India has won the T20 World Cup 2024, beating South Africa by seven runs. This victory marks the end of a long 11-year wait for an ICC title. The final, held at Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 29, 2024, saw India emerge as the champions in a thrilling match.
For India, this tournament was about redemption. After losing in the ODI World Cup final, they made a strong comeback by defeating Australia in the Super Eight stage and then England in the semi-final. In the final, India faced South Africa, both teams having no titles in the last 10 years.
India owes much of its victory to Jasprit Bumrah, who bowled brilliantly when it mattered most. Hardik Pandya also played a crucial role, bowling a key over and defending 15 runs in the final over. His performance was particularly emotional given the personal challenges he faced in recent months. Suryakumar Yadav made a significant contribution with a stunning catch to dismiss David Miller, South Africa’s last recognized batter. Arshdeep Singh also delivered under pressure, conceding only four runs in the penultimate over.
South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen put India under pressure with a rapid fifty off just 23 balls, but Bumrah’s excellent bowling shifted the momentum back to India. Bumrah’s last two overs were crucial, with only six runs conceded and the key wicket of Marco Jansen taken.
India chose to bat first on a dry pitch and overcame early setbacks to post 176/7. Virat Kohli scored 76 and Axar Patel added 47, their partnership bringing India back into the game after losing three wickets early. Kohli’s innings included a crucial late surge, hitting boundaries in the final overs.
South Africa also faced a top-order collapse but Quinton de Kock and Tristan Stubbs steadied their chase. Klaasen’s quick fifty kept them in the game, but India’s tight death-overs bowling restricted them to 169/8, sealing India’s victory.
In summary, India’s victory in the T20 World Cup 2024 was a result of strong performances by key players and effective death-overs bowling, marking a triumphant end to an 11-year wait for an ICC title.
