After the heartbreak in Ahmedabad, India found redemption in the Caribbean, holding their nerve in a nail-biting final to win the men’s T20 World Cup for the second time. The victory came with a seven-run triumph over South Africa, sending the agony of defeat to the Proteas and bringing joy and relief to the Indian team and their fans.
Celebrations on the Outfield- T20 World Cup
As Rohit Sharma’s men celebrated on the outfield, the tricolor flags waved in the breeze, signaling the end of a pressure-cooker run chase. India had an unbeaten cruise to the final, reminiscent of their thwarted 50-over World Cup campaign on home soil late last year. This time, however, the team maintained their composure, demonstrating 11 cool heads at the end of the match.
South Africa’s Narrow Miss
South Africa, having reached their first men’s global T20 world cup final with eight straight wins, including several thrillers, will look back on this as the one that got away. Set 177 to win after Virat Kohli’s 59-ball 76, the Proteas were in a favorable position when Heinrich Klaasen scored five sixes in a 27-ball 52, leaving them needing 26 runs off the last four overs. However, a vice-like squeeze from Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, and Jasprit Bumrah thwarted their efforts.
Key Moments in the Match
Even when Klaasen fell to Pandya’s first ball of the 17th over, the trophy was within reach for the Proteas, thanks to the presence of David Miller. But Bumrah’s sublime 18th over, which rattled Marco Jansen’s stumps, and Arshdeep’s follow-up, left South Africa needing 16 off six balls. Pandya then sealed the victory with a clutch catch by Suryakumar Yadav, who caught Miller in the deep, leading to tears for Miller and celebration for India.
Rohit Sharma’s Pride
“I’m proud of the boys,” said Sharma after their first World Cup win since 2011 and a first in T20 World cup cricket since the victory in 2007. “It was fantastic for the fans to support us through New York to Barbados. They have been waiting a long time, just like us.”
Sharma was thrilled for Kohli, whose 76 runs were central to India’s competitive 176 for six. Both Sharma and Kohli announced their retirement from T20 world cup internationals after the match, with Kohli stating, “It was a now or never situation. This is my last T20 game playing for India, it’s the last World Cup I was going to play, so I wanted to make the most of it.”
South Africa’s Heartbreak
Aiden Markram, South Africa’s captain, expressed his disappointment, saying, “It’s just gut-wrenching. That’s really what it is. Each player has been on a different individual journey. And when you get really close like that, especially the nature of how the game went, it obviously adds to the emotions.”
The Final Showdown
The final was a fierce battle, with both teams trading blows. South Africa’s dynamic fielding, including Klaasen’s two sparkling catches, initially put India on the back foot. However, crucial contributions from Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, and Kohli helped set a challenging target.
Bumrah’s Brilliance
Bumrah’s tournament performance was exceptional, and his dismissal of Reeza Hendricks with a delivery that angled in and moved away was a highlight. South Africa fought back with De Kock and Klaasen, but India’s bowlers, particularly Bumrah, Pandya, and Arshdeep, were too good on the day.
Conclusion
The match was a tense affair, with both teams showcasing exceptional fielding skills and strategic bowling. Rain threatened to disrupt the proceedings, but thankfully, the entire 20 overs were completed. This victory marks a significant moment for Indian cricket, coming after a narrow loss in the 50-over World Cup final earlier this year and signifying the team’s dominance in the shorter format.
India lift T20 World Cup trophy for the second time. South Africa, despite their valiant effort, fell short of their first World Cup title in any format. However, their performance throughout the tournament has been commendable, and they leave Barbados with their heads held high.
