On This Day, Pakistan Won 2009 T20 World Cup By Defeating Sri Lanka
On This Day, Pakistan Won 2009 T20 World Cup By Defeating Sri Lanka
Pakistan had achieved an unexpected victory in the final of the 200 T20 World Cup on June 21, 2009. It was Pakistan’s only T20 World Cup trophy. Pakistan achieved a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over favorites Sri Lanka in the 2009 T20 World Cup final played at the famous Lord’s Cricket Ground. After winning the toss and electing to bat, Sri Lanka had lost four wickets within the first six overs. It was a poor start in terms of the World Cup.
A 68-run stand between skipper Kumar Sangakkara and all-rounder Angelo Mathews in seven overs took Sri Lanka to a respectable total of 138 for six but these were too few to win. Abdul Razzaq and Mohammad Amir did not allow the Sri Lankan upper order batsmen to even touch the 20-run mark. Sangakkara scored 68 off 52 balls and Mathews scored 35 runs in 24 balls.
Pakistan’s opening pair had a decent start, chasing a small score, with Kamran Akmal scoring 37 off 28 balls. Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik ended the match by coming in the middle order.
Pakistan, who lost to India two years ago, laid the foundation for their victory by losing only two wickets in the first 10 overs. Shahid Afridi reached the crease and scored an unbeaten 54 off 40 balls which included two sixes. Pakistan chased the target of 138 with eight balls to spare.
Several terrorist incidents, including the attack on a Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in early 2009, have prohibited international parties from traveling to Pakistan.
Speaking after his win, captain Younis Khan said: “Everyone is following Twenty20 cricket these days and now we are the champions. It would be nice if we get some home series.
“I would like all the countries to come to Pakistan again. Everyone knows the situation is not good, but it is not our fault. We need home series because if there is no cricket in Pakistan then how can we motivate the youth?
“I would say to the world, please come to Pakistan and play. I am very proud of my nation, I am a proud person and this victory is good for all of us. It took several years for international cricket to return to Pakistan, with Test action finally returning in 2019.