Mumbai – A combination of stellar death bowling by Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya, alongside exceptional knocks from Virat Kohli and Axar Patel, propelled India to victory in the ICC T20 World Cup final against South Africa.
India triumphed by seven runs, securing their second ICC T20 World Cup title and their first ICC trophy since the Champions Trophy in 2013.
In a tense final held at the Barbados, India successfully defended a target of 177 runs. South Africa’s chase faltered early as Jasprit Bumrah bowled out Reeza Hendricks for four and Arshdeep Singh dismissed skipper Aiden Markram for another four, leaving the Proteas at a shaky 12/2 in 2.3 overs.
Quinton de Kock and Tristan Stubbs mounted a counterattack, targeting Indian spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel. By the end of the powerplay, South Africa had reached 42/2, with de Kock and Stubbs at the crease. Their partnership, however, was broken by Axar Patel, who dismissed Stubbs for 31 off 21 balls.
Despite the loss, South Africa maintained a steady run rate, reaching 100 runs in 11.3 overs. However, the Indian bowlers soon regained control. Arshdeep Singh removed de Kock for 39, and Hardik Pandya dismissed the dangerous Heinrich Klaasen for 52, stalling South Africa’s momentum.
With Bumrah and Arshdeep tightening the screws in the death overs, South Africa needed 16 runs off the final over. Hardik Pandya bowled a remarkable last over, taking crucial wickets and conceding only seven runs, leaving South Africa short at 169/8.
Earlier, India’s batting was anchored by a masterful 76 from Virat Kohli and a blistering 47 from Axar Patel. The duo helped India recover from a precarious 34/3 after the powerplay. Kohli’s composed innings, punctuated with crucial boundaries and sixes in the final overs, ensured India posted a competitive total of 176/7.
Keshav Maharaj and Anrich Nortje were the pick of the bowlers for South Africa, claiming two wickets each. Despite their efforts, India’s batting depth and strategic partnerships proved too strong.
India’s victory not only ended an 11-year ICC trophy drought but also marked them as the first team to win the T20 World Cup undefeated. This historic win has once again left South Africa heartbroken, as they continue to seek their first ICC title.
With this triumph, India has reaffirmed its position as a powerhouse in international cricket, and fans around the world are celebrating their return to glory on the global stage.
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