Dash of colour in rainbow nation to usher in T20 era

The inaugural World Twenty20 in 2007 was an extravaganza like no other.

Published : Sep 24, 2017 00:01 IST

Chris Gayle's century (in vain) against the host in the first match in Johannesburg set the tone for the rest of the tourney. Photo: Getty Images

Underdog Zimbabwe pulled off the biggest upset - a victory over 50-over champion Australia. Brendan Taylor was the hero with the bat who took his team across the line. Photo: Getty Images

Another surprise was in store in the round-robin stage when Pakistan, needing one run to defeat India off two deliveries, came up short and fluffed the ensuing bowl-out. Photo: Getty Images

Australia was not to be pipped by another minnow, however, as it flexed its muscles to down Bangladesh by nine wickets in Cape Town. Photo: Getty Images

Pakistan also bounced back well, defeating Asian neighbour Sri Lanka by 33 runs in Johannesburg. Photo: Getty Images

New Zealand, the eventual semifinalist, enjoyed a good day in the field against England, effecting three run-outs to claim a narrow victory in Durban. Photo: Getty Images

Cheerleaders' athletic manoeuvres, disk jockeys blaring out pop songs, and teams huddled in dugouts were new sights in a cricket contest. Photo: Getty Images

Men wielding the willow and the ball were performers within the cricket field, though. Pakistan's Misbah-ul-Haq was among them; his unbeaten 66 helped his team defeat Australia. Photo: Getty Images

Justin Kemp's unbeaten 89 off 56 balls was another blitz that proved match-winning as South Africa defeated New Zealand. Photo: Getty Images

In the semifinals, Australia wasn't the team that had been caught napping against Zimbabwe. But against India, despite an all-round gritty performance, it bowed out. Photo: Getty Images

It seemed Misbah had reserved his best moment for the last. Taking Pakistan to within five runs of a come-from-behind win in the final, he attempted an ill-fated scoop - a moment firmly etched in the minds of fans from India and Pakistan - to hand India the title. Photo: Getty Images

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Chris Gayle's century (in vain) against the host in the first match in Johannesburg set the tone for the rest of the tourney. Photo: Getty Images
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