Joginder Sharma is an Indian former cricketer who played for the India national cricket team in limited-overs internationals. A right-arm medium-fast bowler and lower-order right-handed batsman, he is most widely remembered for bowling the final over of the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 final in 2007, in which India defeated Pakistan at the Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg.
Key facts
| Full name | Joginder Sharma |
|---|---|
| Born | 23 October 1983, Rohtak, Haryana, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Role | All-rounder (right-arm medium-fast bowler, right-handed batsman) |
| Domestic team | Haryana |
| IPL team | Chennai Super Kings |
| International debut | ODI: 2004; T20I: 2007 |
| Notable achievement | Bowled the final over of the 2007 ICC World Twenty20 final |
| Other profession | Police officer (Haryana Police) |
Background
Born in Rohtak, Haryana, Joginder Sharma came up through Haryana's age-group cricket and made his way into the senior state side in domestic competitions including the Ranji Trophy. His ability to bowl in the death overs and contribute lower-order runs made him a useful all-round option in limited-overs cricket.
Domestic career
Sharma represented Haryana in the Ranji Trophy and other Indian domestic tournaments. In the Indian Premier League, he was associated with the Chennai Super Kings, the franchise led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, where he featured as a medium-pace bowling option.
International career
Sharma made his One Day International debut for India in 2004. He played a small number of ODIs before being selected for India's squad for the 2007 ICC World Twenty20 in South Africa, the first edition of the men's T20 World Cup.
2007 ICC World Twenty20 final
In the final on 24 September 2007 at the Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, India set Pakistan a target and the match came down to the last over. Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni handed Sharma the final over with 13 runs needed by Pakistan and Misbah-ul-Haq at the crease. After conceding a six, Sharma dismissed Misbah-ul-Haq, who attempted a scoop shot and was caught by Sreesanth at short fine leg, sealing a five-run win for India and the inaugural T20 World Cup title. The over remains one of the most replayed moments in Indian cricket history.
After cricket
Sharma joined the Haryana Police, where he serves as a Deputy Superintendent of Police. He gradually moved away from active competitive cricket and announced his retirement from all forms of cricket in 2022.
Significance
Although his international appearances were limited, Sharma's role in the 2007 World Twenty20 final gives him a permanent place in Indian cricketing memory. The victory is often credited with accelerating the popularity of Twenty20 cricket in India and paving the way for the launch of the Indian Premier League in 2008.
Related topics
- 2007 ICC World Twenty20
- India National Cricket Team
- Mahendra Singh Dhoni
- Chennai Super Kings
- Haryana Cricket Team
- Indian Premier League
- Ranji Trophy
References
- Wikidata entity: Q3520605
- International Cricket Council records of the 2007 ICC World Twenty20.
- Board of Control for Cricket in India player records.