Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka in the final to lift their first major title in 17 years
21 June, 2020
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PHOTO: AFP
On this day in 2009, Pakistan won their first major title in 17 years when they stunned Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the World Twenty20 final at a sell-out Lord's.
Pakistan, runners-up to India in the final of the inaugural World Twenty20 in South Africa two years ago, ended Sri Lanka's unbeaten run in the tournament with style.
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Misbahul Haq, who failed to take Pakistan over the line against their arch-rivals in 2007, recalled how winning-captain Younis Khan wanted him to finish the match, in order to erase the memories of the previous edition.
"When we were about to win, Younis came and asked me to pad up because he knew the defeat from the last tournament was still on my mind and he wanted me to finish the game and win the title for Pakistan this time around," said Misbah while speaking on the Pakistan Cricket Board's YouTube channel.
In the end, Misbah didn't get a chance to bat as all-rounder Shahid Afridi and former captain Shoaib Malik formed an unbeaten 76-run partnership to guide Pakistan home. Afridi played an instrumental role by hitting an unbeaten 54 off 40 balls, his second consecutive half-century, and was well-supported by Malik's 24 not out.
Left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir and opener Ahmed Shehzad also took to Twitter, to cherish the memories of their first world event for Pakistan.
"Beginning of my blessed journey, my first tour and we were world champions still gives me goosebumps. I can never forget this day. ALLHAMDULILAH [praise be to God] for this always," Amir wrote.
Beginning of my blessed journey, my 1st tour and we were world champions still gives me goosebumps. Can never forget this day. ALLHAMDULILAH for this always.. #21/06/2009 pic.twitter.com/T5ruALZEtq
— Mohammad Amir (@iamamirofficial) June 21, 2020
"Down the memory lane, one of the most cherishing moments of my career. Life is all about learning and winning the T20 WorldCup 2009 under the captaincy of Younis Khan taught me a lot about gelling together as a unit and creating history," tweeted Shehzad.
#OnThisDay
— Ahmad Shahzad 🇵🇰 (@iamAhmadshahzad) June 21, 2020
Down the memory lane, one of the most cherishing moments of my career.
Life is all about “Learning” &winning the T20 #WorldCup 2009 under the captaincy of @YounusK75 taught me a lot about gelling together as a unit and ‘Creating History’.🇵🇰#PakistanZindabad pic.twitter.com/yArdwmXaV3
