In a nail-biting finale at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Barbados, India emerged victorious by a slender margin of seven runs against South Africa, clinching their first title in over a decade.
Batting first, India posted a formidable total of 176/7, thanks to a gritty 76 from Virat Kohli. Despite an early setback with Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant both falling to Keshav Maharaj in the second over, Kohli and Axar Patel steadied the innings with a crucial 72-run partnership. Patel was run out after a sharp throw from Quinton de Kock, but the partnership had laid a solid foundation.
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Shivam Dube then joined Kohli, adding another vital 57 runs. Kohli’s innings ended when he was caught by Kagiso Rabada off Marco Jansen. Anrich Nortje shone in the final over, dismissing Dube and Ravindra Jadeja, ensuring India ended at 176/7.
The proceedings have heated in Barbados #T20WorldCup | #SAvIND | : https://t.co/lil39yyK85 pic.twitter.com/3uylbQd36C
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) June 29, 2024
Chasing 177, South Africa started strong, with Quinton de Kock and Heinrich Klaasen providing a solid platform. Klaasen, in particular, was in fine form, scoring 52 before being caught behind off Hardik Pandya in the 17th over, leaving South Africa at 151/5.
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As the required run rate climbed, Marco Jansen fell to a well-placed delivery from Jasprit Bumrah. With 20 needed off the last two overs, David Miller attempted a big shot off Pandya but was caught by Suryakumar Yadav on the boundary.
Keshav Maharaj and Rabada tried to close the gap but couldn’t withstand the pressure. Rabada was caught again by Suryakumar, leaving South Africa with eight runs needed off the final ball. Anrich Nortje managed only a single, sealing South Africa’s fate just short of their first world title.
India’s victory was celebrated with immense joy, marking a historic moment in their cricketing journey.
