Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya delivered crucial breakthroughs for India, helping them defend a total of 176 against South Africa in the 2024 T20 World Cup final. India ended their 11-year wait for an ICC trophy with a thrilling seven-run victory at Kensington Oval, Barbados, on June 29, 2024. Both teams fielded unchanged playing XIs after Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bat first. India started well, but early setbacks saw them at 34/3. Virat Kohli (76) built key partnerships with Axar Patel (47) and Shivam Dube (27) to post 176/7 in 20 overs.
Defending 176, Jasprit Bumrah took early wickets, and Arshdeep Singh reduced South Africa to 12/2. Quinton de Kock (39) and Tristan Stubbs (31) formed a crucial partnership before being dismissed by Axar Patel and Arshdeep. Heinrich Klaasen’s fifty put South Africa in a strong position, but Pandya’s key wickets, including Klaasen and David Miller in the final over, sealed India’s victory.
Five key moments in India’s win:
- Jasprit Bumrah’s Spell: Bumrah’s economical bowling, including key wickets, helped India defend their total.
- Suryakumar Yadav’s Catch: His stunning catch in the final over was pivotal.
- Axar Patel’s All-Round Effort: Axar’s crucial runs and key wicket helped India.
- Virat Kohli’s Fifty: Kohli’s 76 was vital in setting a competitive total.
- Hardik Pandya’s Spell: Pandya’s wickets, especially in the final over, were decisive in India’s win.
