India ended their 13-year wait for an ICC Cricket World Cup trophy by defeating South Africa by seven runs in a thrilling final at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, to lift the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
South Africa, aiming for their maiden world title, were left heartbroken as they narrowly fell short against a formidable Indian bowling lineup in a match that seesawed throughout Saturday. Chasing a target of 177, the Proteas seemed poised for victory, needing 71 runs off 45 balls with six wickets in hand and the duo of Quinton de Kock and Heinrich Klaasen steering their chase.
However, India remained determined to secure their second T20 World Cup win.
All-rounder Hardik Pandya made a crucial impact by dismissing Klaasen in his first over and then taking the vital wicket of David Miller, thanks to a spectacular catch on the long-off boundary by Suryakumar Yadav.
Jasprit Bumrah also rose to the occasion, breaking partnerships at critical junctures to support his captain.
While Pandya’s removal of the dangerous Klaasen was pivotal, it was Bumrah’s in-swinging delivery to bowl out Marco Jansen that turned the tide in India’s favor.
