Which player made his international debut in a T20 World Cup final?

The T20 World Cup 2022 is all set to commence in less than a week as defending champions Australia will host the marquee tournament. The fight for the coveted title this year marks its eighth edition since its inception in 2007.

Since the first edition, the marquee tournament has seen as many as six winners with West Indies being the only side winning it a record two times (2012 & 2016). Players dream to etch their names in history by playing an integral part in guiding their side to the title.

One among those players is former team India batter, Yusuf Pathan. Back in 2007, Yusuf, a feared ball striker had the golden opportunity to make his debut in the finals of the 2007 ICC World T20 against arch rivals Pakistan.

It came after India's regular opener Virender Sehwag was ruled out due to a groin niggle and since Yusuf was known for his big hitting, the management decided to make a like-for-like change.

The debutant made his presence felt by whacking Mohammad Asif for a six in the first over. However, his explosive batting was put to rest as he played a miscued shot off Asif on the fourth delivery of the third over and was caught after scoring 15 off eight balls. Moreover, the big-hitter had made India's batting intent pretty clear right from the outset.

Yusuf got the perfect head start to his international career as the team eventually lifted the inaugural T20 World Cup in his debut match. Yusuf also made an impact in the first edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008 when he helped Rajasthan Royals lift the trophy and slammed one of the fastest centuries off 37 balls in 2009.

Yusuf alongside his brother Irfan Pathan won India many games. Yusuf couldn't get an extended run at the international stage but set the stage ablaze whenever he got going regardless of the magnitude of the event.