| Twenty20
is the newest form of cricket, introduced officially in 2005.
Two years later, the first ICC Twenty20 World Cup was played
in South Africa. Only 19 Twenty20 Internationals were played
before the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 2007.
This mega event was one of the most exciting cricket events
of all time as it attracted millions of c fans all over the
world.
India won the first ICC Twenty20 World Cup by achieving a
dramatic five-run victory against Pakistan in an exciting
finish. Both teams had earlier in Durban played a group match
which was settled by a bowl out after a dramatic tie, the
first such instance in the history of cricket.
In all, twelve teams participated in the tournament: Australia,
Bangladesh, England, India, Kenya, New Zealand, Pakistan,
Scotland, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Zimbabwe.
All these teams were divided into four groups of three each,
with the top two qualifying for two pools of four each in
the Super Eight stage from which the top two teams went on
to play the seemi-finals.
Australia and New Zealand entered into semi-finals along
with India and Pakistan who beat them to reach the final.
The dramatic final is still remembered as the most entertaining
and suspenseful match.
Pakistan very narrowly failed to achieve the target of 157
runs and were all out for 152 in 19.3 overs and India emerged
victorious in the end.
Now, the second ICC Twenty20 World Cup is being staged in
England from June 5 to 21.
Like in the first, the number of contesting teams is twelve
with Ireland and Netherlands replacing Kenya and Zimbabwe.
By Mushtaq A Subhani
|
Pakistan overcame a late order flurry from New Zealand to win the second Twenty20 international by seven runs at Dubai Stadium on Friday, taking the two-match series 2-0.