Rohit Sharma led India displayed nerve of steels in thrilling contest against in-form South Africa, winning final of T20 World Cup 2024 by 7 runs on Saturday. The final showdown was action packed game for cricket fans across the globe.
South Africa was chasing a target of 177 runs and the game took a decisive turn in the final over when David Miller was dismissed on the first delivery. He tried hitting a six off a low full-toss from Hardik Pandya, Miller was caught at the boundary by Suryakumar Yadav.
Quinton de Kock was earlier returned to pavilion in the 13th over. He was caught at third man by Kuldeep Yadav off Arshdeep Singh’s delivery, having scored 39 runs.
Pacer Jasprit Bumrah provided a strong start for India by bowling out Reeza Hendricks in the second over. Additionally, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh dismissed Aiden Markram, who was caught behind while attempting to play an outside off-stump delivery.
India had a shaky start, losing three wickets early in the powerplay. However, former skipper Virat Kohli led a recovery with a 72-run partnership with all-rounder Axar Patel. Kohli scored 76 runs before getting out in the penultimate over, making a significant contribution after a series of low scores in previous matches. Axar Patel, who scored 47, was run out after helping to stabilize the innings.
Captain Rishabh Pant and Suryakumar Yadav were also dismissed during the powerplay. India, having won the toss, chose to bat first under bright sunshine and gusty winds at a venue with a capacity of 28,000, which was expected to be sold out. Both teams, led by Rohit Sharma and Aiden Markram, remained unchanged from their semi-final victories.
Earlier, India won the toss and chose to bat first in the highly anticipated final. The match commenced under clear skies and gusty winds, with the 28,000-capacity venue expected to be packed.
Both teams, led by Rohit Sharma and Aiden Markram respectively, fielded unchanged line-ups from their successful semi-final outings. Concerns about potential stormy weather over the weekend, including rain on Saturday, had been raised, but there were no immediate signs of disruption as spectators filled the stadium.
Sharma departed early after scoring nine runs with two boundaries in the first over. His attempt to hit Keshav Maharaj’s delivery to the square leg was caught by a fielder. Rishabh Pant followed, caught behind while playing a shot to the leg side.
Suryakumar Yadav was the next to fall, caught by Heinrich Klaasen on the boundary off Kagiso Rabada’s delivery, scoring
There were concerns over potential stormy weather and rain for the weekend were alleviated as early arrivals took their seats with no sign of rain. Rohit Sharma was dismissed for nine after hitting two fours in the first over.
The final of T20 world cup is being held a nearly month-long tournament held in the USA and the Caribbean, featuring two unbeaten teams.
India secured a dominant 68-run victory over defending champions England in Guyana earlier this week, while South Africa crushed Afghanistan by nine wickets in Trinidad, ending their long wait for a title game.
South Africa also lost seven semi-finals in the two limited overs formats. This final marks their first senior men’s final since the 1998 Champions Trophy in Bangladesh, where they defeated the West Indies.
India faced the double disappointment of losing the World Test Championship final and the 50-over World Cup to Australia last year. The country, which popularized the shortest format with the Indian Premier League, now stands on the brink of their second T20 World Cup title, their first since the inaugural edition in 2007.
