With Pakistan needing 6 off 4 balls, Misbah-ul-Haq attempted a ramp/scoop shot off Joginder Sharma — the ball lobbed up to Sreesanth at fine leg. Pakistan lost the inaugural T20 World Cup final by 5 runs in a moment of individual tragedy.
Pakistan needed 6 off 4 balls. Misbah had been handling the situation — each run was being accumulated. Then he attempted the scoop, a shot he had played successfully multiple times in the tournament to fine leg off pace bowlers.
The delivery was full and straight. Misbah moved to his right to play the scoop — flicking the ball over his left shoulder toward fine leg. He had played it perfectly earlier in the tournament. This time, the ball went straight up. Sreesanth, running in from fine leg, judged it and held the catch.
Misbah stood at the crease for three seconds after the dismissal. The enormity of what he had done — and what it had cost — was visible on his face. He was out for 43. Pakistan needed 12 off 3 with 2 wickets. They couldn't get them.
Pakistan lost by 5 runs. Misbah's scoop became shorthand for individual failure in a team context — a decision that was not stupid (it had worked before) but which, at that moment, cost Pakistan a World Cup.
Pakistan 6 off 4 — Misbah in control, match in balance
The scoop shot — lobbing to Sreesanth at fine leg
Misbah's pause at the crease — processing the loss
September 24, 2007
T20 World Cup Final — Pakistan need 13 off last over
Ball 3 of last over
Misbah's six — 6 off 4
Ball 4 of last over
Scoop to fine leg — Sreesanth catches, Misbah out
Misbah's scoop is a reminder that cricket is a game of thin margins — the same shot that works 70% of the time becomes iconic when it fails in a World Cup final. Misbah went on to have a distinguished Test career; this one shot followed him forever.
The scoop shot in 2007 changed how T20 coaches taught the stroke — adding more emphasis on the risk-reward calculation in pressure situations. It is cricket's most famous failed shot.
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