India won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 after defeating South Africa in a thrilling final at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. This is India’s second T20 World Cup title, having previously won in 2007.
Batting first after winning the toss, India posted a competitive total of 176/6, with Virat Kohli scoring a crucial 76 and Axar Patel contributing a counter-attacking 47. This was the highest team score in a T20 World Cup final.
India faced early troubles, losing captain Rohit Sharma (9), Rishabh Pant (0), and Suryakumar Yadav (3) to be precariously placed at 34/3. However, Virat Kohli stabilized the innings and found an able partner in Axar Patel.
Patel scored a vital 47 off 31 balls, including one four and six boundaries, contributing significantly in a 72-run partnership for the fourth wicket that eased the pressure. Later, Shivam Dube added a quickfire 27 off 16 balls, with three fours and a six, giving the innings a late boost.
South Africa’s bowlers put up a spirited fight with Keshav Maharaj taking 2/23, and Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen, and Kagiso Rabada each claiming one wicket. Despite their efforts, the Indian batting lineup managed to set a formidable target.
In response, South Africa’s chase was a rollercoaster ride. Heinrich Klaasen’s explosive 52 off 27 balls, with two fours and five sixes, threatened to take the game away from India. But the Indian bowlers, led by Arshdeep Singh (2/20) and Jasprit Bumrah (2/18), maintained their composure and bowled brilliantly under pressure.
Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah were the stars with the ball, both delivering exceptional spells. Hardik Pandya also played a crucial role, claiming 3/20 and picking up the key wicket of Klaasen, which turned the match decisively in India’s favor.
South Africa needed 15 runs off the final over, but Bumrah’s pinpoint death bowling restricted them to 169/8, ensuring a memorable victory for India. This win not only highlighted India’s bowling depth but also their ability to hold nerve in high-stakes matches.
The Indian team celebrated their historic win with great enthusiasm, with Kohli’s innings and the collective bowling effort being lauded. Kohli was awarded the Player of the Match for his anchoring innings, which was pivotal in setting up the win.
