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The hosts in 2007 helped ensure the tournament got off to a memorable start. They looked like being the victims in the opening game when Chris Gayle became the first Twenty20 International centurion. But Gayle’s century was in vain as the West Indies bowlers could not contain Herschelle Gibbs and Justin Kemp. Gibbs, not to be outdone by Gayle’s performance, smashed a 55-ball 90 to win the match by eight wickets.

South Africa followed this victory with a seven-wicket win against Bangladesh in the other Group match. Chasing a target of 145, the hosts made 146 for three in 18.5 overs to thump Bangladesh by seven wickets and finish top of the group.

England provided an early scare in the first Super eight match as Stuart Broad picked up three wickets to limit South Africa to 154. Despite some high quality batting from batsman Owais Shah, England fell short by 19 runs thanks in no small part to the swing and guile of veteran Shaun Pollock.

South Africa continued their winning streak as they romped home with six wickets in hand in the next game against New Zealand with Justin Kemp hitting 89 runs in 56 balls – an innings that included six boundaries and sixes.
With eyes firmly set on a semi-final berth, South Africa looked forward to continuing their winning run against India but their first defeat of the tournament was also enough to knock them out of the event.

A sensational spell of 4 for 13 from Rudra Pratap Singh dumped South Africa out of their own Twenty20 party as India romped to a comprehensive 37-run victory.

It was a disappointing end for a side that boasted some of the best-performing players of the tournament. Both Herschelle Gibbs (90) and Justin Kemp (89) featured in the top five highest individual scores in the event. Kemp also found a place on the most number of sixes list with 10 sixes in five matches. Morne Morkel was the third best bowler for his figures of 4 for 17 against New Zealand.

In the fielding lists, AB de Villiers was rated as the best fielder for his six catches in four matches and Graeme Smith featured at number five with four catches.

Though they failed to make the semi-finals in the event in 2007, South Africa showed they have the potential to be a strong contender in 2009 and if the skipper Smith can hit a rich vein of form at the top of the order and Dale Steyn is at his destructive best with the ball they will be difficult to stop.

Age 28 years
Playing role Opening batsman
Batting Left-hand bat
Bowling Right-arm offbreak

Age 27 years
Batting Right-hand bat
Bowling Right-arm offbreak

Age 32 years
Playing role Wicketkeeper batsman
Batting Right-hand bat
Bowling Right-arm medium

Age 25 years
Batting Right-hand bat
Bowling Right-arm medium

Age 33 years
Batting Right-hand bat
Bowling Right-arm fast-medium