The International Cricket Council (ICC) introduced a world cup in the 20-over format in 2007. The first edition, ICC T20 World Cup 2007, was hosted by South Africa and 12 teams participated in the tournament. Although it was the inaugural edition, there was no less excitement among the fans to witness the show.
MS Dhoni-led tam India lifted the trophy of the ICC T20 World Cup 2007 after defeating Pakistan in the nail-biting grand finale. Misbah-ul-Haq’s dismissal when Pakistan needed six winning runs in the last four balls is the most memorable episode of the marquee clash.
There were several noteworthy moments during that tournament and several records were build during the tournament.
Here, in this article, we have mentioned the top five batsmen who were the highest scorer in the ICC T20 World Cup 2007
Matthew Hayden:
Australia’s former cricketer Matthew Hayden was the pillar of the team during their golden era. He was just unstoppable once he set himself in the field. He was also among the rarest players from the 90s who adjusted gracefully in the T20 format. He was the strength of the team in the top-order and was a nightmare for bowlers when on song.
In the ICC T20 World Cup 2007, Hayden was the star performer as he was the highest scorer. He amassed 265 runs in 6 matches at the striking rate of 144.80 and an average of 88.83. In the semi-final against India, he was the highest scorer but could not lead the team to the finishing line.
Hayden retired from the international cricket in 2009 after representing Australia in 103 Tests, 161 ODIs and nine T20Is.
Gautam Gambhir:
Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir was prolific throughout ICC T20 World Cup 2007 tournament. He garnered 227 runs in seven matches and was the highest scorer for India and second-highest in the overall.
The opening batsman played a match-winning knock in the grand-finale against Pakistan as he mustered 75 runs when others were losing wickets. He was the highest scorer in that marquee clash.
However, Gambhir is the most underrated cricketer. His contributions to India at mega-events have gone unnoticed.
Misbah-ul-Haq:
Former Pakistan cricketer and captain Misbah-ul-Haq was a middle-order batsman who was known to play calm and composure innings but could also play aggressive innings when required. He enjoyed immense success and was the leading scorer for his side in his illustrious career.
Misbah had a memorable ICC T20 World Cup 2007 as he scored the most number of runs for his side. In seven matches played during the tournament, he scored 218 runs at an average of 54.50. However, he could not help the Green Army to grab their hands on the trophy.
Shoaib Malik:
Shoaib Malik led Pakistan to ICC T20 World Cup 2007 grand-finale but unfortunately faced defeat against India in the marque-clash. However, he enjoyed immense success as the batsman in that tournament.
He scored 195 runs, including two half-centuries, in seven matches at an average of 39.00 with a striking rate of 126.62. In the grand-finale, he gave his wicket early when the team needed him the most as Pakistan lost the game by five runs.
Former Pakistan captain has been stupendous with the bat and ball for over two decades in shorter formats. He has played 113 T20Is and announced his retirement from ODIs last year after the World Cup 2019.
Kevin Pietersen:
England cricketer Kevin Pietersen, who last played the international cricket in 2014, was the vital cog for his team across all the formats. He was a fearless cricketer and was known to build match-winning innings. The middle-order batsman was also the leading scorer for his team in the ICC T20 World Cup 2007. Pietersen scored 178 runs in five matches at an average of 35.60 with a striking rate of 161.81.
However, England could not qualify for the knock-out rounds and was out after facing defeats in the Super 8 stage.
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