by Ashis Sinha
In a thrilling final at Kensington Oval in Barbados, millions of Indians across the globe erupted in jubilation as India defeated South Africa by seven runs to lift the T20 World Cup for the second time. The victory brought a wave of festivity and happiness across India as Rohit Sharma and his spirited team overcame first-time finalists South Africa in a nail-biting finish on Saturday.
The turning point of the match came in the last over when Suryakumar Yadav’s sensational boundary catch off Hardik Pandya’s first ball dismissed David Miller (21). This crucial wicket secured India’s victory and ended their streak of back-to-back ICC final losses, including the recent defeat to Australia in the 2023 50-over World Cup final in Ahmedabad.
Far from the West Indies, celebrations erupted across cricket-crazy India with fireworks and elated fans filling the streets. Despite South Africa’s strong start, India’s star batsman Virat Kohli, who had struggled with form throughout the series, hammered 76 runs, helping his side post a competitive total of 176 for the loss of seven wickets. The bowlers then restricted South Africa to 169 for eight, sealing the win.
Jasprit Bumrah was the standout bowler for India, taking the crucial wickets of Reeza Hendricks (4) and Marco Jansen (2), which applied pressure on the previously unbeaten South African squad. Hardik Pandya also played a pivotal role, dismissing Heinrich Klaasen (52) and Kagiso Rabada (4), and taking the final over responsibility with just 16 runs needed. His performance, coupled with Suryakumar Yadav’s catch, ensured India’s triumph.
South Africa, despite losing two early wickets, tried to stabilize their innings with Quinton de Kock (39) and Tristan Stubbs (31). However, crucial breakthroughs by Patel, Arshdeep Singh, and Bumrah kept India in the game. Patel’s dismissal of Stubbs gave India hope, though Klaasen’s later assault made it challenging for the Men in Blue.
Earlier, Kohli announced his retirement from T20 cricket with a heroic knock of 76, leading India to a competitive 176 despite early setbacks. Fans cheered as the match proceeded without the predicted rain interruptions. South Africa’s initial momentum, driven by dismissals of Rohit Sharma (9) and Rishabh Pant (0) by spinner Keshav Maharaj, put India on the back foot at 2-23. Suryakumar Yadav (3) also fell cheaply to Kagiso Rabada, leaving India struggling at 3-34.
Kohli’s composed innings, supported by Axar Patel’s 47 and Shivam Dube’s quickfire 27, helped India recover from the early collapse. Anrich Nortje and Keshav Maharaj each took two wickets, but it wasn’t enough to prevent India from posting a challenging total.
This victory marks India’s second T20 World Cup title, the first being their win over Pakistan in the 2007 final in South Africa. It also ended India’s long wait for an ICC final victory since their Champions Trophy win in 2013.