Edge past South Africa in a tense finish in battle between two unbeaten titans

India regained the ICC Men’s T20 2024 after a long gap of 17 years at the packed Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados on Saturday 29 June, 2024. The Men in Blue edged past South Africa by a seven-run margin, after setting a target of 177 in the grand finale between the two unbeaten teams in the tourney. Rohit Sharma playing his ninth T20 World Cup, became the first captain to win 50 T20I matches in the shorter format of the white ball cricket.

The chief protagonists of the final for the winners was Virat Kohli (76) up front and all-rounder Hardik Pandya (5 not out in 2 balls and 3/20 in 3) in the death overs on either side of the innings, well backed by pacers Jasprit Bumrah (2/18) and Arshdeep Singh (2/20).

South Africa playing their maiden final came immensely close to shattering the India's dream of ending their ICC title drought, despite losing two wickets including their skipper Aiden Markram (4) inside three overs in the run chase. Some excellent batting by opener Quinton de Kock (39) and in form Heinrich Klaasen (52) against the usually miserly Indian spin trio  Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja who managed to grab only one wicket while conceding 101 runs in their combined spell of nine overs, before Arshdeep got the better of the South African wicketkeeper.

Heinrich and David Miller staged a brief recovery as Proteas needed 30 of as many balls, before they lost the way soon after in the face of mounting pressure of the final.  Jasprit bowled a four-run over, followed by Hardik’s crucial wicket of well-set Heinrich soon after the latter scored a 23-ball fifty, while conceding only four. Jasprit’s wicket of Marco Jansen (2) with a classic Yorker while conceding only two and Arshdeep four-run penultimate over added to the drama.

Needing 16 off the final six balls, Hardik delivered the knockout blow by dismissing hard hitting south  paw David Miller (21) courtesy a sensational catch by Suryakumar Yadav at long-off boundary while running to his left in the very first ball, while ensuring his feet on the right side of the rope. Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada (4) tried to keep the pressure on with the latter lucky to get away with a streaky boundary of the very first ball, before Hardik had him also caught by Suryakumar at long-off once again. Needing 10 of two balls and nine of the final ball, Anrich Nortje managed a single as South Africa managed to score 169 for 8 in the end.

The hard fought win saw India maintain their unbeaten record in the tournament and their second T20 World Cup crown and joined the elite group of West Indies (2012 & 2016) and England (2010 & 2022) to do so, while also equaling their longest winning streaks in T20Is with 12. 

Earlier electing to bat India posted a total of 176 for 7 in 20 overs, the highest total by any team in the final of a Men's T20 World Cup. Virat anchored the revival with a gritty 76 runs off 59 including six boundaries and two sixes, following his useful partnerships of 72 and 57 runs for the fourth and fifth wickets with all-rounders Axar Patel (47) and Shivam Dube (27) respectively. South Africa pacers Marco Jansen (1/49) and Anrich Nortje (2/23) ensured Aiden Markram’s made inroads in the last two overs with three quick wickets in space of seven balls with the former taking the key wicket of Virat in the final ball of his spell after being smashed for a boundary and six by the ex-India skipper who was named the Player of the Match, his 16th in his final T20I (125) match of his career.  Keshav Maharaj (2/26) whose double strike with wicket of Rohit (9) and wicket keeper batter Rishabh Pant (0) in his first over was the other successful bowler.

Virat Kohli who was named the Player of the Match for his match defining innings said  "This was my final T20 World Cup, and it was about now or never. Stepping up when it truly counted in my last T20I for India, that’s what I wanted. I’m deeply grateful—God has been kind. Yes, it wasn’t a secret. I had made it clear this was my last T20I World Cup outing. This was my last T20 game playing for Indian team. We have many talented young players ready to take India forward. It's been a prolonged wait to secure another ICC title, not just for me but for Rohit too. He's competed in nine T20 World Cups and truly deserved this victory, as did the rest of our team. The resilience and character displayed by the team were phenomenal. Once the emotions settle, my overwhelming feeling will be gratitude for this incredible journey."

Jasprit Bumrah, who time and again played a key role with match defining moments with the ball and picked  up 15 wicket in the tourney including two in the final was named the Player of the Tournament. "I'm usually the one keeping my emotions in control, focusing on the task at hand, but today, I'm at a loss for words. I don't normally cry after a match, but the emotions are just overwhelming. We were in a tough spot, and to come back and win from there, with my family in the stands, is just indescribable. We came close last time, and now, having played my part in clinching this victory, there's no better feeling. Throughout the tournament, I kept myself focused, stayed in my bubble, not thinking too far ahead. When the big day came, I knew I just had to deliver. I focus on one ball, one over at a time, trying not to let emotions get the best of me. But now that it's over, it's time to let those emotions out, to scream and shout. When asked to bowl the crucial 16th over, noticing the ball was slightly scuffed, I knew it might reverse. I strategized on the toughest shots for the batter and executed my plans perfectly, " said Jasprit Bumrah.

A disappointed South Africa Captain, Aiden Markram said, "Certainly, it's tough to swallow right now. We'll need some time to process this. Nonetheless, I'm immensely proud of the team's effort throughout the tournament. Our bowling performance was commendable given the tough pitch conditions. We managed to limit India to a chaseable score. Though it's disappointing not to clinch the win, I'm full of pride for our squad's resilience. Throughout this tournament, we've seen how quickly the dynamics of a game can shift. We never took our position for granted, aware that the outcome could swing at any moment. We believed we were in a prime position to take home the trophy, but fate had other plans. Looking forward, I'm optimistic. One thing's for sure: the South African team will always fight fiercely and stay competitive to the very end. Despite the setback, today remains a moment of pride for us all."

A relieved and satisfied Rohit Sharma, India Captain who was part of MS Dhoni’s team that won the maiden edition of T20 World Cup way back in 2007 who like Virat Kohli too announced his retirement from T20Is said, "It's difficult to encapsulate everything we've experienced over the past few years. We've dedicated immense effort both individually and as a team. The preparation and strategic planning aren't just about today but reflect a sustained effort over time. When the stakes were high, everyone understood their roles and performed under pressure. Even when momentum seemed to favour South Africa, we managed to stay composed. Winning a tournament involves a lot of behind-the-scenes effort. Throughout this tournament, our performance was exceptional. Regarding Virat Kohli, his consistent excellence over the last 15 years meant that we were confident he would deliver in crucial moments. Today, he anchored our innings brilliantly, allowing others to build around him. Axar's batting was pivotal in boosting our score to a competitive total. Jasprit Bumrah’s contribution is hard to summarize; his ability to consistently deliver under pressure is nothing short of remarkable. I’m immensely proud of this team. The support from our fans has been overwhelming, from those here in Barbados to the millions back home staying up late to support us. Their energy fuels our passion and commitment on the field."

Interesting Stats

 Most wickets in a T20 WC edition
17 - Fazalhaq Farooqi (AFG, 2024) and Arshdeep Singh (IND, 2024

Lowest ER in a T20 WC edition
4.17 - Jasprit Bumrah (2024)

Most wins as captain in T20Is
50 - Rohit Sharma (IND)

Most consecutive wins in T20 WCs
8* - India (2024) and South Africa (2024)

* India Group A league match against Canada was washed away

Most POTM awards in T20Is
16 - Virat Kohli (125 matches)

Brief Scores (Final)

India: 176/7 in 20 Overs (Virat Kohli 76 (59b: 6x4s, 2x6s), Axar Patel 47 (31b: 1x4, 4x4s), Shivam Dube 27 (16b: 3x4s.1x6); Keshav Maharaj 2/23, Anrich Nortje 2/26, Kagiso Rabada 1/36, Marco Jansen 1/49) beat South Africa: 169/8 in 20 Overs (Heinrich Klaasen 52 (27b: 2x4s, 5x6s), Quinton de Kock 39 (31b: 4x4s, 1x6), Tristan Stubbs 31 (21b: 3x4s, 1x6), David Miller 21 (17b: 1x4, 1x6); Jasprit Bumrah 2/18, Arshdeep Singh 2/20, Axar Patel 1/49, Hardik Pandya 3/20) by 7 runs. Player of the Match: Virat Kohli (India). Player of the Tournament: Jasprit Bumrah (India)

Photo Champions: Indian skipper Rohit Sharma lifts the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy in presence of his excited team mates and the dignitaries after defeating South Africa in final cricket match at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados (Photo courtesy The-ICC)

Photo Above: Cometh the hour, cometh the man, Virat Kohli came good with a valuable 76 ion a winning cause in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa to win the Player of the Match in his final T20i game for India