India snatch close victory

India defied all preconceived theories about cricket's newest format by relying on their natural skills to beat Pakistan by five runs to win the inaugural ICC World Twenty20.

Their decision to leave behind players like Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid paid dividends, however, when their next generation completed a last-over victory over arch-rivals Pakistan at the Wanderers.

Marginal underdogs before the start, their chance appeared to have gone when they were limited to 157 for five at a ground which has three 200-plus totals during the tournament but a combination of accurate bowling, explosive fielding and a sub-standard batting display from Pakistan ensured their biggest rivals were dismissed for 152 in reply.

It was left to opener Gautam Gambhir to provide nearly half of India's runs by scoring a superb 75 off 54 balls, which included eight fours and two sixes, and at least guided his side to a competitive total.

India's only significant stand was between Gambhir and Yuvraj Singh, who struggled to find the fluency which helped him play match-winning innings against England and Australia and singled him out as the biggest threat to Pakistan's hopes of victory.

When Younis Khan chipped seamer Joginder Sharma to mid-on in the ninth over, Pakistan had slumped to 65 for four and the momentum appeared to have turned towards India.

It was then that Dhoni called Irfan Pathan into the attack and he delivered a match-winning spell by claiming three for 16 in his four consecutive overs which all but ensured India would lift the trophy.

But just as India looked on course for victory, Misbah Ul-Haq launched a late onslaught which turned the tide back towards Pakistan needing 13 off the final over of the tournament from Joginder Sharma.

He bowled a wide with the first delivery and two balls later Misbah came down the wicket to launch him back over his head for six to leave Pakistan needing only six off the final three balls.

Attempting to scoop the next ball from outside off-stump, however, he was caught by Sreesanth at short fine leg to depart for 43 off 38 balls, which included four sixes.