World Cricket News

It was a stroke that no one who happened to witness will ever forget. In fact, it was a shot with which Misbah-ul- Huq's name will forever be associated.

Pakistan started the last over of the final against India at Johannesburg needing a manageable 13, though their last pair was at the crease.

That became 12 from six after an inexperienced Joginder Sharma, surprisingly brought on for the last over, instead of Harbhajan Singh bowled the widest of wides.

Then it became 12 after five after Misbah played and missed.

He did connect with the next ball launching a nervy full toss down the ground for the maximum.

Now it was six from four.

One stroke would do it.

But perhaps Misbah was too eager to finish it off. He played an inside-out scoop shot aiming to hit a boundary to fine leg that would all but level the scores. However, he played too early and the ball got the elevation, but not the required distance and Sreesanth at short fine leg was there to pouch the catch.

The Wanderers erupted in deafening ecstasy as India won by five runs and hundreds of Indian flags waved as the victory lap began.

This after India had led off with 157 for five with Gautam Gambhir's 75 being the cornerstone.

Pakistan at 77 for six seemed down and out, but Misbah controlled the proceedings brilliantly.

He hit Harbhajan for three sixes and 54 from four overs became 35 for three and then 20 from two.

RP Singh, however, bowled a tight penultimate over leading to the engrossing denouement with one final twist.