India End 11-Year Wait, Crush South Africa to Win Second T20 World Cup

Barbados: In a nail-biting final, India defeated South Africa by seven runs to clinch their second T20 World Cup title, ending an 11-year wait for major international glory. This victory marks India’s first global trophy since the 2013 Champions Trophy.

Virat Kohli, who had not scored a fifty in this tournament until now, played a pivotal role in the final. Kohli scored a masterful 76 off 59 balls, including six fours and two sixes, guiding India to a competitive total of 176 for 7.

India’s bowlers then showcased their prowess, with Arshdeep Singh (2/20) and Jasprit Bumrah (2/18) leading the charge, restricting South Africa to 169 for eight. Despite South Africa’s spirited fight, this disciplined bowling effort secured India’s victory.

Heinrich Klaasen kept South Africa in the hunt with a blistering 52 off 27 balls, featuring two fours and five sixes. However, Hardik Pandya (3/20) delivered a crucial blow by dismissing Klaasen, shifting the momentum back to India.

Kohli’s innings was particularly significant given India’s precarious start, losing captain Rohit Sharma (9), Rishabh Pant (0), and Suryakumar Yadav (3) early, leaving them at 34 for 3. Kohli found an able partner in Axar Patel, who scored a crucial 47 off 31 balls, stabilising the innings with a 72-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

After Patel’s run-out, Shivam Dube added valuable runs, scoring 27 off 16 balls, to ensure India posted a formidable total. This collective effort helped India clinch their long-awaited ICC title, with Kohli’s steady hand anchoring the innings and the bowlers sealing the win.

Brief scores: India: 176/7 in 20 overs (Virat Kohli 76, Axar Patel 47; Keshav Maharaj 2/23) beat South Africa: 169/8 in 20 overs (Heinrich Klaasen 52, Jasprit Bumrah 2/18, Arshdeep Singh 2/20) by 7 runs.