- By Vishal Pushkar
- Sat, 29 Jun 2024 11:32 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
India beat South Africa by 7 runs to claim their second T20 World Cup title on Saturday. It was a comeback of epic proportions from Indian bowlers led by Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya and who were defending 177 in 20 overs.
A hiatus of 11 years came to an end as India lifted a trophy back in 2013 in England in the form of Champions Trophy.
Notably, Star India batter Virat Kohli announced his retirement in T20 Internationals after winning the player of the match award for his impactful 59-ball 76.
The Indian bowlers, led by Arshdeep Singh (2/20) and Jasprit Bumrah (2/18), shone brightly as they had throughout the tournament, restricting South Africa to 169 for eight, securing India's second T20 World Cup victory.
South Africa, playing in their maiden World Cup final, showed resilience with Heinrich Klaasen's aggressive 52 off 27 balls (2x4, 5x6). However, Hardik Pandya (3/20) took the crucial wicket of Klaasen, tilting the game firmly in India's favor.
A significant portion of the credit goes to Virat Kohli for anchoring India's innings and guiding them to a competitive total. Kohli reached his fifty in 48 balls, which was crucial after early dismissals of skipper Rohit Sharma (9), Rishabh Pant (0), and Suryakumar Yadav (3), reducing India to a precarious 34 for three.
Kohli found a reliable partner in Axar Patel (47 off 31 balls, 1x4, 6x4) during their 72-run partnership for the fourth wicket, stabilizing the innings. After Axar's run-out, Shivam Dube (27 off 16 balls, 3x4, 1x6) provided late impetus to the Indian innings.
Brief scores: India: 176/7 in 20 overs (Virat Kohli 76, Axar Patel 47; Keshav Maharaj 2/23) beat South Africa: 169/8 in 20 overs (Henirich Klaasen 52, Jasprit Bumrah 2/18, Arshdeep Singh 2/20) by 7 runs.
Inputs from PTI
