In an enthralling final at Bridgetown, India clinched the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title with a dramatic seven-run victory over South Africa. This triumph marked India as the first team to win the men’s T20 World Cup unbeaten, showcasing their dominance throughout the tournament.
India’s Innings: Kohli Anchors the Batting
Team India, batting first, posted a formidable total of 176 for 7. Virat Kohli top-scored with 76 off 59 balls. His innings, although criticized at times for being labored, provided the stability needed after early wickets. Kohli’s stand allowed Axar Patel and Shivam Dube to play freely and accelerate the scoring. Axar’s quick-fire 47 off 31 balls and Dube’s 22 off 13 balls were crucial in propelling India to a challenging total.
Keshav Maharaj and Anrich Nortje were the pick of the South African bowlers, taking two wickets each. Maharaj’s early strikes put India under pressure, but Kohli’s calm approach and the lower-order contributions ensured a competitive score.
KKR’s heartwarming gesture
In a heartwarming gesture, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) fans from West Bengal celebrated India’s T20 World Cup victory and KKR’s recent IPL triumph by distributing food to the needy. The fans organized community kitchens and food distribution drives across the state, sharing their joy with those less fortunate. This act of kindness not only celebrated the cricketing achievements but also highlighted the spirit of compassion and unity among the KKR supporters. Their initiative brought smiles to many faces, making the cricketing victories even more memorable for the community.
South Africa’s Chase: Klaasen’s Heroics and India’s Comeback
South Africa’s chase started shakily with early blows but soon steadied thanks to Heinrich Klaasen’s explosive batting. Klaasen smashed a 23-ball fifty, the fastest in a T20 World Cup final, and seemed poised to take South Africa to their maiden World Cup title. Alongside David Miller, Klaasen added 38 runs in two overs, shifting the momentum in South Africa’s favor.
With six wickets in hand, South Africa needed just 30 runs off the last 30 balls. However, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya orchestrated a stunning comeback for India. Bumrah bowled two exceptional overs, conceding only six runs, and applying immense pressure on the South African batsmen.
The Turning Point: Klaasen’s Dismissal and India’s Bowlers Shine
The pivotal moment came at the start of the 17th over. Hardik Pandya, bowling wide outside off, induced an edge from Klaasen, caught by Rishabh Pant. This wicket was the turning point as Miller, now left to anchor the chase, struggled to find boundaries.
Bumrah returned for the 17th over, bowling another tight over and dismissing Marco Jansen with a wicked in-seamer. South Africa, needing 20 off the last 12 balls, saw their chances slipping away. Arshdeep Singh’s penultimate over was equally impressive, allowing only four runs and leaving South Africa in a desperate situation.
The Final Over: Hardik’s Heroics and India’s Victory
With 16 needed off the final over, bowled by Hardik Pandya, Miller attempted to clear the straight boundary off the first ball. Suryakumar Yadav took a stunning boundary catch, juggling the ball while staying inside the rope, to dismiss Miller and spark wild celebrations among the Indian players and fans.
South Africa’s tailenders couldn’t muster the required runs, managing only a single boundary off an edge. Hardik’s disciplined bowling sealed the seven-run victory for India, leading to jubilant celebrations as India lifted the T20 World Cup trophy after 13 years.
Bumrah’s Brilliance
Jasprit Bumrah was instrumental in India’s victory, delivering two unplayable deliveries that claimed two wickets, both bowled. His first wicket, dismissing Reeza Hendricks, was particularly remarkable, pitching and seaming away to hit the top of off stump. Bumrah’s final figures of 2 for 18 were pivotal in stifling South Africa’s chase.
Arshdeep Singh’s Vital Role
Arshdeep Singh also played a crucial role, finishing with figures of 2 for 20. His powerplay overs were economical, and his middle-over dismissals, including that of Quinton de Kock, were vital in maintaining pressure on South Africa. His calm and composed 19th over further tilted the match in India’s favor.
Kohli’s Critique and Contribution
While Virat Kohli’s innings was debated for its lack of aggression in the middle overs, his presence provided the platform for India’s total. His partnerships with Axar Patel and Shivam Dube added significant runs, and Kohli’s 76 played a crucial part in India reaching the highest total ever scored in a T20 World Cup final.
South Africa’s Performance and the ‘Choke’ Narrative
South Africa fought valiantly but fell short in the final overs. Despite excellent early performances from Maharaj and Rabada, and Klaasen’s blistering fifty, they couldn’t close out the game. This loss might be seen as another ‘choke’ in their World Cup history, but India’s resilience and strategic bowling were equally responsible for the outcome.
A Historic Triumph for India
India’s victory in the T20 World Cup 2024 is a testament to their all-round strength and mental fortitude. From Bumrah’s magical bowling to Hardik’s clutch performances and Kohli’s anchoring innings, the team exhibited a complete performance. Celebrations erupted as Rohit Sharma lifted the trophy, marking India’s return to the pinnacle of T20 cricket.
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