OTD: Yuvraj Singh’s superb knock guided India to victory over Australia in semifinal clash of 2007 T20 World Cup

On this day, 16 years ago, former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh guided India towards a win by 15 runs over Australia in the semifinal clash during the 2007 T20I World Cup held in South Africa. Later, the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup was won by Men in Blue under the captaincy of legendary cricketer MS Dhoni. Notably, this was the first win for MS Dhoni as the skipper, whereas Team India is still on the hunt to win yet another T20 World Cup after 2007.

Speaking about the match, it was India skipper MS Dhoni who won the toss and invited Australia to field first. After opting to bat first, the Men in Blue had an awful start as openers Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag cheaply departed after scoring 24 and 9 runs, respectively. Following the same, star all-rounder Yuvraj Singh hammered 70 runs from 30 balls, featuring five sixes and five boundaries, with a solid strike of 234. He built a great partnership with wicketkeeper batter MS Dhoni, who also racked up 36 runs to post a massive total of 188/5 in the given 20 overs.

Later, while chasing, Australia had an absolutely terrific start as skipper Adam Gilchrist and opener Matthew Hayden piled up 22 and 62 runs, respectively. Following that, Andrew Symonds also scored 43 runs in their attempt to reach the target. However, the MS Dhoni-led young side held their nerves and was able to defend the target, which got them the win by 15 runs in Durban.

I just went out there and played as well as I could: Yuvraj Singh

Notably, the great middle-order batter Yuvraj Singh received the Player of the Match award for his wonderful knock that allowed India to reach the finals and ended the journey of Adam Gilchrist’s side. Meanwhile, after winning the Player of the Match award, the southpaw opened up about the pragmatic skills and tactic approach he used during the play.

“We needed runs on the board playing against a team like Australia. I just went out there and played as well as I could. I’m happy the way I’m hitting the ball and want to continue like this in the last game. India v Pakistan is always a big game and it’s a dream to get a match-up like that,” Yuvraj Singh said during post match presentation.

Yuvraj Singh classic in World Cup Semi-final…..!!!!

Yuvraj Singh smashed 70 from just 30 balls including 5 sixes & 5 fours against Mighty Australia when India was in big trouble with 60/2 from 10 overs "On this day in 2007".pic.twitter.com/3CndX0uHsR

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 22, 2023