India’s 17-year wait came to an end on Saturday as they defeated South Africa 7 runs to win the second T20 World Cup thanks to the skillful bowling of Virat Kohli and the inspirational leadership of Rohit Sharma.
Heinrich Klaasen’s stunning 52 off 27 balls threatened to ruin India’s chances, and the contest changed radically. But pivotal actions by Hardik Pandya and calculated choices by Rohit Sharma, like going to Axar Patel at a vital juncture, turned the tide of the match in India’s advantage.
In the end, India’s victory was cemented by Hardik Pandya’s nerve-wracking last over, which saw them defend 16 runs and win their first T20 World Cup since the 2013 Indian Premier League. For Kohli, Rohit, and their team, the celebrations were a mixture of relief and joy, maybe signalling the end of an era for the two T20 cricketing giants.
With the help of Axar Patel’s vital 47 off 31, and Virat Kohli’s brilliant innings of 76 off 59 balls, India was able to record their highest total in a T20 World Cup final. Throughout the chase, India’s bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah and assisted by Shivam Dube’s useful efforts, applied constant pressure to South Africa.
Bumrah’s comeback to the attack and Suryakumar Yadav’s breathtaking catch at the boundary off Hardik Pandya’s bowling changed the game dramatically in favour of India in the tense conclusion. Earlier, India had bounced back from a shaky beginning to amass a formidable total of 176 for 7, supported by an innings of patience from Kohli and an important partnership with Axar.
