India defeated South Africa to win the T20 World Cup 2024 and their 10-year ICC trophy drought. After a decent batting effort, it was the Indian pacer who helped register a seven-run win and take home the trophy. This is also India's second T20 World Cup title as they won the inaugural tournament in 2007.
After winning the toss, Team India elected to bat first and started a few quick boundaries but hit a massive roadblock. Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj showed off his class by dismissing the Indian captain Rohit Sharma and then getting out Rishabh Pant. The struggles continued as Suryakumar Yadav failed to deliver under pressure and was dismissed by Kagiso Rabada.
After losing three quick wickets, Axar Patel and Virat Kohli rescued Team India, who put up a 72-run stand. Then after losing Patel, Kohli with his 76 and the lower order chipped in with a few quality cameos to help post a 176-run total. For South Africa, Maharaj and Anrich Nortje were the pick of the bowlers as both of them picked up two wickets each.
Chasing this total, South Africa despite losing two quick wickets scored consistent runs to keep up with the run rate. Opener Quinton de Kock and Tristan Stubbs put forth a 58-run stand before Axar Patel produced a breakthrough. But this dismissal turned out to be a blessing for South Africa.
After Stubbs came in Henrich Klassen who went behind the Indian spin attack with brute force and manic skill. He went on to smash a blistering 23-ball 50 which nearly won them the game. But a twist came in the form of Jasprit Bumrah who gave only four runs. Then came Hardik Pandya who dismissed Klassen to once again turn the game around.
For India, it was the Bumrah and Pandya pair which were the difference makers as the both picked up late wickets and sealed the game by a seven-run margin for the Men in Blue.
