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India was the champions of the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup 2007. The Men in Blue kissed the cup after an exciting final against Pakistan. India scored 158/5 in the 20 overs. Pakistan, in reply, was shot out for 153 runs in 19.2 overs. Thus, India registered a five-run win in Johannesburg, South Africa.
How MS Dhoni prepared the Indian team for a potential bowl out in the 2007 T20 World Cup ๐ฅ
The bowl out between India and Pakistan took place #OnThisDay that year ๐ pic.twitter.com/oOkPO15hXH
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) September 14, 2022
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It has been 15 years since that memorable night. India never got a second chance to clinch the cup. West Indies won the title twice. Pakistan, Australia, and Sri Lanka also bagged the trophy. India entered the final once, in 2014, where they lost to hosts Sri Lanka. They also entered the semifinal in the 2016 edition. However, West Indies downed India in that game and later won the trophy.
Indiaโs chances in the ICC T20 World Cup
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Suryakumar Yadav. These are the top four batters in the Indian line-up and it stands threatening to any opposition. The latest entrant, Suryakumar Yadav, is ranked number 2 in the ICC T20 rankings. Meanwhile, KL Rahulโs consistency and form are a big plus. Experienced stars, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli further add value and depth, making the top order look top-notch.
From turning dreams into reality, learning from @imVkohli & @ABdeVilliers17 to getting appreciated by @DineshKarthik. ๐ ๐ #TeamIndia @rrjjt_01 sums up his incredible journey ahead of the #INDvSA ODI series. ๐ ๐ – By @ameyatilak
Full interview ๐ฅ ๐ฝhttps://t.co/mGMtKSKAEc pic.twitter.com/AEIV0V4mvl
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 5, 2022
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Hardik Pandya is doing better of late, as an all-rounder. Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik are likely to take the next two spots in the lineup. Indiaโs middle order has not quite delivered well in recent times. It is one area the team would have to keep an eye on, in order to win the cup.
India also will have to up their bowling in death overs, as well as fielding. They are one of the most aged teams appearing in this edition. While age comes with experience, India needs to be mindful of fielding standards.
Will India win the cup?
India is placed in a relatively safer group. They have to play South Africa, Windies, and Pakistan, alongside two qualified teams in the group stage. As per the current form, they have a decent chance of entering the semis. But each loss could be a setback, and their aim will be to win a minimum of four out of the first five matches.
๐. ๐. ๐. ๐. ๐. ๐. ๐. ๐. ๐! ๐
Congratulations to #TeamIndia on winning the T20I series win against South Africa. ๐ ๐#INDvSA | @mastercardindia pic.twitter.com/VWuSL7xf8W
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 4, 2022
As per many experts, India has a good chance of entering the semifinals. The rest will depend on how they perform under pressure. Indian fans and experts would hope Rohit and Co win the T20 World Cup, and come back smiling.
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