In an exhilarating finale at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, India clinched their second T20 World Cup title by defeating South Africa by seven runs. This victory marks India’s first T20 World Cup win since their historic triumph in 2007, ending an 11-year drought of ICC trophies.
Match Highlights
India set a formidable target of 176/7, with Virat Kohli leading the charge. Kohli’s stellar knock of 76 runs anchored the innings, making it the highest team total in a T20 World Cup final against South Africa. The middle-order batsman Shivam Dube provided crucial support in the death overs, adding 27 runs to the scoreboard. Despite early setbacks with the dismissals of Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, and Suryakumar Yadav inside the powerplay, Axar Patel’s significant contribution of 47 runs helped stabilize the innings.
South Africa, in response, faced an early collapse. Indian bowlers Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Hardik Pandya showcased remarkable composure under pressure. Bumrah’s dismissal of Reeza Hendricks in the second over and Arshdeep’s removal of Aiden Markram in the third over rattled the South African lineup. Despite a valiant effort, South Africa could not keep pace, finishing short of the target by seven runs.
Turning Points
- Jasprit Bumrah’s early breakthrough: Bumrah’s precision bowling saw the back of Reeza Hendricks in the second over, setting the tone for India’s dominance.
- Arshdeep Singh’s key wicket: Arshdeep’s crucial dismissal of Aiden Markram in the third over added to South Africa’s early woes.
- Virat Kohli’s commanding innings: Kohli’s 76 was a masterclass in T20 batting, helping India post a challenging total.
- Indian bowlers’ resilience: The combined efforts of Bumrah, Pandya, and Arshdeep in the final overs ensured India maintained control, despite South Africa’s attempts to mount a comeback.
Player Performances
- Virat Kohli: His knock of 76 runs off 55 balls was the backbone of the Indian innings, earning him the Man of the Match accolade.
- Axar Patel: Patel’s 47 runs were instrumental in rebuilding the innings after early setbacks.
- Jasprit Bumrah: With 1/20 in his four overs, Bumrah’s early strike and economical bowling were crucial to India’s defense of their total.
Celebrations and Reactions
The victory sparked celebrations across India, with fans rejoicing the end of a long wait for an ICC trophy. Captain Rohit Sharma dedicated the win to the supporters and highlighted the team’s perseverance and teamwork.
Further Reading
