Overview:
Chasing 160, India was struggling at 31 for 4, but Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 82 led India to an incredible victory at the MCG.
Former India skipper Rohit Sharma, now the ambassador for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, reflected on some of the most memorable moments from the India-Pakistan rivalry, calling the 2007 final his most cherished match in T20 World Cup history.
Rohit was a part of every India-Pakistan encounter in the T20 World Cup before retiring in 2024. From his early days as a young player in 2007 to captaining the team in the intense encounters of 2022 and 2024, Rohit’s path reflects how India started dominating rivals in the global tournament.
Former opener pointed out that nothing can match the historic moment when India claimed their maiden T20 World Cup title in 2007.
“My favourite T20 World Cup match against Pakistan has to be the final we played. Nothing compares to that moment. We went on to win the World Cup,” Rohit said.
The 2007 tournament featured two India-Pakistan matches. In addition to the memorable final in Johannesburg, their group-stage game ended in a thrilling tie, which was decided by the tournament’s first-ever bowl-out.
“That same year, we also faced Pakistan in a league match, which was the only game in the tournament decided by a bowl-out, and we came out on top there too. So, both World Cup encounters in 2007 were truly special,” Rohit remembered.
The rivalry took another unforgettable turn at the Melbourne Cricket Ground during the 2022 T20 World Cup. After Rohit was dismissed during the chase, he watched the Men in Blue going past the Men in Green.
“Yeah, I was in the dressing room. Then I stepped out, but I got nervous and went back in. When the game is so close, especially when you’re off the field and unable to do anything, it takes away your control, and I felt helpless. Watching the game unfold without being able to do anything about it really makes you feel powerless,” he added.
Chasing 160, India was struggling at 31 for 4, but Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 82 led India to an incredible victory at the MCG.
“Kohli played an incredible knock. It was truly special to watch because we were in no position to win, especially after the way we started.
“But the way we finished was outstanding. It has to be one of the greatest games we’ve ever played, considering the occasion. It was a World Cup match,” he concluded.