The long wait for an ICC Trophy ended on Saturday, June 29. Eleven years after MS Dhoni lifted an ICC Trophy for India, Rohit Sharma’s team claimed the T20 World Cup trophy. India clinched victory from the jaws of defeat, successfully defending a total of 176 runs. The fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Arshdeep Singh glowed for India in the thrilling final at the Kensington Oval as South Africa lost momentum after needing just 30 runs off the last 30 deliveries.
In the end, Hardik Pandya emerged as India’s hero by successfully defending 16 runs in the final over. Overcome with emotion, Hardik couldn’t hold back tears as India narrowly crossed the finish line. In a touching moment, captain Rohit Sharma embraced his teammate and lifted him in celebration.
The fearless Indians claimed their ICC trophy. Virat Kohli’s 76, Axar Patel’s 47, and a collective bowling display from the fast bowlers on a day when spinners faced challenges propelled India to victory. In a thrilling climax among the T20 World Cup’s most memorable, India maintained composure and fulfilled the dreams of billions.
Virat and Rohit’s Retirement
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma announced their retirement from T20I cricket following the final. Kohli ended his T20I career on a high note, earning the Player of the Match award in the World Cup final, while Rohit bid farewell to the format after following in the footsteps of MS Dhoni.
Hardik Pandya found redemption after a challenging IPL 2024 season, and tears welled up as he delivered the winning over. Rohit Sharma, fittingly, embraced and comforted him in a heartwarming moment captured by TV cameras.
Head coach Rahul Dravid redeemed the heartbreak of 2007 when India exited the ODI World Cup in the group stage under his captaincy.
Close But Not Close Enough for the Proteas
For South Africa, making their debut in a World Cup final, victory was within reach but ultimately elusive. Their lack of experience in such high-stakes matches became apparent despite Heinrich Klaasen’s valiant fifty. He posed a significant threat to India by dismantling their strong spin-bowling lineup, but India’s pace bowlers ultimately turned the tide in their favor.
South Africa suffered an early blow when their out-of-form opener, Reeza Hendricks, fell to a delivery from Jasprit Bumrah. Captain Aiden Markram failed to make an impact, falling without scoring as Arshdeep continued his impressive form for India.
South Africa found themselves in trouble at 12 for 2 when Tristan Stubbs was elevated to bat at No. 4 who aggressively tackled the Indian bowling attack, forming a crucial 58-run partnership with Quinton de Kock, who played a stabilizing role in his last T20I innings.
However, Axar Patel ended the partnership in the 8th over with his effective ‘you miss, I hit’ strategy. Stubbs fell victim to his inventive shot selection.
Next up was Heinrich Klaasen, who dismantled India’s top spinners – Axar and Kuldeep Yadav. Klaasen displayed aggression in the 14th and 15th overs, exploiting Axar for 14 runs and Kuldeep for 24 runs during that period.
Klaasen showcased his ability to dismantle spin once David Miller joined him on the field.
Jasprit Bumrah: The Golden Asset
The critical moment of the game came during Jasprit Bumrah’s 16th over, where he tightened the screws, allowing just four runs to be scored.
In the 17th over, Hardik Pandya claimed the crucial wicket of Klaasen, who attempted to accelerate following Bumrah’s economical over. Hardik’s well-disguised slower delivery proved effective, causing Klaasen to lose his balance and edge the ball to the keeper.
Following a lengthy decision with senior players in the team, Rohit entrusted Jasprit Bumrah with the 18th over, thereby completing his four-over quota ahead of schedule. Bumrah responded brilliantly, conceding only two runs and dismissing Marco Jansen.
After another precise over from Arshdeep, South Africa needed 16 runs off the final ball. Hardik Pandya began with a low full-toss that David Miller almost sent for a six, but Suryakumar Yadav’s spectacular catch at long-off denied him. Miller’s dismissal reduced South Africa’s hopes, and Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj couldn’t rescue their team.
Rohit Sharma fell on his knees in celebration, and Hardik Pandya lay down on the pitch, marking India’s joyous victory. Rahul Dravid’s unusual excitement and Kohli and Rohit posing with the Indian flag were highlights of the celebration.
Earlier, cricket fans were spared from rain despite forecasts. Rohit Sharma, winning the toss, opted to bat confidently. It was a reversal of fortune after India’s ODI World Cup final loss, where Pat Cummins dominated from start to finish after winning the toss on November 19. India aimed to capitalize on favorable conditions in Barbados but faced challenges in the powerplay.
