Team India – T20 World Champions
Team India clinched their second T20 World Cup title in a thrilling final at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados as they beat South Africa by 7 run ending their 13-year wait for an ICC Cricket World Cup trophy.
South Africa, seeking their first World Cup title, fell just short against a formidable Indian bowling attack in a match that swung back and forth on Saturday.
Earlier India put a score of 176 runs in their allotted 20 overs – thanks to Virat Kohli who rose to the occasion with a 59-ball 76 runs rescuing India from 34-3 along with Axar Patel who scored a crucial 47 in a 72-run stand. Shivam Dube sizzled in the end overs as India pushed their score over 170 runs.
Chasing a target of 177, the Proteas appeared in control needing 71 runs from 45 balls with six wickets in hand with David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen anchoring their chase.
Klaasen changed the tide of the match when he hit 2 fours & 2 sixes in an Axar Patel over reducing the target to 30 runs in 30 balls. He brought his half century in just 23-balls making it the fastest in T20 World Cup finals.
However, India remained resilient in their quest for a second T20 World Cup title. Jasprit Bumrah also rose to the occasion, breaking partnerships at critical moments.
While Pandya’s removal of the dangerous Klaasen was pivotal, it was Bumrah’s in-swinging delivery that bowled out Marco Jansen, which ultimately paved the way for India’s victory.
All-rounder Hardik Pandya made a significant impact, dismissing Klaasen in his first over and then taking the crucial wicket of David Miller, aided by a spectacular catch from Suryakumar Yadav at long off.
Team India cricketers Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja announced their T20I retirements after the T20 World Cup final.
India vs South Africa – T20 World Cup Final
Date: June 29, 2024
Venue: Bridgetown, Barbados
Toss: India elect to bat
MATCH SUMMARY:
India 176-7 in 20 overs
Virt Kohli 76 (59) – 6 fours & 2 sixes
Axar Patel 47 (31) – 1 four & 4 sixes
Shivam Dube 27 (16) – 3 fours & 1 six
Keshav Maharaj 3-0-23-2
Anrich Nortje 4-0-26-2
South Africa 169-8 in 20 overs
Quinton de Kock 39 (31)
Tristan Stubbs 31 (21)
Heinrich Klaasen 52 (27)
David Miller 21 (17)
Result: Team India won by 7 runs
Player of the Match: Virat Kohli
Player of the Tournament: Jasprit Bumrah
