This Day That Year: First ever World Cup T20 started

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On September 11th, 2007, the first-ever World T20 began in South Africa. The match was between the hosts South Africa and West Indies played at Wanders, Johannesburg.  In this tournament, 12 teams took part with 3 each divided into 4 groups.

In the opening match, South African captain Graeme Smith won the toss and decided to field first. Chris Gayle looked in cracking form right from word go putting pressure on the South African bowlers. He hit the first six of the tournament and kept hitting big shots. On other hand, Devon Smith gave good support.

Gayle completed his half-century off just 26 balls and then continued to smack the South African bowlers to all parts of the ground. Devon Smith remained steady taking singles and giving most of the strike to the explosive opener. South Africa finally got the breakthrough as Philander dismissed Smith.

Gayle and Smith added a record stand of 145 runs in just 13.3 overs to lay a strong foundation for a massive total. Gayle showed his class to complete his century off 50 balls. He became the first person to hit a century in an official T20I international match. The explosive opener was eventually dismissed for a sensational 117 off 57 balls with 7 fours and 10 sixes at a strike rate of 205.26. South African bowlers made a strong comeback by picking wickets at regular intervals. At the end of 20 overs, West Indies posted 205 for 6.

Chasing 206 runs to win, Herschelle Gibbs and Graeme Smith gave the hosts a flying start putting on 54 runs in just 5.2 overs. Smith was dismissed by Ravi Rampaul. AB de Villers also was dismissed cheaply to give West Indies a chance of winning the match.

The West Indies bowlers struggled with their radar as they 16 wides in the innings. Gibbs was in great touch and completed his fifty off 38 balls. After reaching his half-century, Gibbs and Justin Kemp took the attack to West Indies bowlers. Both added unbeaten 120 runs for the 3rd wicket to give South Africa a resounding 8 wicket win with 14 balls to spare.

It was an amazing start to the World T20 tournament as the pitch was favorable for the batsmen. South Africa started on a resounding note giving their fans joy.

For his cracking knock of 117 off 57 balls, Chris Gayle was awarded the man of the match.

South Africa 208 for 2 in 17.4 overs (Gibbs 90*, Kemp 46*, Fidel Edwards 1/21) beat West Indies 205 for 6 in 20 overs (Chris Gayle 117, Smith 35, Van der Wath 2/33, Philander 2/35) by 8 wickets.

Chris Gayle's 117: Wisden's T20 Innings Of The 2000s, No.4 | CricViz

 This Day That Year First ever World T20 started as Gayle scored a superb 117 off 57 against SA 

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