OTD in 2007: Yuvraj 70 helps India beat Australia to reach T20 World Cup final

Yuvraj Singh's explosive 70 off just 30 balls, combined with disciplined bowling, powered India into the final with a thrilling 15-run victory over Australia in the 2007 ICC Men's T20 World Cup semi-final.

In Short

• India secured a spot in T20 WC final with a 15-run win over Australia
• Yuvraj scored 70 off 30 balls, hitting five fours and five sixes vs Australia
• India lifted the inaugural T20 WC trophy after defeating Pakistan in final

On September 22, 2007, Yuvraj Singh played a blistering 70-run knock to help MS Dhoni-led India thrash Australia in the semi-final and storm into the final of the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup. Under the leadership of MS Dhoni, India registered a thrilling 15-run win, setting up a historic final clash against arch-rivals Pakistan.

Fresh from his unforgettable six sixes in an over against England's Stuart Broad, Yuvraj continued his aggressive form. Right from the outset, Yuvraj took the Australian bowlers to task. His fluent driving, coupled with his trademark effortless pulls, sent the ball flying to all parts of the ground. Yuvraj's battle with Brett Lee and Stuart Clark was particularly enthralling. He smashed Lee for a monstrous 119-meter six, one of the biggest of the tournament, and continued to dominate the Australian pace attack.

Australia, led by Adam Gilchrist, mounted a strong chase but eventually fell short, finishing at 173/7. Matthew Hayden (62 off 47) and Andrew Symonds (43 off 26) kept Australia in the game, but India's disciplined bowling attack, led by Sreesanth and Irfan Pathan, ensured they never got too far ahead. Sreesanth's crucial wicket of Hayden was the turning point, halting Australia's momentum and swinging the match in India's favor.

India's journey to the final was nothing short of a fairytale. Having been written off after their early exit from the 50-over World Cup earlier that year, India entered the tournament as underdogs. Yet, under the inspiring captaincy of a young MS Dhoni, they played fearless cricket. The team, made up of a mix of young talents and experienced players, displayed exceptional resilience and confidence.

Two days after this iconic win, India went on to lift the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup trophy, defeating Pakistan in a nail-biting final at the Wanderers in Johannesburg. Yuvraj's match-winning performances, especially his memorable 70 against Australia, remain etched in the minds of cricket fans as one of the key moments in India's remarkable T20 World Cup triumph.