India Clinches Second T20 World Cup Title in Thrilling Final Against South Africa

Bridgetown, June 29, 2024 — In a pulsating encounter at Kensington Oval, India triumphed over South Africa by seven runs to claim their second T20 World Cup title. The dramatic finale saw Virat Kohli’s masterful 76 setting up India’s competitive 176-7, a total that just held off South Africa’s spirited chase.

India, led by captain Rohit Sharma, opted to bat first after winning the toss. Despite a rocky start, where they found themselves at 34-3, Kohli’s composed and skilful innings turned the tide. His 54-ball effort, laced with precision and poise, steered India to a total that looked formidable in what has been a low-scoring tournament.

South Africa’s pursuit began with promise. Quinton de Kock’s brisk 39 and Tristan Stubbs’ 31 set a solid foundation. The game’s momentum seemed to shift decisively in their favor when Heinrich Klaasen unleashed a ferocious attack in the 15th over, hammering Axar Patel for 24 runs, including two boundaries and two sixes. Klaasen’s explosive 52 off 27 balls brought South Africa tantalizingly close, needing just 26 runs from the final 23 balls.

However, India’s bowlers rose to the occasion in the dying stages. Jasprit Bumrah’s 18th over proved pivotal; his precise delivery bowled Marco Jansen and allowed just two runs, leaving South Africa with 20 to get from the last 12 balls.

The penultimate over by Arshdeep Singh was a masterclass in T20 death bowling. His accurate length stifled the Proteas, conceding only four runs and leaving South Africa with a challenging 16 to win from the final six deliveries.

In the decisive last over, Hardik Pandya, who had already impressed with figures of 3-20, held his nerve against David Miller. When Miller smashed a full-toss high towards the boundary, Suryakumar Yadav’s stunning catch — leaping to catch, tossing the ball back in play before crossing the ropes, and then completing the catch — exemplified India’s athletic fielding. Despite some late jitters, including an edged four from Kagiso Rabada and a wide delivery, Pandya kept his composure to seal the victory.

Kohli’s performance was especially poignant as he had struggled throughout the tournament but delivered when it mattered most. His innings provided the backbone for India’s score, overcoming the early loss of key wickets. Hardik Pandya’s all-round brilliance, combining critical lower-order runs and incisive bowling, was instrumental in India’s victory.

Reflecting on the win, Rohit Sharma praised his team’s resilience: “This was a true team effort. Virat showed his class when we needed it most, and the bowlers executed their plans brilliantly under pressure.”

The final, attended by a sea of Indian supporters, ended with scenes of jubilation as India celebrated their hard-fought win. This triumph was particularly sweet following their disappointment in last year’s 50-over World Cup on home soil.

As the cricketing world looks back on this epic final, India’s blend of experienced leadership, clutch performances, and cool-headed bowling in crunch moments will be remembered as the key to their second T20 World Cup title.

ndia vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2024 Final Scorecard:

India  (20 ovs maximum)

South Africa  (T: 177 runs from 20 ovs)