India Triumphs Over South Africa in T20 World Cup 2024 Final: Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya Star in Thrilling 7-Run Victory at Kensington Oval
Kohli & Pandya Star:
On 29 June 2024, cricket fans around the world witnessed a nail-biting final as India defeated South Africa by 7 runs at the iconic Kensington Oval in Barbados to clinch their second ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title. The historic victory was marked by stellar performances from Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah, making it a memorable night for Indian cricket. The final match of the T20 World Cup 2024 was a highly anticipated clash between the two powerhouses of cricket, India and South Africa. India set a competitive target of 177 runs by displaying balanced batting. Despite a brilliant effort from the South African batsmen, they fell short by just 7 runs, finishing at 169/8 in their 20 overs.
India’s innings was opened by their captain Rohit and Virat Kohli who scored a crucial 63 off 42 balls and showed his class and leadership under pressure. Kohli’s innings included 8 fours and a six which India needed at the top. Along with Kohli, Hardik Pandya also played an important role, scoring 45 runs off 27 balls, which included 4 fours and 2 sixes, which accelerated the scoring pace during the middle overs. Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul got off to a solid start as they added 50 runs for the first wicket. Sharma’s 22-ball 35 set the tone, while Rahul’s 25-ball 28 ensured a platform for the middle order. Despite losing wickets at crucial junctures, India’s lower order, led by Ravindra Jadeja’s 15 off 10 balls, ensured a competitive total of 176/6.
Chasing 177, South Africa got off to a positive start as Quinton de Kock scored a fluent 39 off 28 balls. His innings included 5 fours and a six which gave South Africa a strong start. However, the Indian bowlers, led by Hardik Pandya, continued to attack intermittently to stem South Africa’s momentum. Tristan Stubbs (31 off 24 balls) and Henrik Klaasen (52 off 36 balls) fought bravely, but the disciplined Indian bowling kept the pressure on. Pandya was the star with the ball, taking 3 crucial wickets for 28 runs in his 4 overs. The demise of Jasprit Bumrah’s ability was on full display as he took 2 for 29, while Ardeep Singh’s 2/32 reduced South Africa’s chances further. Axar Patel took a wicket ensuring a good bowling performance.
Highlights of the match included Virat Kohli’s 63, which laid the foundation for India’s total. His ability to anchor the innings during the fast pace when needed was crucial. Hardik Pandya’s quick 45 and his 3 wickets made him the best performer of the final. His wicket of Klassen in the 18th over was the game-changer. Jasprit Bumrah’s skill in the final overs ensured that South Africa could not score freely, restricting them to 169/8.
| Player | Award | Prize |
| Virat Kohli | Player of the Match | $3000 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Player of the Tournament | $15000 |
| Suryakumar Yadav | Smart Catch of the Match | $3000 |
The statistical highlights of the final were significant. India’s total was 176/6 in 20 overs while South Africa’s total was 169/8 in 20 overs. Virat Kohli scored 63 off 42 balls and Henrik Klaasen scored 52 off 36 balls. The best bowlers were Hardik Pandya with 3/28, Jasprit Bumrah with 2/29, and Arsdeep Singh with 2/32.
credit to star sports
The Indian team erupted in jubilation as they won their second T20 World Cup title, the first being in 2007. Virat Kohli dedicated the win to the fans and appreciated the team’s collective efforts. “It’s a dream come true. The way everyone contributed made this win special,” Kohli said in the post-match presentation. Man of the Match Award Hardik Pandya performs on the big stage “Winning the World Cup is an unreal feeling. I am happy that I can contribute both with the bat and the ball,” said Pandya. South African captain Temba Buama acknowledged India’s superior performance but was proud of his team’s journey to the final. Boma commented, “It’s disappointing to come so close, but credit goes to India. We fought hard and will learn from this experience.”
India’s victory over South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2024 final will go down in cricket history as a match of skill, strategy and sheer determination. The thrilling 7-run victory highlighted the importance of experience and courage in high-pressure situations. As the events unfold, cricket fans look forward to more such epic encounters in the future.
