In a thrilling finale, India triumphed over South Africa by seven runs to secure their second ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title. The dramatic match played at the Kensington Oval, saw a stunning comeback from the Indian team, driven by stellar performances from Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya. This victory marks India‘s first T20 World Cup win since 2007.
Score Summary:
India: 176/7 (20 overs)
- Virat Kohli: 76 (59)
- Axar Patel: 47 (31)
- Keshav Maharaj: 2/23
- Anrich Nortje: 2/26
South Africa: 169/8 (20 overs)
- Heinrich Klaasen: 52 (23)
- Jasprit Bumrah: 2/18
- Arshdeep Singh: 2/20
- Hardik Pandya: 3/20
Match Highlights:
India set a competitive target of 177, thanks to a resilient 76-run knock from Virat Kohli, who anchored the innings despite early setbacks. Kohli’s steadying influence allowed Axar Patel (47 off 31) and Shivam Dube (27 off 16) to unleash their aggressive strokes, pushing India to a formidable total.
South Africa started their chase with determination, but the Indian bowlers kept their nerves. Heinrich Klaasen’s explosive 52 off 23 balls, including a six-filled charge against Axar Patel, threatened to take the game away from India. However, critical breakthroughs by Bumrah and Hardik Pandya turned the tide in India’s favor.
Sourav Ganguly reacts to India’s victory
Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly congratulated Rohit Sharma and the Indian team for their thrilling T20 World Cup victory, highlighting the immense talent in the country.
Ganguly praised the collective effort and expressed confidence in India’s future successes.
“Heartiest congratulations to Rohit sharma and his team .. what a game to win .. may be a World Cup in 11 yrs but the talent the country has ,they will win many more .. Bumrah is absolutely magic .. well done Virat,axar ,Hardik and every one .. rahul Dravid and the support staff .. what a proud moment.”
Key Moments:
Bumrah’s Bowling Masterclass:
Bumrah’s precision in the death overs was crucial. He bowled two exceptional final overs, conceding only four runs in the 16th over and taking the wicket of Marco Jansen with a wicked in-seamer in his last. His figures of 2 for 18 underscored his dominance throughout the tournament.
Hardik Pandya’s Decisive Over:
With South Africa needing 16 runs off the final over, Hardik Pandya delivered under pressure. The turning point came when Suryakumar Yadav executed a boundary catch for the ages, dismissing David Miller and significantly boosting India’s chances. Pandya’s 3 for 20 were pivotal in India’s defense.
Virat Kohli’s Farewell:
The match also marked an emotional milestone for Indian cricket as Virat Kohli announced his retirement from T20 internationals. After being named Player of the Match for his crucial 76 runs, Kohli expressed his gratitude and pride in leading the team to victory. “This was my last T20 World Cup, and this is what we wanted to achieve. It’s time for the next generation to take over,” he said, holding back tears during the post-match presentation.
Mohammad Shami’s Tribute:
Teammate Mohammed Shami paid tribute to Kohli’s illustrious T20 career on Instagram, saying, “End of an era. Virat bhai, you have taken T20 cricket to new heights with your passion, dedication, and exceptional skills. Your leadership and sportsmanship will always be remembered. It’s been an honor to play alongside you.”
India’s victory was not just a result of individual brilliance but a testament to team effort and resilience. Rohit Sharma’s strategic captaincy, Bumrah’s unyielding bowling, and crucial contributions from the batting lineup ensured that India remained competitive throughout the tournament.
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