(Dunya News) – India on Saturday beat South Africa by seven runs in nail-biting final to reclaim the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 title after long quest of 17 years in Barbados.
Indian bowlers successfully defended the target of 177 runs by dismissing Protease for 169 runs on a challenging pitch.
There were more early wickets in the South Africa innings, with Jasprit Bumrah bowling a perfect delivery to knock over Reeza Hendricks in the second over, followed by Aiden Markram edging Arshdeep Singh behind.
De Kock continued his excellent form, though, partnering up with Tristan Stubbs for 58 off 38 balls.
Stubbs' departure - bowled by Axar Patel for 31 - brought Heinrich Klaasen to the crease for the last ball of the ninth over.
After de Kock was dismissesd for 39, Klaasen took the charge and displayed fireworks with bat. However, his removal at 52 served a major blow to South Africa. David Miller tried to maintained the momentum but Pandya sent him and other tail order players to packing in last over, sealing win for India.
Earlier, Virat Kohli showed magic with bat as India had set a challenging target of 177 runs for South Africa in final game.
Kohli scored 76 for 59 after his side suffered early blows by losing three key wickets. He was caught by Rabada on the delivery of Marco Jensen.
After an expensive opening over from Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj took two in the second - first Rohit Sharma, caught by Heinrich Klaasen, and then Rishabh Pant, caught by Quinton de Kock.
Kagiso Rabada got the important wicket of Suryakumar Yadav for just 3 in the fifth over, with Klaasen again taking the catch as the batter looked to attack.
Virat Kohli and Axar Patel formed a vital partnership of 72 for the fourth wicket, but it was ended by a combination of poor running and exceptional fielding. De Kock picked up a gentle tap from Kohli and promptly threw it at the non-striker's end, where Axar was well out of his ground.
Shivam Dube tried to push in death overs as he made 27 for 16 before being caught by Miller.
India had won the toss and decided to bat first against South Africa. India captain Rohit Sharma also explained the reasons for electing to bat first after winning the toss. He said, “Looks a good pitch. We played one game here already and the scores have been really good.
“It is just about understanding individual roles. I know it’s a big occasion, but it is important to stay calm. We have to keep things under control.
“South Africa have played some really good cricket this tournament, but so have we.
“It is going to be a great game before two quality teams," he said.
Squads
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
South Africa: Aiden Markram (c), Ottniel Baartman, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs