India triumphed over South Africa in the T20 World Cup final at Kensington Oval on Saturday, claiming the limited overs format trophy for the first time in 17 years. They successfully defended a target of 16 runs in the final over, with South Africa chasing a total of 177 runs set by India.
The turning point came when David Miller was dismissed on the first delivery of the last over. Miller attempted to hit a six off a low full-toss bowled by Hardik Pandya but was caught at the boundary by Suryakumar Yadav.
Earlier, South Africa lost wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock in the 13th over, caught at third man by Kuldeep Yadav off Arshdeep Singh’s delivery after scoring 39 runs. Pacer Jasprit Bumrah provided India a strong start by bowling out Reeza Hendricks in the second over, while Arshdeep Singh dismissed Aiden Markram, who was caught behind trying to hit an outside off-stump delivery.
India faced early setbacks, losing three wickets in the powerplay. However, former skipper Virat Kohli, with the support of all-rounder Axar Patel, built a crucial 72-run partnership, recovering from the early losses. Kohli, who scored 76 runs, was dismissed in the penultimate over. Patel, who contributed 47 runs, was run out after their partnership.
The Indian team also saw the early dismissals of captain Rishabh Pant and Suryakumar Yadav during the powerplay. India elected to bat first after winning the toss, held under bright sunshine and gusty winds at the 28,000 capacity venue.
Rohit Sharma, out for nine after hitting two fours in the first over, was caught at square leg off Keshav Maharaj’s delivery. Rishabh Pant was caught behind attempting a leg-side shot, and Suryakumar Yadav was caught by Heinrich Klaasen at the boundary off Kagiso Rabada’s delivery, scoring only three runs.
The final match concluded a near month-long tournament held in the USA and the Caribbean. The event featured the two unbeaten teams in the competition. India defeated defending champions England by 68 runs in the semi-final, while South Africa overcame Afghanistan by nine wickets to reach their first senior men’s final since winning the inaugural Champions Trophy in 1998.
India, despite their previous year’s double disappointment in the World Test Championship final and the 50-over World Cup, now celebrate their second T20 World Cup title, their first since the inaugural edition in 2007.
