India won the ICC T20 World Cup, beating South Africa by 7 runs.

New Delhi, June 29, 2024: India held their nerve to script a thrilling seven-run victory over South Africa in the final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 at the Kensington Oval, Barbados, on Saturday, reclaiming the world title after a gap of 17 years.

Chasing 177 for victory, South Africa appeared in control with 30 runs required from 30 balls and Heinrich Klaasen cruising on 52 off 27 balls, but Hardik Pandya’s breakthrough turned the tide. Pandya dismissed Klaasen and later took the crucial wicket of David Miller in the final over to seal the contest.

Miller’s dismissal—caught brilliantly by Suryakumar Yadav at long-off—will go down as one of the defining moments in India’s cricketing history. Jasprit Bumrah, bowling the 18^th over, also delivered a masterclass in death bowling, conceding just a handful of runs and removing Marco Jansen to choke South Africa’s chase.

Virat Kohli anchors India with a vintage knock:

Earlier, India recovered from a top-order collapse to post 176 for 7 in 20 overs. After winning the toss, Virat Kohli produced a vintage innings when it mattered the most—scoring 76 off 56 balls with six fours and two sixes—to anchor India’s innings after they slumped to 34 for 3.

Rohit Sharma (9), Rishabh Pant, and Suryakumar Yadav departed early, but a counter-attacking partnership between Kohli and Axar Patel revived India’s innings. Promoted up the order, Axar smashed 47 off 31 balls with four sixes and a four, playing freely to relieve the pressure from Kohli’s end.

 After Axar’s dismissal at 106, Shivam Debey (27 off 16 balls) continued the momentum with a quickfire cameo, helping India reach a competitive total.

South Africa Falter in final overs:

In reply, South Africa were rocked early as Reeza Hendricks (4) and skipper Aiden Markram (4) fell cheaply. Quinton de Kock (39 off 31) and Tristan Stubbs (31 off 21) steadied the innings with a 58-run stand before Stubbs was bowled by Axar Patel.

Klaasen then unleashed a furious assault, including 24 runs in a single over off Axar, to bring South Africa within touching distance. However, once Klaasen fell to Hardik Pandya, the Indian bowlers regained complete control.

South Africa eventually finished on 169 for 8, falling agonizingly short of their maiden ICC title.

Brief Scores:

India 176/7 (20 overs):

Virat Kohli 76 (56,6×4, 2×6);

Axar Patel 47 (31, 1×4, 4×6);

Shivam Dube 27 (16,  3×4, 1×6).

South Africa 168/8 (20 overs):

Heinrich Klaasen 52 (27, 2×4, 5×6); Quinton de Kock 39 (31,4×4, 1×6); Tristan Stubbs 31 (21,3×4, 1×6).

Result: India won by 7 runs. Players of the Match: Virat Kohli.

Also Read: The BCCI announced the Team India Squad for the T20 World Cup.

EOM.