BARBADOS: Star batter Virat Kohli showed magic with bat as India have set a challenging target of 177 runs for South Africa in final match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 at Kensington Oval in Barbados on Saturday.
India, after winning the toss and electing to bat first, showcased aggression to post a total of 176/7 on the scoreboard, buoyed by Kohli’s commanding performance with the bat.
The match commenced with a flurry of runs in the very first over, setting the tone for India’s intent in the crucial encounter.
India’s innings, however, faced early setbacks as South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj struck twice in quick succession in the second over. Maharaj dismissed the in-form captain Rohit Sharma (9) and Rishabh Pant (0), leaving India reeling at 15/2.
Virat Kohli then anchored the innings alongside Suryakumar Yadav, attempting to stabilize India’s innings. Yet, Yadav’s dismissal for just 3 runs, courtesy of Kagiso Rabada, added pressure with India struggling at 34/3 in 4.3 overs.
The crucial partnership of the innings ensued between Virat Kohli and Axar Patel, who combined forces to resurrect India’s innings. The duo meticulously maneuvered the middle overs, compiling a crucial 72-run stand for the fourth wicket.
Axar Patel showcased his prowess with a brisk innings of 47 runs off 31 deliveries, which included one boundary and four towering sixes. His innings was cut short by a direct hit from Quinton de Kock, signaling a breakthrough for South Africa.
Virat Kohli, after reaching his half-century, continued to dominate the proceedings with his adept stroke play and astute captaincy. He marshaled the lower order, particularly in a significant fifth-wicket partnership with Shivam Dube, which yielded 57 runs.
Kohli eventually departed in the penultimate over after amassing a crucial 76 runs off 59 deliveries, embellished with six fours and two sixes. His departure marked a pivotal moment in India’s innings, but not before setting a formidable target for South Africa.
Shivam Dube contributed a valuable 27 off 16 balls towards the end before falling to Anrich Nortje in the final over, which bolstered India’s total to 176/7 in their allotted 20 overs.
For South Africa, Anrich Nortje and Keshav Maharaj emerged as the wicket taker bowlers with two wickets each, while Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada chipped in with a wicket apiece.
India, aiming to reclaim the T20 World Cup trophy they last won in 2007, showcased their prowess throughout the tournament with stellar performances. South Africa, on the other hand, appeared in their first-ever T20 World Cup final after overcoming formidable opponents in their journey.
India Playing XI
Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
South Africa Playing XI
Aiden Markram (c), Ottniel Baartman, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs
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