On This Day 2007: India Beat Pakistan in Bowl-Out After T20WC Match Ended in Tie
On September 14, 2007, India secured a historic 3-0 bowl-out victory against Pakistan at the ICC World Twenty20 in Durban, South Africa. Their Group D match ended in a tie, with both teams scoring 141 runs. India's bowlers successfully hit the stumps, while Pakistan's missed.
Nineteen years ago today, on September 14, 2007, the cricketing world witnessed an unprecedented event as India defeated Pakistan in a thrilling bowl-out during their Group D encounter at the inaugural ICC World Twenty20. The match, played at Kingsmead Cricket Ground in Durban, South Africa, not only showcased the fierce rivalry between the two nations but also etched a rare tie-breaking method into the annals of the sport. India Clinch Women's Asia Cup 2026; Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana And Shree Charani Seal Record 8th Title.
Watch - India Beat Pakistan in Historic T20 World Cup Bowl-Out
❌ @mdk_gul
❌ @SAfridiOfficial#OnThisDay in 2007 India v Pakistan at #WT20 finished in a tie… and India won the bowl-out! pic.twitter.com/sN2dZMyLN2
— ICC (@ICC) September 14, 2018
The high-stakes contest saw both teams finish their allotted 20 overs on identical scores of 141. Batting first, India posted 141/9, anchored by a crucial half-century from Robin Uthappa, who scored 50 runs. Mohammad Asif was the pick of the Pakistani bowlers, claiming exceptional figures of 4 wickets for just 18 runs.
Pakistan's Spirited Chase and Dramatic Tie
In response, Pakistan's chase was fraught with tension. Despite losing early wickets, Misbah-ul-Haq played a magnificent innings, scoring 53 runs to keep his team in contention. The match went down to the wire, with Pakistan needing one run off the final two deliveries. However, Misbah-ul-Haq was dramatically run out off the last ball, with India's S. Sreesanth involved in the dismissal, leaving Pakistan also on 141/7 and forcing the game into a bowl-out.
The Decisive Bowl-Out
The bowl-out, a tie-breaking method similar to a penalty shootout in football, required five players from each team to bowl at an unguarded set of stumps. MS Dhoni's tactical acumen came to the fore as he opted for players known for their accuracy rather than pure pace. India's chosen bowlers – Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, and Robin Uthappa – each successfully hit the stumps with their attempts.
In stark contrast, Pakistan's nominated bowlers – Yasir Arafat, Umar Gul, and Shahid Afridi – all missed the target, resulting in a decisive 3-0 victory for India. Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik later admitted that his team was largely unaware of the bowl-out rule, a factor that undoubtedly contributed to their outcome. Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan Power India to Win Over Afghanistan in 1st T20I 2026.
Bowl-Out Summary
| Team | Player | Result |
|---|---|---|
| India | Virender Sehwag | Hit |
| India | Harbhajan Singh | Hit |
| India | Robin Uthappa | Hit |
| Pakistan | Yasir Arafat | Miss |
| Pakistan | Umar Gul | Miss |
| Pakistan | Shahid Afridi | Miss |
This iconic bowl-out remains the only instance of its kind in T20 World Cup history, as the rule was subsequently replaced by the 'Super Over' for tied matches. The dramatic victory provided a significant confidence boost for the young Indian squad, laying the groundwork for their eventual triumph in the inaugural tournament, where they once again defeated Pakistan in a thrilling final.
The match stands as a testament to the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket and the enduring intensity of the India-Pakistan rivalry, a memory cherished by fans as a unique chapter in the sport.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 14, 2026 10:59 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
