India Clinches T20 World Cup 2024, Ending 11-Year Title Drought

India triumphed over South Africa by seven runs in a thrilling T20 World Cup 2024 final, marking their first T20 World Cup victory since 2007 and their first major title since 2013. This win also made India the first team to win a T20 World Cup without losing a single match throughout the tournament. Former captain Virat Kohli, who had struggled in the tournament, was named player of the match for his crucial 76 off 59 balls. After the match, he announced his retirement from T20Is.

India set a record for the highest score in a T20 World Cup final, reaching 176/7. Despite a shaky start, Kohli’s innings helped stabilize the team. South Africa also had a rocky beginning with Reeza Hendricks falling in the second over to Jasprit Bumrah’s outswinger. Captain Aiden Markram was dismissed in the next over by Arshdeep Singh. Quinton de Kock and Tristan Stubbs then built a 58-run partnership in 38 balls, giving hope to South Africa. However, India kept the pressure with regular wickets, including dismissing Stubbs and De Kock.

Heinrich Klaasen’s quick 24 runs in the 15th over briefly swung the game in South Africa’s favor, but Hardik Pandya struck back, dismissing him in the 17th over. Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh then tightened their grip on the match. Bumrah gave away only two runs and took Marco Jansen's wicket in the 18th over, while Arshdeep conceded just four runs in the 19th over. Pandya bowled the final over, restricting South Africa to fall seven runs short.

Kohli had earlier hit three fours in the first over, but South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj struck back by dismissing Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant in the second over. Suryakumar Yadav fell to Kagiso Rabada, leaving India with three wickets lost in the powerplay. Kohli and Axar Patel then steadied the innings, bringing India to the 10th over and crossing 100 runs in 14 overs. Axar, unfortunately, fell three runs short of his half-century due to Quinton de Kock’s direct hit. The partnership between Kohli and Axar added 72 runs in 54 balls for the fourth wicket. Kohli reached his fifty in 48 balls and accelerated in the 18th over with a six and a four off Kagiso Rabada.