Kathmandu, June 30
In a momentous occasion for Indian cricket, India clinched the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 title, defeating South Africa by 7 runs in a thrilling final. This victory marks India’s first T20 World Cup win since 2007. The final match in Barbados saw standout performances from both teams, culminating in a nail-biting finish.
India set a target of 177 runs after winning the toss and choosing to bat. Opener Virat Kohli led the charge with a stellar 76 runs off 59 balls, including 6 fours and 2 sixes. Kohli’s half-century came off 48 balls, laying a solid foundation for India’s innings. Axar Patel also played a crucial role, scoring 47 runs off 31 balls with 1 four and 4 sixes. The Indian team posted 176 for 7 in their 20 overs.
South Africa, in their chase, managed to score 169 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in 20 overs. Heinrich Klaasen was the top scorer for South Africa with 52 runs off 27 balls, including 2 fours and 5 sixes. Despite Klaasen’s efforts, South Africa fell short of the target. Key moments included Hardik Pandya’s crucial wicket of Klaasen and a spectacular boundary catch by Suryakumar Yadav to dismiss David Miller, which sealed India’s victory.
Indian bowlers delivered impressive performances, with Jasprit Bumrah taking 2 wickets for 18 runs in his 4 overs, Hardik Pandya claiming 3 wickets for 20 runs in 3 overs, and Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel taking 2 and 1 wickets respectively.
This historic win was followed by significant announcements from two of India’s cricketing legends. Captain Rohit Sharma declared his retirement from T20 Internationals. Sharma, who played a pivotal role in leading India to their second T20 World Cup title, has had an illustrious T20I career, scoring 4,231 runs in 159 matches with 5 centuries and 32 half-centuries. His leadership saw India win 49 out of 62 T20I matches. Sharma’s retirement marks the end of an era, as he leaves the game as the highest run-scorer in T20I history.
Shortly after Sharma’s announcement, Virat Kohli also declared his retirement from T20 Internationals. Kohli, who was named Player of the Match in the final, ends his T20I career with 4,188 runs in 125 matches, including 1 century and 38 half-centuries. He holds the record for the most Player of the Series awards in T20I cricket, with 7 accolades. Kohli’s contribution to India’s World Cup victory was substantial, with his performance in the final being a testament to his skill and determination.
The Indian cricket team and fans celebrated the dual triumph of winning the World Cup and honouring the remarkable careers of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, two of the greatest players in the history of T20 cricket.
