After 17 years, India are T20 world champions once again

India Wins T20 World Cup

In a spectacular display of skill and resilience, India triumphed over South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2024, marking a significant win in the tournament. The match, held at a packed stadium, was a showcase of cricket at its finest, with both teams giving it their all.

The Match Summary:

India finally crossed the finish line, claiming their second T20 World Cup title. In a thrilling finale, they pulled off a remarkable win, despite South Africa needing just 30 runs from the last 30 balls. This victory marks India’s first major title since 2013 and their first T20 World Cup win since the inaugural tournament in 2007. Notably, India became the first team to win the T20 World Cup undefeated, achieving this feat for the first time in ICC history since 2013.

Former captain Virat Kohli, who had struggled throughout the tournament, was named Player of the Match for his pivotal 76 off 59 balls. He announced his retirement from T20 internationals during the presentation ceremony.

Kohli’s innings was crucial in lifting India from a shaky start to a total of 176/7, setting a new record for the highest score in a T20 World Cup final. South Africa stumbled early, with Reeza Hendricks falling in the second over to a brilliant outswinger from Jasprit Bumrah. Captain Aiden Markram was dismissed in the next over by Arshdeep Singh. However, Quinton de Kock and Tristan Stubbs steadied the innings with a solid 58-run partnership off 38 balls.

Despite regular wickets, India maintained control. Axar Patel and Arshdeep Singh took key wickets, and although Heinrich Klaasen briefly threatened India’s grip by smashing 24 runs in the 15th over, Hardik Pandya dismissed him in the 17th, regaining momentum for India.

Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh then tightened the screws, with Bumrah conceding just two runs and taking a wicket in the 18th over, followed by Arshdeep’s economical 19th over. Pandya bowled the final over, and South Africa fell short by seven runs, ending India’s 11-year title drought.

Earlier, Kohli had hit three fours in the first over, but Keshav Maharaj struck back, dismissing Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant in the second over. Suryakumar Yadav fell to Kagiso Rabada, leaving India at a precarious position early on. Kohli and Axar Patel then stabilized the innings, building a partnership that crossed 60 runs and took India past 100 within 14 overs.

Axar was run out just three runs short of his half-century by a stunning direct hit from Quinton de Kock. His partnership with Kohli added 72 runs off 54 balls for the fourth wicket. Kohli reached his fifty in 48 balls and unleashed against Rabada in the 18th over, hitting a six and a four, setting the stage for India’s remarkable victory.