India’s agonizing 11-year wait for a global title ended thanks to Virat Kohli’s ingenuity and Rohit Sharma’s inspirational captaincy. The star-studded team outwitted eternal bridesmaids South Africa by seven runs in a see-saw final, lifting their second T20 World Cup trophy at the Kensington Oval on Saturday.
Virat Kohli’s Farewell
Kohli, who was part of the 2011 ODI World Cup triumph, announced his retirement from the format immediately after the match. “It’s time for the next generation to take over. It was an open secret and I would have announced it even if we would have lost,” Kohli said.
Emotional Victory For Team India
Hardik Pandya, who had endured a tough six months and was booed for being handed IPL captaincy, broke down in tears, with Rohit Sharma planting a kiss on his cheek. Captain Sharma, his eyes glistening, was emotionally exhausted, while his wife Ritika was completely emotional. There wasn’t a single soul who didn’t feel choked.
T20 World Cup: India vs South Africa Final Match Highlights
When Heinrich Klaasen (52 off 27 balls) was going hammer and tongs against the in-form Indian spinners, it seemed Rohit Sharma and his men would have to settle for second place in another World Cup final. However, they clawed their way back into the game with significant help from South Africa. Eventually, Hardik Pandya defended 16 runs in the final over, ensuring India’s first ICC trophy since 2013 and a maiden T20 World Cup crown in the post-IPL era. South Africa ended their innings at 169 for eight in response to India’s 176 for seven.
The relief and jubilation were evident on the faces of Kohli and Rohit, who might not stay on for another T20 World Cup cycle. The result was also a fitting farewell to head coach Rahul Dravid. Kohli’s knock of 76 off 59 balls and Axar Patel’s 47 off 31 balls allowed India to set the highest total in a T20 World Cup final.
The High-Pressure Chase
In the high-pressure run chase, Indian pacers provided two early wickets before a 58-run stand between Quinton de Kock (39 off 31) and Tristian Stubbs (52 off 27) put the Proteas back in the game. However, Klaasen’s breathtaking knock almost stunned India. Needing a wicket, Rohit Sharma turned to Axar Patel in the 15th over, where Klaasen pounded a couple of sixes and as many fours, single-handedly taking the game away from India.
South Africa’s Collapse
The asking rate suddenly dropped to a run a ball, and it became South Africa’s game to lose. Known for struggling in pressure situations, South Africa made life tougher for themselves, needing 20 runs off the last 12 balls with David Miller and Keshav Maharaj at the crease. Bumrah, who had bowled a beauty to dislodge Reeza Hendricks in the powerplay, made an impact when he was brought back, picking up a wicket and conceding only six runs off his final 12 balls.
The equation came down to 16 off the last six balls. On the first ball, Suryakumar Yadav took a sensational relay catch at the long-off boundary off Hardik to put India on the cusp of a thrilling victory. Earlier, India had done well to post the highest total in a T20 World Cup final after being 34 for three.
Kohli and Axar’s Contributions
Axar Patel got run out in an unfortunate manner, ending his 72-run partnership off 54 balls with Kohli. Kohli slowed down considerably in the middle overs, bringing up his first 50 of the tournament in 48 balls. Rohit Sharma (9) had no hesitation in batting first on a pitch that had been challenging throughout the competition. The Indian captain, coming off two back-to-back match-winning efforts, departed early after collecting consecutive fours off Keshav Maharaj in the second over. Maharaj responded by having Rohit caught at square leg and dismissing Rishabh Pant, both falling to the sweep shot.
Middle Order Struggles
The tension in the Indian camp increased when Suryakumar Yadav, in good touch like Rohit, was caught at fine leg after a pickup shot off Rabada, leaving India three down inside the powerplay. At 45 for three in six overs, it was the slowest powerplay for India in the Caribbean leg. Watching wickets tumble at the other end, Kohli shifted gears during the middle overs, letting Axar hit an odd boundary.
Kohli’s first big hit after the powerplay, a straight six off Rabada, came in the 18th over. Axar played potentially the innings of his T20 career, negotiating South African spinners effectively, hitting a six each off Aiden Markram, Maharaj, and Tabraiz Shamsi. The highlight of his knock was a straight six through the line off Rabada. Shivam Dube (27 off 16) delivered timely blows before Kohli smashed a couple of sixes in the last five overs, with India collecting 58 runs for the loss of three wickets.
Also Read: Reviewing Virat Kohli’s Performances in T20 World Cup Finals
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