India won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 trophy at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on Saturday by defeating South Africa by seven runs in the final. In a close run chase against the Proteas, the Men in Blue managed to win the trophy, capping an 11-year journey without an ICC trophy.
It was India’s first T20 World Cup triumph since taking home the Champions Trophy in 2013, and their second overall after winning it in South Africa in 2007 under the great MS Dhoni.
In the tournament final, star batsman Virat Kohli, who was a rising star 17 years ago, scored his first fifty runs in cricket history with a stylish 76 off 59 balls that included six fours and two sixes, leading India to a competitive 176 for seven.
Then, like they had done all throughout the tournament, the Indian bowlers, led by Arshdeep Singh (2/20) and Jasprit Bumrah (2/18), worked their magic, restricting South Africa to 169 for eight, and helping India advance to their second T20 World Cup.
The Proteas, who were competing in their first World Cup final, put up some resistance in several areas.
With 52 off 27 balls (2×4, 5×6) Heinrich Klaasen challenged India, but Hardik Pandya (3/20) grabbed the vital wicket to turn the tide of the match decisively in India’s favour.
However, Kohli deserves a great deal of the credit for leading India to a competitive total and stabilising the innings.
After being reduced to a frightening 34 for three by the early dismissals of captain Rohit Sharma (9), Rishabh Pant (0), and Suryakumar Yadav (3), he reached his fifty in 48 balls, but the knock was exactly what India needed.
To calm early jitters, Kohli’s capable partner Axar Patel (47, 31 balls, 1×4, 6×4) contributed a valuable 72 runs during the fourth wicket partnership.
Another left-hander, Shivam Dube (27 off 16 balls, 3×4 1×6), added some late vigour to the Indian innings following the heroic run-out of Axar.
In brief, India defeated South Africa by 7 runs, scoring 176/7 in 20 overs (Virat Kohli 76, Axar Patel 47, Keshav Maharaj 2/23), whereas Henirich Klaasen 52, Jasprit Bumrah 2/18, and Arshdeep Singh 2/20 scored 169/8 in 20 overs.
