IND vs SA Final Highlights, T20 World Cup 2024:
The finals between India and South Africa were an edge-of-the-seat thriller. India set a target of 177 runs which South Africa fell short of by 7 runs, thus sealing their title win.
Throughout the match, there were several nerve-racking moments where the title seemed to slip from India's grasp. However, there were five crucial instances where India's relentless spirit flipped the game entirely. Let's delve into these moments, from Suryakumar Yadav's remarkable catch to the breathtaking overs bowled by Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Hardik Pandya...
Virat Kohli and Axar Patel partnership sway the match
Choosing to bat first in the final, at one stage, India was teetering at 34 runs for 3 wickets. It seemed likely that the team wouldn't last long. Captain Rohit Sharma, however, entrusted Axar Patel to bat at number five, which turned out to be a masterstroke.
Firmly holding the fort, Virat Kohli was already on the offensive. Together with Axar, they stitched a crucial 72-run partnership for the fourth wicket, which propelled the team to a commanding score. Kohli hit a spirited fifty off 48 balls, his first of the tournament, eventually scoring 76 off 59. Axar contributed a rapid 47 from 31 balls. Owing to these performances, India was able to set a respectable score of 176 for 7.
Klaasen's wicket – The pivotal turning point
In response to the 177-run chase, the South African team experienced moments of hope and despair. The presence of Heinrich Klaasen at the crease, however, looked set to tilt the scale in South Africa's favor. Klaasen's fiery innings of 52 runs off 27 balls were highlighted by 5 sixes and 2 fours. With his help, by the 15th over, South Africa had amassed 147 runs for 4 wickets.
Needing just 30 runs from 30 balls with 6 wickets remaining, and Klaasen and David Miller established on the field, the scales seemed to tilt. However, the 16th over saw Jasprit Bumrah concede just 4 runs, mounting pressure on the opponents. At the start of the 17th over, Hardik Pandya dismissed Klaasen, caught by Rishabh Pant, completely changing the game's momentum in India's favor.
Final 5 overs showcased Pandya-Bumrah-Arshdeep's dominance
After Klaasen's fall, Pandya, Bumrah, and Arshdeep tightened their grip, causing the South African lineup to crumble. Pandya's 17th over yielded only 4 runs with a wicket. Bumrah's 18th over was stellar, resulting in the dismissal of Marco Jansen and only 2 runs conceded. The 19th over was crucial as Arshdeep Singh gave away just 4 runs, laying the foundation for India's victory.
Pandya's lethal last over seals victory
Heading into the final over, South Africa required 16 runs for victory. Rohit Sharma's trust in pace bowler Pandya as the last resort proved right—a critical wicket was taken. Pandya dismissed the dangerous batsman David Miller and only gave up 8 runs, ultimately leading India to championship glory.
Suryakumar's catch snatches the title from South Africa
To talk about India's triumph and not mention Suryakumar Yadav's catch would do the match injustice. When Pandya bowled the final over, Miller, on 21 runs, attempted a lofty shot towards long-off. Yet, there was Suryakumar, who rushed in, swooped, and expertly caught the ball. He skillfully tossed it up inside the boundary before stepping out and returning to complete the catch. Miller's wicket opened the doors to India's victory and left fans around the world in awe.
