India won their second ICC T20 World Cup title, defeating South Africa by seven runs in a thrilling match in Barbados. The final at Kensington Oval was a nail-biting fight to the finish between both teams. Celebrations erupted across India marked by dancing, sweets, and fireworks. The victory ended a 13-year wait for India, while South Africa’s quest for a title continues.
South Africa came close to winning their maiden World Cup title but fell short against a strong Indian bowling lineup in a match that swung back and forth. Chasing 177, the Proteas (team South Africa) seemed in control needing 71 runs off 45 balls with six wickets in hand. However, India fought back with Hardik Pandya removing Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller, with Suryakumar Yadav taking a stunning catch. Jasprit Bumrah then delivered a crucial in-swinging delivery to bowl out Marco Jansen, securing India’s victory. There were numerous moments during the India-South Africa World Cup final that will remain etched in the memory of Indian cricket fans. Here’s a quick look at the high points of the game.
Thrilling Finish: With five overs remaining, South Africa seemed poised for an easy victory, but two overs of brilliance from bowler Jasprit Bumrah turned the game around. Bumrah’s final burst was crucial, and he maintained the best economy rate of the World Cup, conceding no more than 29 runs in any match. Throughout the tournament, Bumrah showcased his skills and consistency, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 4.17. He achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first specialist bowler to be honoured as the Player of the Tournament at the T20 World Cup.
Suryakumar Yadav’s Stunning Catch: In a crucial moment, Suryakumar Yadav executed a spectacular catch under intense pressure, sealing India’s victory. Regarded by many as one of the greatest catches ever, Yadav’s decisive action during the T20 World Cup 2024 final became a defining moment. His agility and situational awareness garnered widespread admiration among fans globally. Despite Miller hitting Pandya’s full toss, Yadav maintained his composure near the boundary ropes. He managed to catch the ball, released it momentarily as he crossed the boundary, and swiftly returned to complete the catch.
Hardik Pandya’s Key Wickets: All-rounder Hardik Pandya removed Klaasen and David Miller, with a stunning catch by Suryakumar Yadav aiding the latter’s dismissal.
Axar Patel’s Impact: Axar Patel’s promotion in the batting order proved crucial as he smashed four sixes and a four in his brisk innings of 47 off 31 balls, significantly boosting India’s run rate. Following Patel’s dismissal, Virat Kohli took over, scoring 76 runs off 59 balls to help India set a formidable total in the World Cup final.
Virat Kohli’s Batting Masterclass: Virat Kohli started strong with two fours and maintained momentum with singles and doubles, scoring 76 off 59 balls to help India post a formidable total. He was named player of the match and announced his T20 international retirement, satisfied with achieving his final T20 World Cup goal. Kohli acknowledged the long 13-year wait for a world title and emphasised the need for the next generation to take over.
With this win, Kohli has nearly “completed” cricket, having won the ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup, and Champions Trophy, a record unmatched by any cricketer, including MS Dhoni to date. Adding the U-19 World Cup to his tally, Kohli becomes only the second player to win all four ICC trophies, solidifying his status as the greatest batsman in T20 World Cup history.
Perfect Record: India secured their second T20 World Cup title, joining the West Indies and England as the only nations to win the tournament more than once. Remarkably, India became the first team to win the men’s T20 World Cup without losing a game, winning all eight matches they played.
Rohit Sharma’s Unique Achievement: Rohit Sharma became the first to win the men’s T20 World Cup both as a player (in 2007) and as a captain (in 2024). Additionally, Ravindra Jadeja announced his retirement from T20 internationals, concluding on a high with the 2024 trophy.
Arshdeep Singh’s Heroics: Arshdeep Singh proved his worth in the T20 World Cup by equalling Afghanistan’s Fazalhaq Farooqi’s record of 17 wickets in the tournament. Both surpassed the previous record of 16 wickets set by Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga in 2021.
Indian Spinners’ Performance: Despite conceding 106 runs in nine overs and securing only one wicket, the Indian spinners contributed to the team’s victory.
Happy Farewells: Many key figures are leaving the Indian T20 setup. Coach Rahul Dravid announced before the tournament that it would be his last stint. Virat Kohli bid farewell to the format during the prize distribution ceremony. Asked about his T20 career, captain Rohit Sharma said, “This is the moment for me to leave this format. I hadn’t thought of it before, but the way things shaped up, this is the time to go.”
Following Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja has also retired from T20 internationals, ending his career on a high note with the T20 World Cup 2024 trophy.
Celebrations in full swing
The thrilling T20 World Cup final concluded with India emerging victorious against South Africa by seven runs. Post-match celebration videos were widely shared on the internet.
Lok Sabha congratulates team India
The official handle of the FIFA World Cup posted a picture of Lionel Messi and Rohit Sharma at their respective presentation ceremonies, drawing comparisons between the athletes. Messi ended his long wait last year by leading Argentina to their third FIFA World Cup title, similar to Rohit Sharma’s recent T20 World Cup victory.
The BCCI announced a bonus of INR 125 crore (approximately USD 15 million) for the T20 World Cup-winning Indian squad. Board secretary Jay Shah made the announcement on X, praising the team’s exceptional talent, determination, and sportsmanship following their thrilling seven-run victory over South Africa in the final. He congratulated all players, coaches, and support staff for their outstanding achievements.
Virat Kohli and Team India have set new records with their T20 World Cup win. Kohli’s Instagram post celebrating the victory has become the most-liked picture in India, surpassing the previous record held by Bollywood stars Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra. Kohli’s post garnered over 18 million likes, overtaking the 16.26 million likes on Kiara’s wedding announcement post from February 7, 2023.
We can never overcome that night when the air echoed with chants of ‘India, India’ as enthusiastic crowds gathered at city centres across the nation to celebrate the triumph of the ‘Men in Blue’ in the ICC T20 tournament. The victory sparked jubilation and pride among fans, who filled the streets with cheers, flags, and celebrations. From bustling metros to small towns, the unity and fervour of Indian cricket fans were on full display, underscoring the nation’s passion for the sport and the collective joy in India’s achievement on the world stage.
Cheers to many more victories to come!!!
#Bleedblue
