India produced a brilliant performance to defeat South Africa by just seven runs in a dramatic men’s T20 World Cup final, ending a long 13-year wait for the cricket-obsessed nation since its last World Cup win. The final, held in Bridgetown, Barbados, saw India set a total of 177 to win – the highest ever score in a men’s T20 final. South Africa matched it run for run, even pulling ahead at points before some exceptional bowling from India and an outstanding catch from Suryakumar Yadav restricted the Proteas right at the end.
India was under pressure early in its innings as some sharp South African bowling reduced it to 39-3 after five overs. However, a partnership between Axar Patel and Virat Kohli helped India rebuild, with Axar contributing with several sixes before being run out by Quinton de Kock. Kohli, playing in his final T20 match for India, scored a crucial 76 off 59 balls, accelerating in the final overs to set a total of 176-7.
In response, South Africa started poorly, losing early wickets to Jasprit Bumrah. Despite a strong partnership between De Kock and Tristan Stubbs, South Africa found itself in a precarious position. Heinrich Klaasen's explosive innings, including a record-breaking half-century, threatened India's chances until he was dismissed by Hardik Pandya.
With the match finely poised, Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav played pivotal roles for India. Bumrah's tight bowling and crucial wickets kept South Africa in check, while Yadav's spectacular catch on the boundary turned the tide in India's favor. The catch, where Yadav caught the ball, threw it up, and caught it again inside the ropes, was a game-changing moment.
Ultimately, India held on to secure victory by the narrowest of margins, sparking jubilant celebrations after a year of heartbreak in other major cricket tournaments. The win marked a historic moment for Indian cricket, ending a long drought and showcasing the team's resilience and skill on the world stage.
