Irfan Pathan: swinging India to victory © AFP

Irfan Pathan, the India left-arm fast bowler, couldn't hide his delight after his match-winning performance with the ball helped his team win the inaugural ICC World Twenty20.

"I am very happy," Pathan told PTI. "It has been a great day overall."

Pathan, who was named Man of the Match for his 3 for 16, said he was also thrilled to play alongside his elder brother Yusuf, who was on debut in the final. "I am happiest that we won the World Cup, and I am delighted that my brother made his debut as well," he said. "We are playing together after a long time, I don't even remember the last occasion."

With ten wickets from seven games at an economy rate of 6.77, Pathan completed a successful comeback in India colours. "To get those crucial wickets, including two in one over [Shoaib Malik and Shahid Afridi], was very satisfying. I bowled well throughout the tournament."

Following India's early exit from the World Cup in the West Indies, Pathan had been dropped from the team. "The last six months have been tough," he said. "It was a learning period, and it will help me a lot in the future.

"Being dropped from the team and making a comeback has come early in my career. I am only 22, and I have seen more than most people would in a lifetime as a player. I have come out of it now, and that will help me go a long way."