The wait of 17 years came to an end as India edged past South Africa by 7 runs in the T20 World Cup 2024 final at Kensington Oval, in Bridgetown, Barbados. South Africa, chasing 177, ended at 169/8 in their 20 overs.
Virat Kohli’s solid 76 from 59 balls helped India set a record total of 176/7 in 20 overs, the highest ever in a men’s T20 World Cup final.
Struggling at 34/3 in 4.3 overs, India recovered thanks to a vital 72-run partnership between Kohli and Axar Patel.
Axar was dismissed for 47 off 31 balls, while Kohli scored 76 off 59. Keshav Maharaj and Anrich Nortje each took two wickets, conceding 23 and 26 runs, respectively.
This marks India’s first ICC trophy in a decade since clinching the Champions Trophy under MS Dhoni’s captaincy in 2013. Since then, India has reached the finals of five ICC tournaments across different formats, unfortunately losing each one until today.
On their sixth attempt, India has finally shattered the streak, with Rohit Sharma becoming only the third Indian captain to hoist an ICC trophy.
Virat Kohli has been awarded the Player of the Match after his 76 off 59, played a pivotal role in India lifting the T20 World Cup trophy.
