayers as long as the match continued," he told AFP.

Office workers fled their desks and shops closed early so the country's millions of fans could catch the action.

"They played well and made us all proud," Prime Minister Manmohan Singh -- who watched the game with family members while recovering from prostate surgery -- was quoted as saying by his spokesman Sanjaya Baru.

Singh also complimented Pakistan for its fine play, Baru added.

The Indian team, restricted to 157-5 after electing to take first strike in good batting conditions, fought back to bowl out valiant Pakistan for 152 before a sell-out crowd of 32,000 at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.

Pakistan appeared out for the count when they were reduced to 104-7 after 16 overs, but Misbah-ul Haq gave the Indians a scare with a late charge of 43 off 38 balls.

In a congratulatory message to team captain Dhoni, President Pratibha Patil said: "The team played positive cricket and the victory is an inspiration for our youth."

International cricket chiefs declared the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 an outstanding success on Monday but said they now had to work out how to fit the game into a crowded calendar.

The thrills, spills and carnival atmosphere in the slam-bang format proved a major hit with fans who packed stadia during the two-week tournament in South Africa, in stark contrast to the empty grounds at the 50 over World Cup in the West Indies earlier this year.

"The ICC World Twenty20 has been an outstanding success, it's been short, it's been sharp and the crowds have been great," International Cricket Council chief executive Malcom Speed said after a thrilling final at the Wanderers in Johannesburg which was only decided in the last over.

But the Australian Speed admitted that the ICC faced huge challenges in what to do with the form of the game.

"Test cricket we value greatly, 50-over cricket is the financial driver of the game and now we have Twenty20 which has proved immensely popular," he said.

"It's a great problem for us to have, a format of the game that is so popular with fans, players and broadcasters."

Speed said the ICC had put in place a strategy to keep the form of the game without it pushing out the older forms, and member countries had agreed to limit themselves to three home matches and four away matches a year of international Twenty20 cricket.

The ICC sees the future of the game rooted in domestic cricket where it started.

"We want states, counties and provinces to continue to play it, we want to keep this format of the game," said Speed, adding it was the perfect vehicle for cricket to develop in countries such as the United States and China.

"It is one of the challenges we face to make sure the three formats remain vibrant -- it's a terrific problem."

As far as more ICC World Twenty20 tournaments go, the next is set for England in 2009, after which the board of the ICC would decide when and how often the tournaments would take place.

"We can now move forward to plot the next staging of this event ... safe in the knowledge that Twenty20 international cricket has taken its place at the game's top table," ICC president Ray Mali said in a statement.

Speed emphasised the focus on retaining and safeguarding Test cricket, calling it "the iconic form of the game".

Tournament director Steve Elworthy said that despite the huge success of the off-field entertainment, disco-style cricket accompanied by dancing girls and loud music, the focus had never veered off the actual cricket being played.

"As we have seen from the opening game, we had tight games, smaller countries beating bigger countries. It's all been about the cricket."

With the last World Cup in the West Indies much criticised for being too long, the ICC is reviewing the length of the tournament.

"The next world cup will be shorter. We haven't quite worked out how much shorter it will be," Speed said, saying it was possible it would be anywhere from 35 to 40 days long.

International cricket chiefs declared the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 an outstanding success on Monday but said they now had to work out how to fit the game into a crowded calendar.

The thrills, spills and carnival atmosphere in the slam-bang format proved a major hit with fans who packed stadia during the two-week tournament in South Africa, in stark contrast to the empty grounds at the 50 over World Cup in the West Indies earlier this year.

"The ICC World Twenty20 has been an outstanding success, it's been short, it's been sharp and the crowds have been great," International Cricket Council chief executive Malcom Speed said after a thrilling final at the Wanderers in Johannesburg which was only decided in the last over.

But the Australian Speed admitted that the ICC faced huge challenges in what to do with the form of the game.

"Test cricket we value greatly, 50-over cricket is the financial driver of the game and now we have Twenty20 which has proved immensely popular," he said.

"It's a great problem for us to have, a format of the game that is so popular with fans, players and broadcasters."

Speed said the ICC had put in place a strategy to keep the form of the game without it pushing out the older forms, and member countries had agreed to limit themselves to three home matches and four away matches a year of international Twenty20 cricket.

The ICC sees the future of the game rooted in domestic cricket where it started.

"We want states, counties and provinces to continue to play it, we want to keep this format of the game," said Speed, adding it was the perfect vehicle for cricket to develop in countries such as the United States and China.

"It is one of the challenges we face to make sure the three formats remain vibrant -- it's a terrific problem."

As far as more ICC World Twenty20 tournaments go, the next is set for England in 2009, after which the board of the ICC would decide when and how often the tournaments would take place.

"We can now move forward to plot the next staging of this event ... safe in the knowledge that Twenty20 international cricket has taken its place at the game's top table," ICC president Ray Mali said in a statement.

Speed emphasised the focus on retaining and safeguarding Test cricket, calling it "the iconic form of the game".

Tournament director Steve Elworthy said that despite the huge success of the off-field entertainment, disco-style cricket accompanied by dancing girls and loud music, the focus had never veered off the actual cricket being played.

"As we have seen from the opening game, we had tight games, smaller countries beating bigger countries. It's all been about the cricket."

With the last World Cup in the West Indies much criticised for being too long, the ICC is reviewing the length of the tournament.

"The next world cup will be shorter. We haven't quite worked out how much shorter it will be," Speed said, saying it was possible it would be anywhere from 35 to 40 days long.

A sea of flags whipped around a packed Wanderers stadium Monday, the tension palpable as arch-foes India and Pakistan faced off in a climactic battle in the ICC World Twenty20 Final in South Africa.

The hyped-up crowd roared deafeningly from the first ball bowled in Johannesburg, scantily-clad dancers and upbeat music ever-present as clear skies and a hot summer's day provided a perfect backdrop to the clash.

The 32,000-capacity stadium was sold out long before it was known who would take part in the final, and the youthful Indian and Pakistan teams' largely unexpected progress in the tournament lent an added thrill to a dream final.

Many South Africans, celebrating Heritage Day with a National Braai Day -- the country's version of a barbecue its most recognisable tradition -- pitched up for the final, despite dashed expectations of a home win.

Some fans capitalised on the local disappointment, scoring tickets off South Africans who no longer had a stake in the much anticipated final of the world tournament which has changed the face of cricket.

The Maharaj family, clutching their hard hats -- in anticipation of the fours and sixes synonomous with the slam-bang form of the game -- flags, banners and dressed in blue in support of India were lucky to find someone to part with tickets.

"We are all psyched up and ready to go," said Jaresh Maharaj, predicting India would soar through the match with master-blaster Yuvraj Singh and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni on their side.

"Singh -- that's the trump card at the moment. India has made it to the world cup and managed to kick out three major players, England, South Africa and Australia. For us that's important," he said.

For fans such as Santosh Kadam of Mumbai, who made a special trip to South Africa for the world tournament, the culmination of two weeks of electrifying cricket is a dream come true.

"We bought it (tickets) not knowing India would reach the final but we were lucky," he told AFP.

"India and Pakistan are meeting for such a big match, a world event, for the first time. It is a big thing for anyone."

Both India and Pakistan fans alike agree that the historic rivalry between the neighbouring countries is what gives the match the edge.

"It's because of traditional rivalry it is more of a war that people see. This match has always been crucial," Mikhil Jasuja of Bhopal in India's central province told AFP.

He was more cautious about India's prospects, saying both teams had performed equally well, and India would have to be disciplined to lift the cup today.

Pakistan supporter Muhammad Jojee said bowler Shahid Afridi was the one to break through India's batting line-up.

"We are playing our neighbours, our arch-rivals. It's not a game it's a war," he said, pausing before adding: "And it's the world cup final, by the way."

A sea of flags whipped around a packed Wanderers stadium Monday, the tension palpable as arch-foes India and Pakistan faced off in a climactic battle in the ICC World Twenty20 Final in South Africa.

The hyped-up crowd roared deafeningly from the first ball bowled in Johannesburg, scantily-clad dancers and upbeat music ever-present as clear skies and a hot summer's day provided a perfect backdrop to the clash.

The 32,000-capacity stadium was sold out long before it was known who would take part in the final, and the youthful Indian and Pakistan teams' largely unexpected progress in the tournament lent an added thrill to a dream final.

Many South Africans, celebrating Heritage Day with a National Braai Day -- the country's version of a barbecue its most recognisable tradition -- pitched up for the final, despite dashed expectations of a home win.

Some fans capitalised on the local disappointment, scoring tickets off South Africans who no longer had a stake in the much anticipated final of the world tournament which has changed the face of cricket.

The Maharaj family, clutching their hard hats -- in anticipation of the fours and sixes synonomous with the slam-bang form of the game -- flags, banners and dressed in blue in support of India were lucky to find someone to part with tickets.

"We are all psyched up and ready to go," said Jaresh Maharaj, predicting India would soar through the match with master-blaster Yuvraj Singh and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni on their side.

"Singh -- that's the trump card at the moment. India has made it to the world cup and managed to kick out three major players, England, South Africa and Australia. For us that's important," he said.

For fans such as Santosh Kadam of Mumbai, who made a special trip to South Africa for the world tournament, the culmination of two weeks of electrifying cricket is a dream come true.

"We bought it (tickets) not knowing India would reach the final but we were lucky," he told AFP.

"India and Pakistan are meeting for such a big match, a world event, for the first time. It is a big thing for anyone."

Both India and Pakistan fans alike agree that the historic rivalry between the neighbouring countries is what gives the match the edge.

"It's because of traditional rivalry it is more of a war that people see. This match has always been crucial," Mikhil Jasuja of Bhopal in India's central province told AFP.

He was more cautious about India's prospects, saying both teams had performed equally well, and India would have to be disciplined to lift the cup today.

Pakistan supporter Muhammad Jojee said bowler Shahid Afridi was the one to break through India's batting line-up.

"We are playing our neighbours, our arch-rivals. It's not a game it's a war," he said, pausing before adding: "And it's the world cup final, by the way."

A vibrant young Pakistani side has emerged as the most victorious team of the tournament largely due to the following reasons:-

1. Captain Shoaib Malik has led from the front – he’s the second highest run-getter of the competition. A tally of 187 valuable runs, the stylish middle-order batsman has come to the party in the times of crisis. In the matches against India, Sri Lanka and Australia, he executed the rescue act after the top-order fell cheaply.
2. Boom Boom Afridi! The multitalented match-winner has surprisingly done well with the ball in his hand rather than the willow. He leads the ‘Player of the Tournament’ standings for his great overall performances. A true showman who is capable of single handedly clinching the coveted championship for Pakistan. He has come forward as the highest wicket-taker of the tournament – 12 wickets.
3. Misbah-ul-Haq: This 33-year old batsman has never quite managed to ascertain his place in Pakistan’s ODI or Test squads. The Twenty20 version has arrived as a calling for the talented middle-order batsmen. An exceedingly qualified individual – has emerged as the backbone of his team’s batting.
4. Strapping new-ball assail: Umar Gul (10 wickets), Mohammad Asif (9 wickets) and Sohal Tanvir (5 wickets) have been persistent, nippy and produce awkward bounce for the batsmen. They are youthful, gifted and getting superior by the day.
5. Good fielding unit: Younus Khan, Imran Nazir and Mohammad Hafeez have churned out some breathtaking run-outs and catches in the tournament. The average age of the team is 24. The players are fit and can run the hard yards.

Semi Final One - Pakistan defeat New Zealand by 6 wickets
Captain Shoaib Malik stroked a fabulous sixer to take his team to victory in majestic style. Chasing a target of 144, openers Mohammad Hafeez and Imran Nazir set up a great platform, adding 76 for the first wicket.

Imran Nazir scored 59 runs from 41 balls and Hafeez scored 32 from 21. Shoaib Malik was unbeaten on 26 to guide his team to a compelling victory. Ross Taylor dropped Imran Nazir at a decisive situation in the match.

Shane Bond (1/33) and Daniel Vettori (1/22) tried to stop the flow of runs but were unsuccessful.

For the Kiwis, Ross Taylor smashed 17 runs in the last over to guide his team to a fighting total of 143/8 at the end of twenty overs, but earlier encounters at the Newlands suggested that the total was never going to be enough.

Umar Gul generated awkward bounce for the New Zealand batsmen, mixed it up with yorkers and slower deliveries, eventually picked up the man-of-the-match award for his impeccable figures of 3/15 from four overs. Debutant Fawad Alam impressed with figures of 2/29.

Super Eight - Group F - Paksitan defeat Bangladesh by 4 wickets
Debutant Zunaed Siddique scored a courageous half-century but was deprived of adequate support as Bangladesh were bundled out for just 140.

A spirited bowling performance led by Abdur Razzaq a put tremendous pressure on Pakistan, who did not have it easy while chasing a target of 141. The explosive Shahid Afridi opened the innings top-scored with 39.

Pakistan won the match by 4 wickets with one over to spare. With the victory, the Asian giants completed three consecutive victories in the Super Eight stage, romping into the semi-final stage with their confidence on an all-time high.

The Bangladeshi spinners pegged the Pakistani innings back after an initial blitz from Afridi and Hafeez. Imran Nazir, who was struck by Mashrafe Mortaza delivery, was retired hurt before he returned to bat to guide his team to victory.

Super Eight - Group F - Pakistan defeat Australia by 6 wickets
Two nights in a row the Pakistani side produced a staggering performance. They managed to restrict the Aussies to a modest total of 164 – young left-arm seamer Sohail Tanvir was the pick of the bowlers, ending with figures of 3/31 from his four overs.

Later, it was the turn of Misbah-ul-Haq and captain Shoaib Malik to guide their team to a colossal victory, especially after they were in totters at 46-4, with their top four batsmen back in the hut. The two batsmen scored unbeaten half-centuries to ensure Pakistan clinched a convincing 6-wicket victory.

With the victory, Pakistan almost confirmed a semi-final berth.

Super Eight - Group F - Pakistan defeat Sri Lanka by 33 runs
A 101-run partnership between Younus Khan and Shoaib Malik and some inspired bowling from Shahid Afridi proved to be the key to Pakistan’s first victory of the super eight stage, by 33 runs.

Randi Dilhara Fernando and Lasith Malinga rocked the Paksitan top-order, leaving them reeling at 33-3. Then it was a great fightback by captain Shoaib Malik (57 runs from 45 balls) and Younus Khan (57 runs from 36 balls) to take Pakistan to a competitive total of 189.

The Sri Lankan innings was a bundle of setbacks, losing wickets constantly - courtesy of superb new ball bowling and Shahid Afridi's fiery leg-breaks. Pakistan won the match by 33 runs.

Group D - India versus Pakistan – Match Tied (India wins bowl out 3-0)
Mohammad Asif tore into the Indian top order, leaving the latter in totters at 36/4 at one stage. Sturdy performances by Uthappa, Dhoni and a late order flourish ensured that India set a reasonable target of 142 for their arch rivals.

The electrifying evening had only one winner – the game itself. The returning Irfan Pathan bowled a splendid spell and kept his team in the game through out. Rapturous scenes at Kingsmead, Durban – India and Pakistan featured in only the second tie in Twenty20 history. The rule of the format says that ‘there must be a winner’!

Hence, there was a bowl-out to decide the same and it was India who emerged victorious with a 3-0 margin.

Group D - Pakistand defeat Scotland by 51 runs.
The Asian giants survived a Scottish scare while defending a target of 172, but eventually won the match by a margin of 51 runs. Shahid Afridi ended with figures of 4/19 and Umar Gul with 4/25.

After an initial wobble, Younus Khan resurrected the Pakistan innings with a well compiled 41. Scotland started the chase of 172 confidently but were pegged back after the introduction of Pakistani spinners.

A vibrant young Pakistani side has emerged as the most victorious team of the tournament largely due to the following reasons:-

1. Captain Shoaib Malik has led from the front – he’s the second highest run-getter of the competition. A tally of 187 valuable runs, the stylish middle-order batsman has come to the party in the times of crisis. In the matches against India, Sri Lanka and Australia, he executed the rescue act after the top-order fell cheaply.
2. Boom Boom Afridi! The multitalented match-winner has surprisingly done well with the ball in his hand rather than the willow. He leads the ‘Player of the Tournament’ standings for his great overall performances. A true showman who is capable of single handedly clinching the coveted championship for Pakistan. He has come forward as the highest wicket-taker of the tournament – 12 wickets.
3. Misbah-ul-Haq: This 33-year old batsman has never quite managed to ascertain his place in Pakistan’s ODI or Test squads. The Twenty20 version has arrived as a calling for the talented middle-order batsmen. An exceedingly qualified individual – has emerged as the backbone of his team’s batting.
4. Strapping new-ball assail: Umar Gul (10 wickets), Mohammad Asif (9 wickets) and Sohal Tanvir (5 wickets) have been persistent, nippy and produce awkward bounce for the batsmen. They are youthful, gifted and getting superior by the day.
5. Good fielding unit: Younus Khan, Imran Nazir and Mohammad Hafeez have churned out some breathtaking run-outs and catches in the tournament. The average age of the team is 24. The players are fit and can run the hard yards.

Semi Final One - Pakistan defeat New Zealand by 6 wickets
Captain Shoaib Malik stroked a fabulous sixer to take his team to victory in majestic style. Chasing a target of 144, openers Mohammad Hafeez and Imran Nazir set up a great platform, adding 76 for the first wicket.

Imran Nazir scored 59 runs from 41 balls and Hafeez scored 32 from 21. Shoaib Malik was unbeaten on 26 to guide his team to a compelling victory. Ross Taylor dropped Imran Nazir at a decisive situation in the match.

Shane Bond (1/33) and Daniel Vettori (1/22) tried to stop the flow of runs but were unsuccessful.

For the Kiwis, Ross Taylor smashed 17 runs in the last over to guide his team to a fighting total of 143/8 at the end of twenty overs, but earlier encounters at the Newlands suggested that the total was never going to be enough.

Umar Gul generated awkward bounce for the New Zealand batsmen, mixed it up with yorkers and slower deliveries, eventually picked up the man-of-the-match award for his impeccable figures of 3/15 from four overs. Debutant Fawad Alam impressed with figures of 2/29.

Super Eight - Group F - Paksitan defeat Bangladesh by 4 wickets
Debutant Zunaed Siddique scored a courageous half-century but was deprived of adequate support as Bangladesh were bundled out for just 140.

A spirited bowling performance led by Abdur Razzaq a put tremendous pressure on Pakistan, who did not have it easy while chasing a target of 141. The explosive Shahid Afridi opened the innings top-scored with 39.

Pakistan won the match by 4 wickets with one over to spare. With the victory, the Asian giants completed three consecutive victories in the Super Eight stage, romping into the semi-final stage with their confidence on an all-time high.

The Bangladeshi spinners pegged the Pakistani innings back after an initial blitz from Afridi and Hafeez. Imran Nazir, who was struck by Mashrafe Mortaza delivery, was retired hurt before he returned to bat to guide his team to victory.

Super Eight - Group F - Pakistan defeat Australia by 6 wickets
Two nights in a row the Pakistani side produced a staggering performance. They managed to restrict the Aussies to a modest total of 164 – young left-arm seamer Sohail Tanvir was the pick of the bowlers, ending with figures of 3/31 from his four overs.

Later, it was the turn of Misbah-ul-Haq and captain Shoaib Malik to guide their team to a colossal victory, especially after they were in totters at 46-4, with their top four batsmen back in the hut. The two batsmen scored unbeaten half-centuries to ensure Pakistan clinched a convincing 6-wicket victory.

With the victory, Pakistan almost confirmed a semi-final berth.

Super Eight - Group F - Pakistan defeat Sri Lanka by 33 runs
A 101-run partnership between Younus Khan and Shoaib Malik and some inspired bowling from Shahid Afridi proved to be the key to Pakistan’s first victory of the super eight stage, by 33 runs.

Randi Dilhara Fernando and Lasith Malinga rocked the Paksitan top-order, leaving them reeling at 33-3. Then it was a great fightback by captain Shoaib Malik (57 runs from 45 balls) and Younus Khan (57 runs from 36 balls) to take Pakistan to a competitive total of 189.

The Sri Lankan innings was a bundle of setbacks, losing wickets constantly - courtesy of superb new ball bowling and Shahid Afridi's fiery leg-breaks. Pakistan won the match by 33 runs.

Group D - India versus Pakistan – Match Tied (India wins bowl out 3-0)
Mohammad Asif tore into the Indian top order, leaving the latter in totters at 36/4 at one stage. Sturdy performances by Uthappa, Dhoni and a late order flourish ensured that India set a reasonable target of 142 for their arch rivals.

The electrifying evening had only one winner – the game itself. The returning Irfan Pathan bowled a splendid spell and kept his team in the game through out. Rapturous scenes at Kingsmead, Durban – India and Pakistan featured in only the second tie in Twenty20 history. The rule of the format says that ‘there must be a winner’!

Hence, there was a bowl-out to decide the same and it was India who emerged victorious with a 3-0 margin.

Group D - Pakistand defeat Scotland by 51 runs.
The Asian giants survived a Scottish scare while defending a target of 172, but eventually won the match by a margin of 51 runs. Shahid Afridi ended with figures of 4/19 and Umar Gul with 4/25.

After an initial wobble, Younus Khan resurrected the Pakistan innings with a well compiled 41. Scotland started the chase of 172 confidently but were pegged back after the introduction of Pakistani spinners.

There are more positives than negatives to be drawn out of the competition for Team India.

1. Yuvraj Singh has emerged as the batsman with the best batting strike-rate in the tournament – 235.09. He is also second in the last of maximum sixes (12). He scored the fastest two half-centuries of the tournament (12 and 20 balls).
2. Openers Gautam Gambhir (2 half-centuries) and Virender Sehwag (S/R: 138) have been in good form.
3. Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has found good form – having amassed 148 runs in the tournament at a healthy strike rate of 134.
4. Young guns Robin Uthappa and Rohit Sharma have chipped in at critical junctures.
5. Spirited young bowlers: RP Singh (9 wickets), Irfan Pathan and Harbhajan Singh (7 wickets) and Sreesanth (5 wickets) have enhanced swiftly during the course of the event.
6. Credible victories over T20 practiced teams England, South Africa and Australia in the gap of four nights.
7. Have emerged as an admirable fielding unit in the tournament – some stunning run-outs and catches throughout.

Above all, it is the skirmishing spirit that been inflicted by Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni on youngsters that is directly reflecting on the performances. He has inflicted the ‘fun factor’ in the approach in which the team exchange blows.

The path to the final has been a jubilant one for Team India.

Semi Final Two - India defeat Australia by 15 runs
Fans at the Kingsmead in Durban by stood the highs and lows of Twenty20 cricket in a nerve-racking encounter. From India piling on 128 runs in their last 10 overs to Australia faltering under stress. The ODI world champions needed just above 50 runs in their last five overs - but were pegged back by some fantastic bowling from Harbhajan Singh, RP Singh and Joginder Sharma.

Fittingly, the star of the Indian innings Yuvraj Singh took the catch to dismiss Michael Hussey in the very last over. The stylish left-handed batsman had bludgeoned the Aussie bowlers to all corners of the ground, scoring 70 runs from 30 balls to guide his team to an imposing total of 188. Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (36) and Robin Uthappa (34) supported him competently.

The pressure was on RP Singh who bowled a tremendous 19th over conceding only 5 runs. Brad Haddin and Michael Hussey needed to score 22 runs off the very last over. Australia were dependent on 'Mr. Cricket' to get them home but it was all too much for them in the end.

A tremendous partnership of 66 runs between Matthew Hayden (62) and Andrew Symonds (43) got Australia on course during the daunting run-chase of 189 runs. The duo combined for six massive sixes entertaining a packed house.

Harbhajan Singh bowled a tremendous 18th over to get rid of the dangerous Michael Clarke. The 'turbanator' pitched the ball up and made life difficult for the insistent Aussie batsmen. He conceded only three runs in the over and Sreesanth was the pick of the bowlers for India - ending with figures of 2/12 from his four over spell.

The outcome - India and Pakistan emerged victorious and set up a dream final.

Super Eight - Group E - India defeat South Africa by 37 runs
South Africa needed 17 runs in the last over to reach 126 - the total they needed to ensure a berth in the semi-final. Harbhajan Singh bowled a splendid last over to ensure South Africa were eliminated. The atmosphere was stimulating – The Indian contingency in the crowds were easily on par with the South African.

Young batsman Rohit Sharma was declared man-of-the-match for his match-winning innings of 50 not out. He followed it up with a stunning run-out to get rid of the dangerous Justin Kemp. An inspired bowling performance by RP Singh (4/13) led India to one of it’s most famous victories in recent times.

Sreesanth (2/23), Harbhajan Singh (2/30) were the other star bowlers. In conditions conducive to swing bowling, Indian bowlers RP Singh, Sreesanth and Irfan Pathan left South Africa in dire straits at 35/5 at the end of six overs.

The South African top-order was rocked in the second over – RP Singh dismissing Herschelle Gibbs LBW and Graeme Smith caught at first slip by Dinesh Karthik - a stunning catch taken by the young wicket-keeper batsman to his left.

Super Eight - Group E - India defeat England by 18 runs
After electing to bat, Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s justification was ‘don’t want to put pressure on batsmen while chasing’. The loss against New Zealand had rubbed off on the thought process – India preferred to set the target in crunch ties.

Sehwag and Gambhir set the perfect platform for the middle-order batsmen to follow with an opening partnership of 136 – both openers scoring half-centuries. Yuvraj Singh came out to bat and played couldn’t put a foot wrong.

In an exhibition of raw power assorted with sheer class, the stylish left-handed batsman hit six consecutive sixes and took the English bowlers, the fans, commentators, and his teammates by storm. India set a daunting target of 219 for England to chase down.

The English put up a spirited reply – eventually falling short by just 18 runs. Maddy, Pietersen, Collingwood and Shah gave it all they had but it was a bit too much to achieve by the end of it all.

India won the crucial tie at Durban and stayed afloat in the tournament – securing one last shot at reaching the semi-final.

Super Eight - Group E - New Zealand defeat India by 10 runs
In what was one of the closest contest of the tournament, New Zealand posted a solid total of 190 – courtesy of a late flourish from Craig McMillan (44 runs from 23 balls) and Jacob Oram (35 from 15 balls). Indian openers Sehwag and Gambhir provided a great start to the run chase, compiling as much as 76 runs from just 5.5 overs.

A spirited performance by Kiwi skipper Daniel Vettori – who claimed four wickets, effected a run-out and two catches was the star of the show. India lost heaps of wickets and stumbled to 180/9 at the end of twenty overs – falling short by 10 runs.

New Zealand move one step closer to booking a berth in the semi-final by attaining two valuable points.

Group D - India versus Pakistan – Match Tied (India wins bowl out 3-0)
Mohammad Asif tore into the Indian top order, leaving the latter in totters at 36/4 at one stage. Sturdy performances by Uthappa, Dhoni and a late order flourish ensured that India set a reasonable target of 142 for their arch rivals.

The electrifying evening had only one winner – the game itself. The returning Irfan Pathan bowled a splendid spell and kept his team in the game through out. Rapturous scenes at Kingsmead, Durban – India and Pakistan featured in only the second tie in Twenty20 history. The rule of the format says that ‘there must be a winner’!

Hence, there was a bowl-out to decide the same and it was India who emerged victorious with a 3-0 margin.

Group D - India versus Scotland – Match abandoned
India’s first match in the ICC World Twenty20 against Scotland was halted by heavy showers. The outcome – India and Scotland got one point each and Pakistan were through to the Super 8s stage.

There are more positives than negatives to be drawn out of the competition for Team India.

1. Yuvraj Singh has emerged as the batsman with the best batting strike-rate in the tournament – 235.09. He is also second in the last of maximum sixes (12). He scored the fastest two half-centuries of the tournament (12 and 20 balls).
2. Openers Gautam Gambhir (2 half-centuries) and Virender Sehwag (S/R: 138) have been in good form.
3. Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has found good form – having amassed 148 runs in the tournament at a healthy strike rate of 134.
4. Young guns Robin Uthappa and Rohit Sharma have chipped in at critical junctures.
5. Spirited young bowlers: RP Singh (9 wickets), Irfan Pathan and Harbhajan Singh (7 wickets) and Sreesanth (5 wickets) have enhanced swiftly during the course of the event.
6. Credible victories over T20 practiced teams England, South Africa and Australia in the gap of four nights.
7. Have emerged as an admirable fielding unit in the tournament – some stunning run-outs and catches throughout.

Above all, it is the skirmishing spirit that been inflicted by Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni on youngsters that is directly reflecting on the performances. He has inflicted the ‘fun factor’ in the approach in which the team exchange blows.

The path to the final has been a jubilant one for Team India.

Semi Final Two - India defeat Australia by 15 runs
Fans at the Kingsmead in Durban by stood the highs and lows of Twenty20 cricket in a nerve-racking encounter. From India piling on 128 runs in their last 10 overs to Australia faltering under stress. The ODI world champions needed just above 50 runs in their last five overs - but were pegged back by some fantastic bowling from Harbhajan Singh, RP Singh and Joginder Sharma.

Fittingly, the star of the Indian innings Yuvraj Singh took the catch to dismiss Michael Hussey in the very last over. The stylish left-handed batsman had bludgeoned the Aussie bowlers to all corners of the ground, scoring 70 runs from 30 balls to guide his team to an imposing total of 188. Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (36) and Robin Uthappa (34) supported him competently.

The pressure was on RP Singh who bowled a tremendous 19th over conceding only 5 runs. Brad Haddin and Michael Hussey needed to score 22 runs off the very last over. Australia were dependent on 'Mr. Cricket' to get them home but it was all too much for them in the end.

A tremendous partnership of 66 runs between Matthew Hayden (62) and Andrew Symonds (43) got Australia on course during the daunting run-chase of 189 runs. The duo combined for six massive sixes entertaining a packed house.

Harbhajan Singh bowled a tremendous 18th over to get rid of the dangerous Michael Clarke. The 'turbanator' pitched the ball up and made life difficult for the insistent Aussie batsmen. He conceded only three runs in the over and Sreesanth was the pick of the bowlers for India - ending with figures of 2/12 from his four over spell.

The outcome - India and Pakistan emerged victorious and set up a dream final.

Super Eight - Group E - India defeat South Africa by 37 runs
South Africa needed 17 runs in the last over to reach 126 - the total they needed to ensure a berth in the semi-final. Harbhajan Singh bowled a splendid last over to ensure South Africa were eliminated. The atmosphere was stimulating – The Indian contingency in the crowds were easily on par with the South African.

Young batsman Rohit Sharma was declared man-of-the-match for his match-winning innings of 50 not out. He followed it up with a stunning run-out to get rid of the dangerous Justin Kemp. An inspired bowling performance by RP Singh (4/13) led India to one of it’s most famous victories in recent times.

Sreesanth (2/23), Harbhajan Singh (2/30) were the other star bowlers. In conditions conducive to swing bowling, Indian bowlers RP Singh, Sreesanth and Irfan Pathan left South Africa in dire straits at 35/5 at the end of six overs.

The South African top-order was rocked in the second over – RP Singh dismissing Herschelle Gibbs LBW and Graeme Smith caught at first slip by Dinesh Karthik - a stunning catch taken by the young wicket-keeper batsman to his left.

Super Eight - Group E - India defeat England by 18 runs
After electing to bat, Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s justification was ‘don’t want to put pressure on batsmen while chasing’. The loss against New Zealand had rubbed off on the thought process – India preferred to set the target in crunch ties.

Sehwag and Gambhir set the perfect platform for the middle-order batsmen to follow with an opening partnership of 136 – both openers scoring half-centuries. Yuvraj Singh came out to bat and played couldn’t put a foot wrong.

In an exhibition of raw power assorted with sheer class, the stylish left-handed batsman hit six consecutive sixes and took the English bowlers, the fans, commentators, and his teammates by storm. India set a daunting target of 219 for England to chase down.

The English put up a spirited reply – eventually falling short by just 18 runs. Maddy, Pietersen, Collingwood and Shah gave it all they had but it was a bit too much to achieve by the end of it all.

India won the crucial tie at Durban and stayed afloat in the tournament – securing one last shot at reaching the semi-final.

Super Eight - Group E - New Zealand defeat India by 10 runs
In what was one of the closest contest of the tournament, New Zealand posted a solid total of 190 – courtesy of a late flourish from Craig McMillan (44 runs from 23 balls) and Jacob Oram (35 from 15 balls). Indian openers Sehwag and Gambhir provided a great start to the run chase, compiling as much as 76 runs from just 5.5 overs.

A spirited performance by Kiwi skipper Daniel Vettori – who claimed four wickets, effected a run-out and two catches was the star of the show. India lost heaps of wickets and stumbled to 180/9 at the end of twenty overs – falling short by 10 runs.

New Zealand move one step closer to booking a berth in the semi-final by attaining two valuable points.

Group D - India versus Pakistan – Match Tied (India wins bowl out 3-0)
Mohammad Asif tore into the Indian top order, leaving the latter in totters at 36/4 at one stage. Sturdy performances by Uthappa, Dhoni and a late order flourish ensured that India set a reasonable target of 142 for their arch rivals.

The electrifying evening had only one winner – the game itself. The returning Irfan Pathan bowled a splendid spell and kept his team in the game through out. Rapturous scenes at Kingsmead, Durban – India and Pakistan featured in only the second tie in Twenty20 history. The rule of the format says that ‘there must be a winner’!

Hence, there was a bowl-out to decide the same and it was India who emerged victorious with a 3-0 margin.

Group D - India versus Scotland – Match abandoned
India’s first match in the ICC World Twenty20 against Scotland was halted by heavy showers. The outcome – India and Scotland got one point each and Pakistan were through to the Super 8s stage.

The two featured semi-finals could have resulted in the two impending conventional neighbouring rivalries – an Aussie-Kiwi climax or an Indo-Pak finale if fans got their craving.

Semi Final One
Pakistan defeat New Zealand by 6 wickets
Captain Shoaib Malik stroked a fabulous sixer to take his team to victory in majestic style. Chasing a target of 144, openers Mohammad Hafeez and Imran Nazir set up a great platform, adding 76 for the first wicket.

Imran Nazir scored 59 runs from 41 balls and Hafeez scored 32 from 21. Shoaib Malik was unbeaten on 26 to guide his team to a compelling victory. Ross Taylor dropped Imran Nazir at a decisive situation in the match.

Shane Bond (1/33) and Daniel Vettori (1/22) tried to stop the flow of runs but were unsuccessful.

For the Kiwis, Ross Taylor smashed 17 runs in the last over to guide his team to a fighting total of 143/8 at the end of twenty overs, but earlier encounters at the Newlands suggested that the total was never going to be enough.

Umar Gul generated awkward bounce for the New Zealand batsmen, mixed it up with yorkers and slower deliveries, eventually picked up the man-of-the-match award for his impeccable figures of 3/15 from four overs. Debutant Fawad Alam impressed with figures of 2/29.

Semi Final Two
India defeat Australia by 15 runs
Fans at the Kingsmead in Durban by stood the highs and lows of Twenty20 cricket in a nerve-racking encounter. From India piling on 128 runs in their last 10 overs to Australia faltering under stress. The ODI world champions needed just above 50 runs in their last five overs - but were pegged back by some fantastic bowling from Harbhajan Singh, RP Singh and Joginder Sharma.

Fittingly, the star of the Indian innings Yuvraj Singh took the catch to dismiss Michael Hussey in the very last over. The stylish left-handed batsman had bludgeoned the Aussie bowlers to all corners of the ground, scoring 70 runs from 30 balls to guide his team to an imposing total of 188. Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (36) and Robin Uthappa (34) supported him competently.

The pressure was on RP Singh who bowled a tremendous 19th over conceding only 5 runs. Brad Haddin and Michael Hussey needed to score 22 runs off the very last over. Australia were dependent on 'Mr. Cricket' to get them home but it was all too much for them in the end.

A tremendous partnership of 66 runs between Matthew Hayden (62) and Andrew Symonds (43) got Australia on course during the daunting run-chase of 189 runs. The duo combined for six massive sixes entertaining a packed house.

Harbhajan Singh bowled a tremendous 18th over to get rid of the dangerous Michael Clarke. The 'turbanator' pitched the ball up and made life difficult for the insistent Aussie batsmen. He conceded only three runs in the over and Sreesanth was the pick of the bowlers for India - ending with figures of 2/12 from his four over spell.

The outcome - India and Pakistan emerged victorious and set up a dream final.

The two featured semi-finals could have resulted in the two impending conventional neighbouring rivalries – an Aussie-Kiwi climax or an Indo-Pak finale if fans got their craving.

Semi Final One
Pakistan defeat New Zealand by 6 wickets
Captain Shoaib Malik stroked a fabulous sixer to take his team to victory in majestic style. Chasing a target of 144, openers Mohammad Hafeez and Imran Nazir set up a great platform, adding 76 for the first wicket.

Imran Nazir scored 59 runs from 41 balls and Hafeez scored 32 from 21. Shoaib Malik was unbeaten on 26 to guide his team to a compelling victory. Ross Taylor dropped Imran Nazir at a decisive situation in the match.

Shane Bond (1/33) and Daniel Vettori (1/22) tried to stop the flow of runs but were unsuccessful.

For the Kiwis, Ross Taylor smashed 17 runs in the last over to guide his team to a fighting total of 143/8 at the end of twenty overs, but earlier encounters at the Newlands suggested that the total was never going to be enough.

Umar Gul generated awkward bounce for the New Zealand batsmen, mixed it up with yorkers and slower deliveries, eventually picked up the man-of-the-match award for his impeccable figures of 3/15 from four overs. Debutant Fawad Alam impressed with figures of 2/29.

Semi Final Two
India defeat Australia by 15 runs
Fans at the Kingsmead in Durban by stood the highs and lows of Twenty20 cricket in a nerve-racking encounter. From India piling on 128 runs in their last 10 overs to Australia faltering under stress. The ODI world champions needed just above 50 runs in their last five overs - but were pegged back by some fantastic bowling from Harbhajan Singh, RP Singh and Joginder Sharma.

Fittingly, the star of the Indian innings Yuvraj Singh took the catch to dismiss Michael Hussey in the very last over. The stylish left-handed batsman had bludgeoned the Aussie bowlers to all corners of the ground, scoring 70 runs from 30 balls to guide his team to an imposing total of 188. Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (36) and Robin Uthappa (34) supported him competently.

The pressure was on RP Singh who bowled a tremendous 19th over conceding only 5 runs. Brad Haddin and Michael Hussey needed to score 22 runs off the very last over. Australia were dependent on 'Mr. Cricket' to get them home but it was all too much for them in the end.

A tremendous partnership of 66 runs between Matthew Hayden (62) and Andrew Symonds (43) got Australia on course during the daunting run-chase of 189 runs. The duo combined for six massive sixes entertaining a packed house.

Harbhajan Singh bowled a tremendous 18th over to get rid of the dangerous Michael Clarke. The 'turbanator' pitched the ball up and made life difficult for the insistent Aussie batsmen. He conceded only three runs in the over and Sreesanth was the pick of the bowlers for India - ending with figures of 2/12 from his four over spell.

The outcome - India and Pakistan emerged victorious and set up a dream final.

Johannesburg – They say that dreams that come visiting in the day are a tad more dangerous that their nocturnal counterparts, but this one – an India-Pakistan final in an ICC event such as the ICC World Twenty20 here – has been beautiful from the time it started looming in the horizon.

"The whole world will sit up and watch this game," Indian vice-captain Yuvraj Singh on Saturday night after his team tamed Australia in a nerve-wracking encounter in Durban. "There is nothing bigger than this – a Cup final featuring India and Pakistan. The teams have been playing good cricket and that should be a cracker of a game."

Winning two Man of the Match awards, he has been among those who have made the dream come true. Come of think of it, each of India's matches has provided plenty of thrills to those watching. A rained off match against Scotland was a poor start but the young team hit the ground running, forcing a tie against Pakistan in the league game and then winning the bowl out 3-0.

A 10-run loss to New Zealand in the Super Eights left it facing elimination but the team bounded back with enthusiasm and self-belief to secure fantastic victories over England, South Africa and Australia to make its way to the final. At different times, a number of heroes have lent their shoulder to the wheel to get India through.

Pakistan remains the only unbeaten side in the tournament, having defeated Scotland, tied with India – should we count the 3-0 bowl out verdict as a loss? – and then topping its Super Eight group with victories over sides like Australia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. It has scripted its wins on some fine shows by its middle-order batsmen and the bowlers.

Mohammed Asif was a little rusty in the opening game but ever since he scalped an Indian wicket in each of his four overs, he has been leading the attack with panache. Umar Gul has come into his own while Shahid Afridi's brand of leg-spin has earned him heaps of wickets at critical times.

There is so little to choose between the two teams in terms of their intensity and passion but if anything can make a slight difference on paper, it will be Pakistan's opening worries. India's bowlers have got on top once they have found their way past the top order batsmen and can be expected to do likewise, making it tough for the middle order batsmen led by Shoaib Malik.

The opening contest between the two teams set the tone for a tournament that has held the attention of cricket fans, converting many skeptics in India. One more breathtaking contest – and we can all breathe again. Someone tell me I am living a dream.

The teams:

Pakistan (from): Shoaib Malik (captain), Imran Nazir, Mohammad Hafeez, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, Shahid Afridi, Kamran Akmal (wk), Fawad Alam, Mohammad Asif, Umar Gul, Sohail Tanvir. Salman Butt, Yasir Arafat, Abdur Rehman and Rao Iftikhar Anjum,

India (from): Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain and wicket-keeper), Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehewag, Robin Uthaappa, Yuvraj Singh, Rohit Sharma, Irfan Pathan, Joginder Sharma, Harbhajan Singh, S Sreesanth, RP Singh, Dinesh Karthik, Ajit Agarkar, Yusuf Pathan and Piyush Chawla.

Umpires: Ranjan Madugalle (match referee), Mark Benson and Simon Taufel, Daryl Harper (third), Billy Doctrove (fourth).

Johannesburg – They say that dreams that come visiting in the day are a tad more dangerous that their nocturnal counterparts, but this one – an India-Pakistan final in an ICC event such as the ICC World Twenty20 here – has been beautiful from the time it started looming in the horizon.

"The whole world will sit up and watch this game," Indian vice-captain Yuvraj Singh on Saturday night after his team tamed Australia in a nerve-wracking encounter in Durban. "There is nothing bigger than this – a Cup final featuring India and Pakistan. The teams have been playing good cricket and that should be a cracker of a game."

Winning two Man of the Match awards, he has been among those who have made the dream come true. Come of think of it, each of India's matches has provided plenty of thrills to those watching. A rained off match against Scotland was a poor start but the young team hit the ground running, forcing a tie against Pakistan in the league game and then winning the bowl out 3-0.

A 10-run loss to New Zealand in the Super Eights left it facing elimination but the team bounded back with enthusiasm and self-belief to secure fantastic victories over England, South Africa and Australia to make its way to the final. At different times, a number of heroes have lent their shoulder to the wheel to get India through.

Pakistan remains the only unbeaten side in the tournament, having defeated Scotland, tied with India – should we count the 3-0 bowl out verdict as a loss? – and then topping its Super Eight group with victories over sides like Australia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. It has scripted its wins on some fine shows by its middle-order batsmen and the bowlers.

Mohammed Asif was a little rusty in the opening game but ever since he scalped an Indian wicket in each of his four overs, he has been leading the attack with panache. Umar Gul has come into his own while Shahid Afridi's brand of leg-spin has earned him heaps of wickets at critical times.

There is so little to choose between the two teams in terms of their intensity and passion but if anything can make a slight difference on paper, it will be Pakistan's opening worries. India's bowlers have got on top once they have found their way past the top order batsmen and can be expected to do likewise, making it tough for the middle order batsmen led by Shoaib Malik.

The opening contest between the two teams set the tone for a tournament that has held the attention of cricket fans, converting many skeptics in India. One more breathtaking contest – and we can all breathe again. Someone tell me I am living a dream.

The teams:

Pakistan (from): Shoaib Malik (captain), Imran Nazir, Mohammad Hafeez, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, Shahid Afridi, Kamran Akmal (wk), Fawad Alam, Mohammad Asif, Umar Gul, Sohail Tanvir. Salman Butt, Yasir Arafat, Abdur Rehman and Rao Iftikhar Anjum,

India (from): Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain and wicket-keeper), Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehewag, Robin Uthaappa, Yuvraj Singh, Rohit Sharma, Irfan Pathan, Joginder Sharma, Harbhajan Singh, S Sreesanth, RP Singh, Dinesh Karthik, Ajit Agarkar, Yusuf Pathan and Piyush Chawla.

Umpires: Ranjan Madugalle (match referee), Mark Benson and Simon Taufel, Daryl Harper (third), Billy Doctrove (fourth).

Former cricket great Wasim Akram is expecting an "explosive" Twenty20 world championships final on Monday between traditional South Asian rivals India and Pakistan.

Akram tipped Pakistan to win in a thriller in Johannesburg, saying their bowlers had an edge over India.

"Young players from both India and Pakistan promise an explosive Twenty20 final," said Wasim, who played for Pakistan in their only World Cup win in 1992. "Both the teams have looked great in this competition," he told AFP.

After a clinical Pakistan performance saw off the challenge of New Zealand at Cape Town in the first of two semi-finals on Saturday, India recorded a stunning victory in Durban against the previously all-conquering Australians.

"I think Pakistan's bowling give them the edge as Mohammad Asif, Umar Gul and Sohail Tanveer are bowling very well and they would make life difficult for the Indian batsmen," said Wasim, who has a world record of 502 one-day wickets.

Wasim also praised captain Shoaib Malik and commended the Pakistan Cricket Board for appointing him.

"If he stays fit and keeps up the good work, I see this Pakistan team winning the 2011 World Cup in the subcontinent," he said.

Malik was handed the Pakistan captaincy in March following the team's first round exit from the World Cup in the West Indies, a failure which forced Inzamam-ul Haq to resign as well as quit one-day cricket.

"Youngsters always bring a fresh approach to the team and this young Pakistan team has a bright future," said Wasim.

Wasim said fans would also be delighted to see different teams in the final other than world number ones Australia.

"Fans had got bored of one-sided dominance of Australia and teams from India and Pakistan have given a new lease of life to cricket and these teams can go places and dominate world cricket," he said.

India beat Australia by 15 runs while Pakistan outclassed New Zealand by six wickets to set-up an intriguing final in the inaugural tournament.

The former left-arm paceman said Australia was destined to struggle after the retirement of legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne and paceman Glenn McGrath.

"Once Warne and McGrath retired, it was a matter of time before Australia would struggle and they will find it tough to beat India in India and also struggle to get 20 wickets in a Test outside Australia," said Wasim.

Former cricket great Wasim Akram is expecting an "explosive" Twenty20 world championships final on Monday between traditional South Asian rivals India and Pakistan.

Akram tipped Pakistan to win in a thriller in Johannesburg, saying their bowlers had an edge over India.

"Young players from both India and Pakistan promise an explosive Twenty20 final," said Wasim, who played for Pakistan in their only World Cup win in 1992. "Both the teams have looked great in this competition," he told AFP.

After a clinical Pakistan performance saw off the challenge of New Zealand at Cape Town in the first of two semi-finals on Saturday, India recorded a stunning victory in Durban against the previously all-conquering Australians.

"I think Pakistan's bowling give them the edge as Mohammad Asif, Umar Gul and Sohail Tanveer are bowling very well and they would make life difficult for the Indian batsmen," said Wasim, who has a world record of 502 one-day wickets.

Wasim also praised captain Shoaib Malik and commended the Pakistan Cricket Board for appointing him.

"If he stays fit and keeps up the good work, I see this Pakistan team winning the 2011 World Cup in the subcontinent," he said.

Malik was handed the Pakistan captaincy in March following the team's first round exit from the World Cup in the West Indies, a failure which forced Inzamam-ul Haq to resign as well as quit one-day cricket.

"Youngsters always bring a fresh approach to the team and this young Pakistan team has a bright future," said Wasim.

Wasim said fans would also be delighted to see different teams in the final other than world number ones Australia.

"Fans had got bored of one-sided dominance of Australia and teams from India and Pakistan have given a new lease of life to cricket and these teams can go places and dominate world cricket," he said.

India beat Australia by 15 runs while Pakistan outclassed New Zealand by six wickets to set-up an intriguing final in the inaugural tournament.

The former left-arm paceman said Australia was destined to struggle after the retirement of legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne and paceman Glenn McGrath.

"Once Warne and McGrath retired, it was a matter of time before Australia would struggle and they will find it tough to beat India in India and also struggle to get 20 wickets in a Test outside Australia," said Wasim.

The young guns of India and Pakistan will square off in a dream final of the Twenty20 world championships Monday at the culmination of a tournament which has changed the face of cricket.

After a clinical Pakistan performance saw off the challenge of New Zealand at Cape Town in the first of two semi-finals on Saturday, India recorded a stunning victory in Durban against the previously all-conquering Australians.

Less than six months after both sides returned in disgrace from the 50-over World Cup, they now have a perfect opportunity for redemption, albeit with vastly different line-ups since their early departure from the Caribbean.

Rookie Pakistan skipper Shoaib Malik and incoming India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni have the chance to lift a major trophy after a tournament that has packed in more thrills and close finishes in a fortnight than six weeks in the West Indies.

After another six-packed batting peformance propelled his side to victory against Australia, India's hero Yuvraj Singh declared that a match against arch-rivals Pakistan was the icing on the cake.

Pakistani players celebrating win against New Zealand in World Twenty20 championship © AFP Gianluigi Guercia

"India-Pakistan is always a huge competition. It's just like a dream for us," said Yuvraj after smashing 70 off just 30 balls.

With fellow master-blasters Dhoni and Pakistan's Shahid Afridi both due to take the field at the batsman-friendly Wanderers here, a sell-out crowd on what is a bank holiday in South Africa can expect another run-fest.

Dhoni's swashbuckling style is in stark contrast to that of his predecessor as captain, Rahul "The Wall" Dravid, who was rested for the tournament along with India's other long-time star batsmen Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly.

After so often being crushed by the weight of expectations from their vast fanbase, India's new generaton has been revelling in the role of underdogs.

"We never started out as favourites, nobody expected us to reach the semi-finals," said Dhoni after victory over the Australians.

"You can expect a healthy rivalry over there (against Pakistan in Johannesburg) and a tough game of cricket."

A fan cheering for India in Durban © AFP Rajesh Jantilal

Victory for Pakistan would be even more unexpected and mark a dramatic reversal in fortunes after a year of hell for India's neighbours.

After a drugs scandal and defeat to Ireland in the World Cup, even worse was to follow with the death in Jamaica of their coach Bob Woolmer who was initially presumed to have been murdered.

Captain Inzamam ul-Haq then quit, star batsman Mohammad Yousuf was cast adrift for signing up to a rebel Twenty20 tournament and controversy even continued to dog the team in South Africa with controversial speedster Shoaib Akhtar sent home for assaulting a team-mate on the eve of the tournament.

The 25-year-old Malik however has been a breath of fresh air, inspiring Pakistan to become arguably the sharpest fielders in the competition.

While Inzamam was famously inept between the wickets, Malik volunteered to act as a runner when Imran Nazir pulled a hamstring against the Kiwis.

Malik has been trying to keep his team's feet on the ground but believes that victory is within their grasp.

"In Pakistan we have lots of talent which, Inshallah, we are going to utilise and, Inshallah, the Pakistan team will be number one very soon."

Victory over India would make Malik the skipper of the first Pakistan team to ever beat their arch rivals in a major international tournament. The only other time they have played each other in a final was back in Australia in 1985 when India won the world championship of cricket in Melbourne.

The young guns of India and Pakistan will square off in a dream final of the Twenty20 world championships Monday at the culmination of a tournament which has changed the face of cricket.

After a clinical Pakistan performance saw off the challenge of New Zealand at Cape Town in the first of two semi-finals on Saturday, India recorded a stunning victory in Durban against the previously all-conquering Australians.

Less than six months after both sides returned in disgrace from the 50-over World Cup, they now have a perfect opportunity for redemption, albeit with vastly different line-ups since their early departure from the Caribbean.

Rookie Pakistan skipper Shoaib Malik and incoming India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni have the chance to lift a major trophy after a tournament that has packed in more thrills and close finishes in a fortnight than six weeks in the West Indies.

After another six-packed batting peformance propelled his side to victory against Australia, India's hero Yuvraj Singh declared that a match against arch-rivals Pakistan was the icing on the cake.

Pakistani players celebrating win against New Zealand in World Twenty20 championship © AFP Gianluigi Guercia

"India-Pakistan is always a huge competition. It's just like a dream for us," said Yuvraj after smashing 70 off just 30 balls.

With fellow master-blasters Dhoni and Pakistan's Shahid Afridi both due to take the field at the batsman-friendly Wanderers here, a sell-out crowd on what is a bank holiday in South Africa can expect another run-fest.

Dhoni's swashbuckling style is in stark contrast to that of his predecessor as captain, Rahul "The Wall" Dravid, who was rested for the tournament along with India's other long-time star batsmen Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly.

After so often being crushed by the weight of expectations from their vast fanbase, India's new generaton has been revelling in the role of underdogs.

"We never started out as favourites, nobody expected us to reach the semi-finals," said Dhoni after victory over the Australians.

"You can expect a healthy rivalry over there (against Pakistan in Johannesburg) and a tough game of cricket."

A fan cheering for India in Durban © AFP Rajesh Jantilal

Victory for Pakistan would be even more unexpected and mark a dramatic reversal in fortunes after a year of hell for India's neighbours.

After a drugs scandal and defeat to Ireland in the World Cup, even worse was to follow with the death in Jamaica of their coach Bob Woolmer who was initially presumed to have been murdered.

Captain Inzamam ul-Haq then quit, star batsman Mohammad Yousuf was cast adrift for signing up to a rebel Twenty20 tournament and controversy even continued to dog the team in South Africa with controversial speedster Shoaib Akhtar sent home for assaulting a team-mate on the eve of the tournament.

The 25-year-old Malik however has been a breath of fresh air, inspiring Pakistan to become arguably the sharpest fielders in the competition.

While Inzamam was famously inept between the wickets, Malik volunteered to act as a runner when Imran Nazir pulled a hamstring against the Kiwis.

Malik has been trying to keep his team's feet on the ground but believes that victory is within their grasp.

"In Pakistan we have lots of talent which, Inshallah, we are going to utilise and, Inshallah, the Pakistan team will be number one very soon."

Victory over India would make Malik the skipper of the first Pakistan team to ever beat their arch rivals in a major international tournament. The only other time they have played each other in a final was back in Australia in 1985 when India won the world championship of cricket in Melbourne.

Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi heads the list of contenders for the player of the tournament award at the ICC World Twenty20 South Africa 2007.

The all-rounder has so far polled seven votes to top the latest table, but there are still four players who can catch him as they all come from the sides contesting Monday’s final – India and Pakistan.

Those players include three of Afridi’s team-mates – Misbah-ul-Haq, Younus Khan and his captain, Shoaib Malik – as well as India’s six-hitting star Yuvraj Singh.

All five players have performed strongly during the tournament thus far.

Leg-spinner Afridi is the joint leading wicket-taker – alongside Australia’s Stuart Clark – with 12 victims, and has also scored rapidly whenever he has reached the batting crease, making 91 runs from just 45 balls faced.

Malik (187) and Misbah (175) are among the leading run-scorers in the tournament (only Matthew Hayden of Australia, with 265 runs, has more than Malik’s total), while Younus’s haul of 103 runs includes 51 against Sri Lanka, part of a fourth-wicket record stand of 101 with Malik.

Younus has also taken six catches, a mark only AB De Villiers of South Africa, among all outfielders in the tournament, can match.

As for Yuvraj, his 134 runs have come from just 57 balls, giving him the best batting strike-rate of any player with 75 runs or more – 235.08 runs per hundred balls.

His total includes 12 sixes, seven during his 16-ball innings of 58 against England that included six maximums in one over from Stuart Broad, and another five in his 70 from just 30 deliveries against Australia in the semi-final.

The votes for the player of the tournament award are cast by the commentators for the host broadcaster, ESPN STAR Sports.

They nominate the player of the match for each game on a 3, 2, 1 basis, with three votes for the top performer, two for next best and one vote for the third choice. Those votes are then added together to produce the player of the tournament standings.

All matches, including the final, count towards those standings and the player with most votes at the end of the tournament receives a superb trophy.

If more than one player finishes tied at the top of the list then the player with the most man of the match awards (three votes) is declared the winner.

Yuvraj has two man of the match awards so far (against England and Australia) while Misbah (Australia), Younus (Sri Lanka) and Afridi (Scotland) have one each.

Player of the Tournament Standings (top of list, as of 23 September, ahead of final)

Player	Points
Shahid Afridi (Pak)	7
Stuart Clark (Aus)	6
Sanath Jayasuriya (SL)	6
Morne Morkel (SA)	6
Yuvraj Singh (Ind)	6
Matthew Hayden (Aus)	5
Brett Lee (Aus)	5
Craig McMillan (NZ)	5
Misbah-ul-Haq (Pak)	5
Younus Khan (Pak)	5
Nathan Bracken (Aus)	4
Dilhara Fernando (SL)	4
Shoaib Malik (Pak)	4

Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi heads the list of contenders for the player of the tournament award at the ICC World Twenty20 South Africa 2007.

The all-rounder has so far polled seven votes to top the latest table, but there are still four players who can catch him as they all come from the sides contesting Monday’s final – India and Pakistan.

Those players include three of Afridi’s team-mates – Misbah-ul-Haq, Younus Khan and his captain, Shoaib Malik – as well as India’s six-hitting star Yuvraj Singh.

All five players have performed strongly during the tournament thus far.

Leg-spinner Afridi is the joint leading wicket-taker – alongside Australia’s Stuart Clark – with 12 victims, and has also scored rapidly whenever he has reached the batting crease, making 91 runs from just 45 balls faced.

Malik (187) and Misbah (175) are among the leading run-scorers in the tournament (only Matthew Hayden of Australia, with 265 runs, has more than Malik’s total), while Younus’s haul of 103 runs includes 51 against Sri Lanka, part of a fourth-wicket record stand of 101 with Malik.

Younus has also taken six catches, a mark only AB De Villiers of South Africa, among all outfielders in the tournament, can match.

As for Yuvraj, his 134 runs have come from just 57 balls, giving him the best batting strike-rate of any player with 75 runs or more – 235.08 runs per hundred balls.

His total includes 12 sixes, seven during his 16-ball innings of 58 against England that included six maximums in one over from Stuart Broad, and another five in his 70 from just 30 deliveries against Australia in the semi-final.

The votes for the player of the tournament award are cast by the commentators for the host broadcaster, ESPN STAR Sports.

They nominate the player of the match for each game on a 3, 2, 1 basis, with three votes for the top performer, two for next best and one vote for the third choice. Those votes are then added together to produce the player of the tournament standings.

All matches, including the final, count towards those standings and the player with most votes at the end of the tournament receives a superb trophy.

If more than one player finishes tied at the top of the list then the player with the most man of the match awards (three votes) is declared the winner.

Yuvraj has two man of the match awards so far (against England and Australia) while Misbah (Australia), Younus (Sri Lanka) and Afridi (Scotland) have one each.

Player of the Tournament Standings (top of list, as of 23 September, ahead of final)

Player	Points
Shahid Afridi (Pak)	7
Stuart Clark (Aus)	6
Sanath Jayasuriya (SL)	6
Morne Morkel (SA)	6
Yuvraj Singh (Ind)	6
Matthew Hayden (Aus)	5
Brett Lee (Aus)	5
Craig McMillan (NZ)	5
Misbah-ul-Haq (Pak)	5
Younus Khan (Pak)	5
Nathan Bracken (Aus)	4
Dilhara Fernando (SL)	4
Shoaib Malik (Pak)	4

India’s Yuvraj Singh has done more than just break bowlers’ hearts during the ongoing ICC World Twenty20 in South Africa; he has also taken the record for the longest hit of the tournament so far.

The left-hander’s blow of 119 metres, one of five sixes he clobbered during a 30-ball innings of 70 against Australia in Saturday evening’s semi-final at Kingsmead, Durban has seen him claim top spot in the list of the biggest sixes in the 27-match event.

Yuvraj, who has hit 12 sixes in four innings in South Africa, has two entries among the 14 biggest blows ahead of the final – the other, of 105 metres, coming during his feat of hitting six sixes in one over off England’s Stuart Broad.

However, he has not hit most sixes in the tournament as his achievement of clearing the ropes 12 times is one behind New Zealand’s Craig McMillan, who has belted 13 maximums.

The ability to determine how far each six has been hit during the ICC World Twenty20 is the result of technology employed by the ICC’s new broadcast partner ESPN STAR Sports.

Yuvraj is one of two India batsmen in the list of the 14 biggest hits of the tournament thus far, with Robin Uthappa joining him courtesy of his 102 metre-six, also in the semi-final against Australia.

And also in that elite group are three Pakistan batsmen – Misbah-ul-Haq, Younus Khan and captain Shoaib Malik – and that trio will be among a host of batsmen capable of overtaking Yuvraj at the top of the list when India and Pakistan go head-to-head in Monday’s final.

That final will take place at The Wanderers in Johannesburg and as the venue is around 2000 metres above sea level there is every chance the current mark for the longest hit could be beaten as the theory is that the thinner air should mean the ball will fly further.

Despite that theory, only four of the 14 biggest hits (listed below) have come at The Wanderers with eight in Durban and two in Cape Town.

Both those Cape Town blows, together with one in Durban, have come from the bat of South Africa all-rounder Albie Morkel, who is the player that features most in the list with three appearances.

England and Australia’s bowlers are the ones to have suffered most at the hands of the very biggest hitters with players from the two line-ups hit for massive maximums four times each in that list of the 14 longest strikes.

Yuvraj’s prolific hitting has also given him the mark for the highest batting strike-rate in the tournament so far – 235.08 runs per hundred balls – for players with 75 runs or more. He goes into Monday’s final with 134 runs, including his half-centuries against England and Australia, from just 57 deliveries received.

Biggest sixes of the ICC World Twenty20 South Africa 2007 (as of 23 September, ahead of the final)

Rank	Distance	Player		Match
1	119m	Yuvraj Singh (Ind)	v	Australia, Durban
2	111m	Misbah-ul-Haq (Pak)	v	Australia, Jo’burg
3	110m	Matthew Hayden (Aus)	v	India, Durban
4	107m	Justin Kemp (SA)	v	New Zealand, Durban
5	106m	Albie Morkel (SA)	v	England, Cape Town
6=	105m	Yuvraj Singh (Ind)	v	England, Durban
6=	105m	Albie Morkel (SA)	v	India, Durban
8	104m	Darren Maddy (Eng)	v	New Zealand, Durban
9	103m	Younus Khan (Pak)	v	Sri Lanka, Jo’burg
10=	102m	Albie Morkel (SA)	v	England, Cape Town
10=	102m	Robin Uthappa (Ind)	v	Australia, Durban
12=	101m	Chris Gayle (WI)	v	South Africa, Jo’burg
12=	101m	Craig McMillan (NZ)	v	England, Durban
12=	101m	Shoaib Malik (Pak)	v	Australia, Jo’burg

Most sixes
13	Craig McMillan (NZ)
12	Yuvraj Singh (Ind)
10	Chris Gayle (WI)
10	Matthew Hayden (Aus)
10	Justin Kemp (SA)

India’s Yuvraj Singh has done more than just break bowlers’ hearts during the ongoing ICC World Twenty20 in South Africa; he has also taken the record for the longest hit of the tournament so far.

The left-hander’s blow of 119 metres, one of five sixes he clobbered during a 30-ball innings of 70 against Australia in Saturday evening’s semi-final at Kingsmead, Durban has seen him claim top spot in the list of the biggest sixes in the 27-match event.

Yuvraj, who has hit 12 sixes in four innings in South Africa, has two entries among the 14 biggest blows ahead of the final – the other, of 105 metres, coming during his feat of hitting six sixes in one over off England’s Stuart Broad.

However, he has not hit most sixes in the tournament as his achievement of clearing the ropes 12 times is one behind New Zealand’s Craig McMillan, who has belted 13 maximums.

The ability to determine how far each six has been hit during the ICC World Twenty20 is the result of technology employed by the ICC’s new broadcast partner ESPN STAR Sports.

Yuvraj is one of two India batsmen in the list of the 14 biggest hits of the tournament thus far, with Robin Uthappa joining him courtesy of his 102 metre-six, also in the semi-final against Australia.

And also in that elite group are three Pakistan batsmen – Misbah-ul-Haq, Younus Khan and captain Shoaib Malik – and that trio will be among a host of batsmen capable of overtaking Yuvraj at the top of the list when India and Pakistan go head-to-head in Monday’s final.

That final will take place at The Wanderers in Johannesburg and as the venue is around 2000 metres above sea level there is every chance the current mark for the longest hit could be beaten as the theory is that the thinner air should mean the ball will fly further.

Despite that theory, only four of the 14 biggest hits (listed below) have come at The Wanderers with eight in Durban and two in Cape Town.

Both those Cape Town blows, together with one in Durban, have come from the bat of South Africa all-rounder Albie Morkel, who is the player that features most in the list with three appearances.

England and Australia’s bowlers are the ones to have suffered most at the hands of the very biggest hitters with players from the two line-ups hit for massive maximums four times each in that list of the 14 longest strikes.

Yuvraj’s prolific hitting has also given him the mark for the highest batting strike-rate in the tournament so far – 235.08 runs per hundred balls – for players with 75 runs or more. He goes into Monday’s final with 134 runs, including his half-centuries against England and Australia, from just 57 deliveries received.

Biggest sixes of the ICC World Twenty20 South Africa 2007 (as of 23 September, ahead of the final)

Rank	Distance	Player		Match
1	119m	Yuvraj Singh (Ind)	v	Australia, Durban
2	111m	Misbah-ul-Haq (Pak)	v	Australia, Jo’burg
3	110m	Matthew Hayden (Aus)	v	India, Durban
4	107m	Justin Kemp (SA)	v	New Zealand, Durban
5	106m	Albie Morkel (SA)	v	England, Cape Town
6=	105m	Yuvraj Singh (Ind)	v	England, Durban
6=	105m	Albie Morkel (SA)	v	India, Durban
8	104m	Darren Maddy (Eng)	v	New Zealand, Durban
9	103m	Younus Khan (Pak)	v	Sri Lanka, Jo’burg
10=	102m	Albie Morkel (SA)	v	England, Cape Town
10=	102m	Robin Uthappa (Ind)	v	Australia, Durban
12=	101m	Chris Gayle (WI)	v	South Africa, Jo’burg
12=	101m	Craig McMillan (NZ)	v	England, Durban
12=	101m	Shoaib Malik (Pak)	v	Australia, Jo’burg

Most sixes
13	Craig McMillan (NZ)
12	Yuvraj Singh (Ind)
10	Chris Gayle (WI)
10	Matthew Hayden (Aus)
10	Justin Kemp (SA)

India fined for slow over-rate

India player Shanthakumaran Sreesanth has been fined 25 per cent of his match fee for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during his side’s semi-final against Australia in the ICC World Twenty20 South Africa 2007 at Kingsmead on Saturday.

The India team has also been fined for maintaining a slow over-rate after falling one over short of its requirement when time allowances were taken into consideration.

Sreesanth pleaded guilty to a Level 1 offence in a hearing convened by Emirates Elite Panel ICC Match Referee Chris Broad after play concluded in Durban.

The player accepted he breached clause 1.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct which relates to excessive appealing following a delivery he bowled to Matthew Hayden during the fourth over of Australia’s innings.

Explaining his decision, Mr Broad said: “When appealing for a decision a player has to realize he only needs to ask the question once and not over and over again, especially after the umpire has already turned down the appeal.

“Sreesanth was out of order and the incident set a poor example for the millions of people watching either at the venue or on television.

“It was a point he accepted by pleading guilty and, given the fact he has already made regular appearances in Code of Conduct hearings over the past 12 months, he can consider himself fortunate not to be facing a heavier punishment.

“One pleasing aspect of the hearing was that the India captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, accepted his role in the conduct of his players and, as such, I am sure he will remind Sreesanth of his responsibilities to himself, his team and the game in future.

“In addition to the fine levied, I also warned Sreesanth about his conduct going forward and if he continues to breach the Code of Conduct he can expect more severe penalties to come his way.”

India’s slow-over rate saw the team one over short of completing its allocation after time allowances were taken into consideration. That failing saw the players docked five per cent of their match fees with Dhoni, as captain, fined double that amount, a 10 per cent punishment.

Level 1 breaches of the ICC Code of Conduct carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand up to a maximum punishment of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee.

A player does not have a right of appeal in the case of Level 1 offences.

The charges were brought by on-field umpires Mark Benson and Asad Rauf, third official Billy Doctrove and Tony Hill, the fourth umpire.

Present at the hearing, in addition to Sreesanth, the four umpires and the match referee were India manager Sunil Dev and captain Dhoni.

Video evidence was available but was not required as the player pleaded guilty to the offence.

India fined for slow over-rate

India player Shanthakumaran Sreesanth has been fined 25 per cent of his match fee for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during his side’s semi-final against Australia in the ICC World Twenty20 South Africa 2007 at Kingsmead on Saturday.

The India team has also been fined for maintaining a slow over-rate after falling one over short of its requirement when time allowances were taken into consideration.

Sreesanth pleaded guilty to a Level 1 offence in a hearing convened by Emirates Elite Panel ICC Match Referee Chris Broad after play concluded in Durban.

The player accepted he breached clause 1.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct which relates to excessive appealing following a delivery he bowled to Matthew Hayden during the fourth over of Australia’s innings.

Explaining his decision, Mr Broad said: “When appealing for a decision a player has to realize he only needs to ask the question once and not over and over again, especially after the umpire has already turned down the appeal.

“Sreesanth was out of order and the incident set a poor example for the millions of people watching either at the venue or on television.

“It was a point he accepted by pleading guilty and, given the fact he has already made regular appearances in Code of Conduct hearings over the past 12 months, he can consider himself fortunate not to be facing a heavier punishment.

“One pleasing aspect of the hearing was that the India captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, accepted his role in the conduct of his players and, as such, I am sure he will remind Sreesanth of his responsibilities to himself, his team and the game in future.

“In addition to the fine levied, I also warned Sreesanth about his conduct going forward and if he continues to breach the Code of Conduct he can expect more severe penalties to come his way.”

India’s slow-over rate saw the team one over short of completing its allocation after time allowances were taken into consideration. That failing saw the players docked five per cent of their match fees with Dhoni, as captain, fined double that amount, a 10 per cent punishment.

Level 1 breaches of the ICC Code of Conduct carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand up to a maximum punishment of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee.

A player does not have a right of appeal in the case of Level 1 offences.

The charges were brought by on-field umpires Mark Benson and Asad Rauf, third official Billy Doctrove and Tony Hill, the fourth umpire.

Present at the hearing, in addition to Sreesanth, the four umpires and the match referee were India manager Sunil Dev and captain Dhoni.

Video evidence was available but was not required as the player pleaded guilty to the offence.

Durban – Sreesanth had bowled his heart out and completed his quota of four overs by the 15th over. Australia then regained lost ground by scoring 27 runs in the next two overs off Joginder Sharma and Irfan Pathan to need 30 for victory with six wickets in hand in the ICC World Twenty20 semi final at the Kingsmead Cricket Ground on a heady Saturday night.

The rookie paceman Joginder Sharma was getting ready to deliver the 18th over when off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, the most seasoned campaigner in the India squad, walked up to his captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and asked for the ball. The rest – as the cliche goes – is history, Harbhajan Singh stifling Australia with a magical over when he conceded just three runs and bowled Michael Clarke with a yorker.

"Being the senior bowler in the team, you have to bowl the pressure overs where you feel the match can take a twist," Harbhajan Singh told the tournament's official website in an exclusive chat. "Australia needed 30 runs in three overs and Joginder Singh was to bowl the 18th. He is inexperienced and I walked up to Dhoni and asked for the ball. I told him that if I bowl that over and concede just five runs, the job of bowling the last two overs would become easier."

He said it was necessary to have a big heart when playing against a top side like Australia. "You have to be on top of your game, soak in the pressure. The team looks forward to big performances from you. It was great fun to be rubbing shoulders against Australia again and it is nice to perform against a team like that. You have to work harder, more intensely against such a side. You can't relax even for a moment against them."

The 28-year-old said anyone could have bowled that since it would not be easy to hit a boundary off every ball in the last over. "I loved the challenge and took up the responsibility," he said. "I am happy God is with me and I am doing a good job for the team. To be just playing good cricket is great fun. And beating Australia was delightful.

"The last time we played them in an ICC event here was the World Cup 2003 final and they had beaten us hollow." Harbhajan Singh. "I believe that tonight we played the kind of cricket that Australia had played then. I think in the end, we outplayed them."

Asked if he saw himself as the senior bowling pro in the squad, he was generous in his praise of his colleagues, taking pride in their performance. "Obviously everyone has been bowling well. RP Singh and Sreesanth have been terrific with the new ball. Irfan Pathan is chipping in with very good spells and has been taking wickets as well. It is great to see the three of them among the wickets," he said. "My role is to stop the flow of runs and also bowl the crucial overs. I am enjoying the opportunities and the responsibilities."

Try and probe if he is hurt at having to sit out of the Indian squad in the recent months and he does not easily let you get a handle on his feelings. "You tend to feel bad when you are out of the side. Especially if you have play seven or eight years. There is nothing you can do about it. I am grateful to Surrey that it called me there at a crucial time. They needed me there and I bowled well and made sure that the team did not get relegated. If I hadn't been playing cricket, I may have been feeling worse. I am delighted I am back in the Indian side and that I am helping the team. We are getting the results and I am happy that it is going well."

He is aware of the irony that India and Pakistan went out of the first round at the ICC World Cup 2007 a few months ago and are now meeting in the ICC World Twenty 20 final. "Cricket is a funny game. We had taken a big side to the World Cup and I was surprised that we went out of the first round," he said. "It wasn't the end of the road. We went through some tough times but we have had to take it in our stride. We are looking forward to playing the final and hopefully it will be a great game of cricket."

Harbhajan Singh returned to his role as a senior in the squad. "This has been a good tournament and we are a young and inexperienced side but hats off to these guys that they have put up their hands and performed in difficult situations. It shows a lot of character," he said. "Look at how Rohit Sharma played the other day against South Africa. It was brilliant that he could play so well under pressure against the favourite team. It is great to see them take up responsibility and if they keep playing to potential, India has a great chance to be the best side in the world."

Durban – Sreesanth had bowled his heart out and completed his quota of four overs by the 15th over. Australia then regained lost ground by scoring 27 runs in the next two overs off Joginder Sharma and Irfan Pathan to need 30 for victory with six wickets in hand in the ICC World Twenty20 semi final at the Kingsmead Cricket Ground on a heady Saturday night.

The rookie paceman Joginder Sharma was getting ready to deliver the 18th over when off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, the most seasoned campaigner in the India squad, walked up to his captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and asked for the ball. The rest – as the cliche goes – is history, Harbhajan Singh stifling Australia with a magical over when he conceded just three runs and bowled Michael Clarke with a yorker.

"Being the senior bowler in the team, you have to bowl the pressure overs where you feel the match can take a twist," Harbhajan Singh told the tournament's official website in an exclusive chat. "Australia needed 30 runs in three overs and Joginder Singh was to bowl the 18th. He is inexperienced and I walked up to Dhoni and asked for the ball. I told him that if I bowl that over and concede just five runs, the job of bowling the last two overs would become easier."

He said it was necessary to have a big heart when playing against a top side like Australia. "You have to be on top of your game, soak in the pressure. The team looks forward to big performances from you. It was great fun to be rubbing shoulders against Australia again and it is nice to perform against a team like that. You have to work harder, more intensely against such a side. You can't relax even for a moment against them."

The 28-year-old said anyone could have bowled that since it would not be easy to hit a boundary off every ball in the last over. "I loved the challenge and took up the responsibility," he said. "I am happy God is with me and I am doing a good job for the team. To be just playing good cricket is great fun. And beating Australia was delightful.

"The last time we played them in an ICC event here was the World Cup 2003 final and they had beaten us hollow." Harbhajan Singh. "I believe that tonight we played the kind of cricket that Australia had played then. I think in the end, we outplayed them."

Asked if he saw himself as the senior bowling pro in the squad, he was generous in his praise of his colleagues, taking pride in their performance. "Obviously everyone has been bowling well. RP Singh and Sreesanth have been terrific with the new ball. Irfan Pathan is chipping in with very good spells and has been taking wickets as well. It is great to see the three of them among the wickets," he said. "My role is to stop the flow of runs and also bowl the crucial overs. I am enjoying the opportunities and the responsibilities."

Try and probe if he is hurt at having to sit out of the Indian squad in the recent months and he does not easily let you get a handle on his feelings. "You tend to feel bad when you are out of the side. Especially if you have play seven or eight years. There is nothing you can do about it. I am grateful to Surrey that it called me there at a crucial time. They needed me there and I bowled well and made sure that the team did not get relegated. If I hadn't been playing cricket, I may have been feeling worse. I am delighted I am back in the Indian side and that I am helping the team. We are getting the results and I am happy that it is going well."

He is aware of the irony that India and Pakistan went out of the first round at the ICC World Cup 2007 a few months ago and are now meeting in the ICC World Twenty 20 final. "Cricket is a funny game. We had taken a big side to the World Cup and I was surprised that we went out of the first round," he said. "It wasn't the end of the road. We went through some tough times but we have had to take it in our stride. We are looking forward to playing the final and hopefully it will be a great game of cricket."

Harbhajan Singh returned to his role as a senior in the squad. "This has been a good tournament and we are a young and inexperienced side but hats off to these guys that they have put up their hands and performed in difficult situations. It shows a lot of character," he said. "Look at how Rohit Sharma played the other day against South Africa. It was brilliant that he could play so well under pressure against the favourite team. It is great to see them take up responsibility and if they keep playing to potential, India has a great chance to be the best side in the world."

Durban: You could reach out and touch the electricity in the air as a charged up Yuvraj Singh led an Indian resurgence to a comfortable 188 for five in 20 overs against Australia in the ICC World Twenty20 semifinal at the Kingsmead Cricket Ground here tonight. For the second time in five nights, he creamed the opposition attack to make a breezy half-century.

His knock of 70 off 30 deliveries (five fours and five sixes), coupled with spirited efforts by Robin Uthappa (34, 28 balls, one four, three sixes) and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (36, 18 balls, four fours and a six) strengthened the dreams of thousands in the stadium and millions in the sub-continent – the juicy prospect of an India-Pakistan final in Johannesburg on Monday.

Before the start of the match, the question on top of everyone's mind was whether Yuvraj would be fit to play the game. The explosive left-hander had sat out of the match against South Africa with a sore elbow but he ruled himself fit to take on the Australians. And he engineered so much electricity in the atmosphere that the stadium lights could have been powered by that.

Yuvraj Singh walked in at the fall of Gautam Gambhir's wicket at 41 after the opener had made 24 but eight overs had already been played and Australia was on top of its game. He pulled the second ball he faced over square-leg and announced his intentions of leading an India fightback in a knock that reminded many of his innings against Australia in Nairobi back in 2000.

His clinical aggression negated the many dot balls that Uthappa was forced to play in his quest to ensure that India would not lose more wickets and come under additional pressure. India raced from 60 in the 10th over to finish with 188 – a whopping 128 runs in the second half of the innings. Yuvraj can take credit for giving direction to the 84-run stand with Uthappa.

Adam Gilchrist, leading the side in Ricky Ponting's absence, and Staurt Clark – man of the match in the team's sensational win over Sri Lanka a couple of days ago challenged Yuvraj with a strong leg-side. The Indian vice-captain picked up the gauntlet and creamed the pace bowler for 20 runs, including a pulled six over mid-wicket and two fours over the cover fielder.

Uthappa, who lived a charmed life at the start, settled down to hit three sixes, including two in succession off Mitchell Johnson before he was run out, Dhoni provided the thrust after Yuvraj Singh fell to a catch at mid-wicket when he attempted to hoist left-arm spinner Michael Clarke over the fielder but did not manage enough elevation.

Who would not love an India-Pakistan final to come at the climax of the fortnight-long tournament? Well, perhaps the Australians don't they have to chase 189 to secure victory to stop that. Can Australia chase 189 for victory, prove its credentials as the world's most feared team and sour that India-Pakistan dream?

Just 20 overs remain between a dream that few would have seen a couple of weeks ago and its actualisation. It may be tough even for Australia to bounce back from the thrashing that it received from Yuvraj Singh and company in the second half of the innings.

Australia Squad
Adam Gilchrist (Captain and wicket-keeper), Matthew Hayden, Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey, Andrew Symonds, Brad Hodge, Brad Haddin, Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson, Stuart Clark, Nathan Bracken.

India Squad
Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Robin Uthappa, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Captain and wicket-keeper), Yuvraj Singh, Rohit Sharma, Irfan Pathan, Joginder Sharma, Harbhajan Singh, Rudra Pratap Singh, S Sreesanth

Officials
Chris Broad (match referee)
Asad Rauf and Mark Benson (umpires)
Billy Doctrove (third)
Tony Hill (fourth)

Durban: You could reach out and touch the electricity in the air as a charged up Yuvraj Singh led an Indian resurgence to a comfortable 188 for five in 20 overs against Australia in the ICC World Twenty20 semifinal at the Kingsmead Cricket Ground here tonight. For the second time in five nights, he creamed the opposition attack to make a breezy half-century.

His knock of 70 off 30 deliveries (five fours and five sixes), coupled with spirited efforts by Robin Uthappa (34, 28 balls, one four, three sixes) and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (36, 18 balls, four fours and a six) strengthened the dreams of thousands in the stadium and millions in the sub-continent – the juicy prospect of an India-Pakistan final in Johannesburg on Monday.

Before the start of the match, the question on top of everyone's mind was whether Yuvraj would be fit to play the game. The explosive left-hander had sat out of the match against South Africa with a sore elbow but he ruled himself fit to take on the Australians. And he engineered so much electricity in the atmosphere that the stadium lights could have been powered by that.

Yuvraj Singh walked in at the fall of Gautam Gambhir's wicket at 41 after the opener had made 24 but eight overs had already been played and Australia was on top of its game. He pulled the second ball he faced over square-leg and announced his intentions of leading an India fightback in a knock that reminded many of his innings against Australia in Nairobi back in 2000.

His clinical aggression negated the many dot balls that Uthappa was forced to play in his quest to ensure that India would not lose more wickets and come under additional pressure. India raced from 60 in the 10th over to finish with 188 – a whopping 128 runs in the second half of the innings. Yuvraj can take credit for giving direction to the 84-run stand with Uthappa.

Adam Gilchrist, leading the side in Ricky Ponting's absence, and Staurt Clark – man of the match in the team's sensational win over Sri Lanka a couple of days ago challenged Yuvraj with a strong leg-side. The Indian vice-captain picked up the gauntlet and creamed the pace bowler for 20 runs, including a pulled six over mid-wicket and two fours over the cover fielder.

Uthappa, who lived a charmed life at the start, settled down to hit three sixes, including two in succession off Mitchell Johnson before he was run out, Dhoni provided the thrust after Yuvraj Singh fell to a catch at mid-wicket when he attempted to hoist left-arm spinner Michael Clarke over the fielder but did not manage enough elevation.

Who would not love an India-Pakistan final to come at the climax of the fortnight-long tournament? Well, perhaps the Australians don't they have to chase 189 to secure victory to stop that. Can Australia chase 189 for victory, prove its credentials as the world's most feared team and sour that India-Pakistan dream?

Just 20 overs remain between a dream that few would have seen a couple of weeks ago and its actualisation. It may be tough even for Australia to bounce back from the thrashing that it received from Yuvraj Singh and company in the second half of the innings.

Australia Squad
Adam Gilchrist (Captain and wicket-keeper), Matthew Hayden, Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey, Andrew Symonds, Brad Hodge, Brad Haddin, Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson, Stuart Clark, Nathan Bracken.

India Squad
Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Robin Uthappa, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Captain and wicket-keeper), Yuvraj Singh, Rohit Sharma, Irfan Pathan, Joginder Sharma, Harbhajan Singh, Rudra Pratap Singh, S Sreesanth

Officials
Chris Broad (match referee)
Asad Rauf and Mark Benson (umpires)
Billy Doctrove (third)
Tony Hill (fourth)