Cricket Classics - Part XX : 2009 T20 World Cup Final – Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
Hello, fellow Sports Enthusiasts,
Cricket is not just a sport between two teams; it's a battle of skills, strategy, and capitalizing on clutch moments. Although the game has transformed over the decades, it has never failed to impress or leave us with unforgettable moments.
So, through this series, I will present some of the most iconic cricket matches that have made fans jump out of their seats. Let's remember those legendary games once a week. I am with another iconic match.
Last week, I discussed the 2007 inauguration edition of the T20 World Cup, in which India defeated Pakistan to become champions. So, let's move on to the second edition.
In 2009, the teams and fans were more used in the shortest format. We saw improvisations, drama, and some thrilling cricket. The tournament was held in England from the 5th to the 21st of June 2009 with 12 teams in 4 groups. For the first time, the women's tournament was also played in parallel with this.
The Sri Lanka team was led by Kumar Sangakkara, with a collection of some legendary players like Tillakaratne Dilshan and Sanath Jayasuriya, Mahela Jayawardana, Muththiah Muralidaran, Ajantha Mendis, and Lasith Malinga. They defeated big teams in the Group stage, super 08 and had a comfortable victory in semi-final over the West Indies. Dilshan was especially unstoppable with his innovative shot Dilscoop. In the semi, he scored 96* off 57 balls.
Younis Khan captained the Pakistan team, which had many players from the 2007 runners-up squad: Aamir, Umar Gul, Shahid Afridi, Kamran Akmal, Misbah, etc. They had a lousy start losing to England but bounced back with a solid effort. Pakistan won by just 7 runs in the semifinals against Proteas to seal their spot in the finals.
The date was 21 June 2009, in Lord's, London, the homeground of Cricket. Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat. The first over was bowled by Mohammad Amir, against the top run scorer of the tournament Dilshan. Pakistan had a plan, and they executed it well. Four short balls, and Dilshan couldn't score runs freely. He attempted a Dilscoop in the next ball, mistimed, and caught at the fine leg. From there, Sri Lanka struggled to recover as the Sri Lankan top order couldn't accelerate from there.
Kumar Sangakkara anchored the innings from one side with a fighting knock of 64 runs off 52 balls. After 13 overs, we were just 70/6. Sangakkara and Mathews had a small partnership from there; we could score just 138/6 in their 20 overs. It was a below-par score, thanks to the Pakistan ballers. Abdul Razzaq especially had key breakthroughs in the middle overs, taking 3/20.
With a similar kind of chase in 2007, Pakistan had a slow yet steady start. Kamran Akmal and Shahzaib Hasan got a 48-run partnership for the first wicket, then Shahid Afridi took charge and solidify the chase. He scored freely, and quickly making the hopes high. It was a responsible fifty from him. Soib Malik helped him from the other end.
Pakistan reached the target in 18.4 overs with 8 wickets remaining, and lifted their maiden World cup trophy. And once again Sri Lanka team lose at a final, after the 2007 ODI World cup loss. Dilshan became the player of tournament.
See you at the next episode!! You can always suggest a match to discuss in the next episode.
src - Wikipedia
espncricinfo
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@damithudaya
I bet you enjoy these moments of nostalgia. I used to do similar, writing about football.
Quick question - have you had a chance to support my proposal to update Steemit’s interface?
Of course, this is what makes me happy...
Sorry for the late reply; it's Sinhala and Tamil New Year in Sri Lanka... I'll look in to it for sure!
Oh cool, what date does that happen?
Happy New Year 🥳
It's 14th of April! And thank you!
https://steemit.com/hive-133716/@damithudaya/sinhala-and-tamil-new-year-celebration-with-the-family-or-10-to-sl-charity#
https://steemit.com/hive-111825/@damithudaya/cultural-contest-spreading-sri-lankan-identity-sinhalese-new-year
That's easy for me to remember - it's the same day as my youngest boy's birthday 🙂 (unless it's not, in which case it isn't)
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Of course I will support you. What name are you on the list? I can't find it... Sorry about that!
Thank you. It's my proposal that really needs support on this page - https://steemitwallet.com/proposals
The approach some people have taken which I really like is to just set my as their witness voting proxy which will achieve the same thing - https://steemitwallet.com/~witnesses
And adding the-gorilla here:
I really like the witness proxy option since a lot of people have little interest in this side of Steemit and it means I wouldn't have to ask again in the future.
Hope everything is alright!
Sorry for not replying sooner, I’ve not looked up from the code for the past 21/2 days!
It looks good, thank you. I hope you like the work that I do 😊
Hello dear brother,The name of Mr Gorilla on the list is @the-gorilla.
Brother you can simply do it by clicking on the menu on the Top corner of Steemit and then choose the option for **Vote for witnesses” and then scroll down and their you can choose your proxy @the-gorilla. I hope you understand my brother😊, if any other problem persists then let me know.