Barbados, June 30, 2024, The Europe Today: In a nail-biting finish at Kensington Oval, South Africa faltered at the crucial moment, handing India their second T20 World Cup title. Despite needing just 26 runs off 23 balls with six wickets in hand, South Africa succumbed to scoreboard pressure, allowing India to secure a seven-run victory.
India, remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament, showcased exceptional resilience. Jasprit Bumrah’s pivotal over, where he conceded just two runs and dismissed Marco Jansen, turned the tide. A spectacular catch by Suryakumar Yadav at the boundary removed David Miller, sealing South Africa’s fate.
This victory marks India’s first T20 World Cup win since their inaugural triumph in 2007. Heinrich Klaasen’s rapid 52 off 23 deliveries had set a strong foundation for South Africa’s chase, but his dismissal shifted momentum in India’s favor.
Virat Kohli, named Man of the Match, announced his retirement, stating, “It was my last T20 World Cup and match. Winning the title is the perfect farewell.” Jasprit Bumrah, declared Player of the Tournament, expressed, “This victory is incredible. We were down but fought back strongly.”
India posted the highest-ever T20 World Cup final score of 176/7. Despite early setbacks, Kohli and Axar Patel (47) anchored the innings, building a crucial partnership. South Africa’s captain Aiden Markram acknowledged, “We were on target, but scoreboard pressure at the end cost us.”
Final Score:
India: 176/7 in 20 overs (Virat Kohli 76, Axar Patel 47; Anrich Nortje 2/26, Keshav Maharaj 2/23)
South Africa: 169/8 in 20 overs (Heinrich Klaasen 52, Quinton de Kock 39; Hardik Pandya 3/20, Jasprit Bumrah 2/18)
