India Ends 10-Year ICC Trophy Drought with Thrilling T20 World Cup Victory Over South Africa

Rohit Sharma-led Team India defeated South Africa to clinch the 2024 T20 World Cup, ending their 10-year ICC trophy drought. Defending 176, the Indian pacers held their nerve to secure a thrilling seven-run victory and make history in Barbados.

With 16 runs needed off the final six balls, Hardik Pandya stepped up to deliver the crucial last over. He struck immediately, dismissing the dangerous David Miller thanks to a brilliant catch by Suryakumar Yadav at the ropes.

With 16 runs required from the remaining five deliveries, Kagiso Rabada managed a boundary towards third man, bringing the equation to 12 off 4 balls. However, Pandya remained composed, conceding just three more runs and taking the vital wicket of Rabada on the fifth delivery, sealing the win for India.

Earlier, Team India elected to bat first and got off to a quick start with a couple of boundaries. However, they soon suffered setbacks as left-arm pacer Keshav Maharaj dismissed skipper Rohit Sharma and then Rishabh Pant for a duck.

Suryakumar Yadav also failed to deliver under pressure, falling to Kagiso Rabada, leaving India struggling at 34-3 in 4.3 overs.

Virat Kohli and Axar Patel then steadied the innings with a crucial 58-run partnership. After Axar’s departure, Kohli continued to anchor the innings, scoring a vital 76 runs, with contributions from the lower order helping India reach 176-7 in 20 overs.

In response, South Africa also lost two quick wickets but Quinton de Kock (39 off 31) and Tristan Stubbs (31 off 21) kept them in the game with quick boundaries.

Axar Patel provided the much-needed breakthrough by dismissing Stubbs, but Heinrich Klaasen turned the game around with a blistering 52 off 27 balls. David Miller added a quick 21 off 17 but couldn’t take his side over the line.

For India, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya made the difference with their crucial spells, ultimately sealing the title for the Men in Blue.