After 17 Years, India T20 World Champions

In a thrilling finale, India clinched the T20 World Cup 2024 title after 17 years, defeating South Africa in a nail-biting finish at Kensington Oval, Barbados. India’s bowlers worked their magic for Rohit Sharma’s team, securing their first T20 World Cup win since their victory in 2007. This marks the first time that Indian legend and outgoing head coach Rahul Dravid has touched a World Cup in any format.

South Africa, chasing 177 runs, was well placed even after losing four wickets. The turning point came in the 17th over when Hardik Pandya outfoxed Heinrich Klaasen who lost the battle to an outside edge. Bowling a slower ball near the tramline, Pandya forced Klaasen to edge it to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant. Klaasen departed for a well-fought 52 off 27 balls. At that moment, South Africa needed just 26 runs from 23 balls.

Jasprit Bumrah then delivered a sensational 18th over, conceding only two runs and taking the crucial wicket of Marco Jansen. This brought India back into contention, leaving South Africa needing 20 runs from 12 balls.

Pandya’s dismissal of Klaasen was pivotal, but South Africa still held a slight edge in their chase of 177 runs. Then came another poignant moment in the game in the last over when Suryakumar Yadav did a sensation effort to oust Miller who was the last hope for the Proteas. SKY’s screamer of what looked like a six again shifted the gear of the game as South Africa needed 16 runs out of 5 balls.

Earlier in the game, Arshdeep Singh struck twice, while Bumrah and Axar Patel each claimed a wicket, keeping India’s hopes alive.

India’s innings was anchored by Virat Kohli, who scored a gritty 76 off 59 balls, leading his team to a total of 176 for 7 in 20 overs—the highest total in a men’s T20 World Cup final. India had been in trouble at 34 for 3 in 4.3 overs, but a crucial 72-run partnership between Kohli and Axar Patel (47 off 31) stabilized the innings. Keshav Maharaj and Anrich Nortje were the standout bowlers for South Africa, each taking two wickets for 23 and 26 runs, respectively.

With Arshdeep Singh delivering a tight 19th over, the stage was set for a dramatic finish, and India ultimately emerged victorious as they defeated the South Africans for 7 runs, marking a historic moment in Indian cricket.