In a final filled with high drama and raw emotion, India emerged as the T20 World Champions by defeating South Africa by 7 runs at Kensington Oval, Barbados. The last delivery saw Hardik Pandya seated on the ground with the ball, tears glistening in his eyes, while Rohit Sharma lay face down, overwhelmed by the moment. The Indian team exploded in celebration, with players running in all directions, each expressing the euphoria of achieving their dreams.
In stark contrast, the South African team was engulfed in despair. With only 30 runs needed from 5 overs and 6 wickets in hand, victory seemed within their grasp. However, the painful legacy of past failures resurfaced, earning them the heartbreaking label of ‘chokers’ once again.
Cricket history is rich with tales of dramatic comebacks, but India’s triumph in this final may surpass them all. Rohit Sharma’s team, undefeated throughout the tournament, showcased exceptional skill and nerve to claim their second T20 World Cup title, having won the inaugural championship in 2007. This victory also ended India’s long wait for an ICC trophy, following their 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy wins.
India posted a competitive total of 176 for 7 in their 20 overs. Virat Kohli, whose form had been a point of concern, delivered when it mattered most, scoring a crucial 76 runs. Contributions from Aksar Patel and Shivam Dube bolstered India’s innings.
South Africa, despite a strong middle-order fight led by Heinrich Klaasen, fell short in their chase, finishing at 169 for 8. Klaasen’s explosive fifty kept their hopes alive until the 17th over, but his dismissal triggered a collapse that the Proteas could not recover from. Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh bowled brilliantly in the death overs, tightening the screws on the South African batsmen.
Hardik Pandya, who had faced criticism for his IPL form and leadership, played a pivotal role in the final over, securing the win with a stellar all-round performance.
India’s aggressive start saw Kohli hit three fours in the first over off Marco Jansen, setting a record for the most runs in the first over of a World Cup final. Despite losing early wickets, a crucial partnership between Kohli and Aksar Patel stabilized the innings, with Patel scoring a quick 47 off 31 balls. Shivam Dube’s late flurry ensured India added 68 runs in the last 6 overs.
South Africa’s chase began shakily with the early loss of Riza Hendricks and captain Aiden Markram. However, young Tristan Stubbs and the experienced Quinton de Kock fought back with a 58-run partnership. Klaasen’s blitzkrieg brought South Africa close to victory, but India’s bowlers held their nerve in the final overs.
Kohli was named Man of the Match for his match-winning innings, while Jasprit Bumrah, with his consistent performances throughout the tournament, was awarded Man of the Tournament.
India’s victory marked a significant milestone for Rohit Sharma, who, after witnessing India’s maiden T20 World Cup win in 2007 and facing recent setbacks, now stands as a world champion captain. This triumph also provided a sweet redemption for India, ending their long quest for an ICC trophy after near misses in the Test Championship and ODI World Cup finals.
Summary Score:
India: 176/7 in 20 overs (Kohli 76, Aksar 47, Dubey 27; Jansen 1/49, Maharaj 2/23, Norkia 2/26)
South Africa: 169/8 in 20 overs (de Kock 39, Klaasen 52; Bumrah 2/18, Arshdeep 2/20, Pandya 3/20)
Result: India won by 7 runs.
Man of the Match: Virat Kohli.
Man of the Tournament: Jasprit Bumrah.