India’s star batter, Virat Kohli, showcased his resilience and experience in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, by hitting a crucial half-century. With this fifty, Kohli equaled the records set by Marlon Samuels and Kumar Sangakkara, becoming one of the only three batters to score multiple fifties in men’s T20 World Cup finals.
Early Setbacks for India
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, India faced early trouble as they lost captain Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, and Suryakumar Yadav within the Powerplay. The Indian innings seemed shaky, but Kohli’s arrival at the crease brought much-needed stability. Forming a key partnership with Axar Patel for the fourth wicket, Kohli’s composed innings helped India recover from the early blows.
Kohli’s Milestone
Kohli reached his fifty off 48 balls in the 17th over, marking his second half-century in a T20 World Cup final. His previous fifty in a final came in the 2014 T20 World Cup against Sri Lanka, where he scored 77 off 58 balls on a sluggish pitch in Mirpur. Despite his efforts, India lost that match, with Sri Lanka clinching their maiden T20 World Cup title.
Kohli breaks broadcasting record
A record-breaking 5 crore viewers tuned in to watch Virat Kohli bat on Hotstar during the T20I World Cup 2024 final. This remarkable viewership is the highest ever recorded for the tournament, underscoring Kohli’s immense popularity and the significance of the match. Fans were captivated by Kohli’s masterful innings, which played a crucial role in India’s competitive total against South Africa.
A Struggling Campaign
This tournament had been a challenging one for Kohli. Starting with single-digit scores in the group stages, including a duck against the United States, Kohli’s form was under scrutiny. In the Super 8s, he managed only 61 runs across three innings, falling for another duck against Australia. Walking into the final, Kohli had accumulated just 75 runs in seven innings, the lowest aggregate for any Indian batter facing at least 75 balls in a tournament edition.
Most Successful T20 World Cup Batter
Despite his struggles, Kohli remains the most successful batter in T20 World Cup history, with an impressive tally of 1266 runs in 34 innings, including 15 half-centuries. His ability to deliver under pressure and his knack for crucial partnerships were on full display in the final against South Africa.
The Road Ahead
India posted a competitive total on a pitch that was better for batting compared to the one in Guyana. Kohli’s knock, combined with contributions from Axar Patel and a late cameo from Shivam Dube, set a challenging target for South Africa. The second innings promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams eyeing the coveted T20 World Cup title.
As the cricketing world watches closely, Kohli’s performance in the final once again highlights his status as one of the game’s greats, capable of rising to the occasion when his team needs him the most.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram and Instagram
