T20 World Champion: India wins Second T20 World Cup Title
By Raj Shah
The 29th of June, 2024, will forever be etched in the memories of Indian cricket fans. After 13 long years, India emerged victorious in the World Cup, defeating South Africa in a thrilling final. The celebrations erupted not only in Barbados, where the match took place, but across the entire world.
“India’s journey to the championship was nothing short of remarkable. They started strong in Group A, winning all their matches except for one that was abandoned due to rain. This dominance continued through the Super 8 Stage, where they secured victories against formidable opponents like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Australia.”
The highly anticipated semi-final against England held special significance. In the 2022 World Cup, England had thrashed India by a massive margin. This time, however, India turned the tables completely, registering a resounding 68-run win.
Even before the first ball was bowled, the streets surrounding the stadium overflowed with a sea of blue shirts. Indian fans, along with a few neutrals and a rare South African supporter, painted the town blue, their unwavering faith in their team palpable.
The final against South Africa, marking their first-ever World Cup final appearance, started on a shaky note for India. Captain Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant fell early, followed by Suryakumar Yadav soon after. This left India in a precarious position at 34-3.
Few players get to script a perfect farewell, and Kohli’s was truly legendary. Despite entering the final with a meager 75 runs from the entire tournament, he exploded with a match-winning 76, silencing his critics and proving his worth as a crucial anchor for the team.
Just when things seemed bleak, a masterstroke decision saw Axar Patel join the ever-reliable Virat Kohli at the crease. This duo embarked on a crucial 72-run partnership, reviving India’s hopes and bringing stability to the innings. Kohli, in his signature style, went on to score a magnificent 76 before his dismissal.
Defending their total of 176, India’s bowling attack started strong. Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh struck early wickets, putting South Africa on the back foot. However, a crucial partnership between Quinton de Kock and Tristan Stubbs threatened to shift the momentum.
Early wickets for India had the crowd roaring, but South Africa fought back with a strong partnership between Quinton de Kock and Tristan Stubbs. However, Axar Patel’s clever bowling sent Stubbs packing, paving the way for the dangerous Heinrich Klaasen. Klaasen’s brutal hitting brought South Africa back into the game, reducing the target to a manageable 30 runs off 30 balls.
With the match hanging in the balance, Rohit Sharma turned to Hardik Pandya, a move that initially drew boos from the crowd considering his recent controversies. However, Pandya silenced the doubters with a crucial wicket, dismissing the in-form Klaasen, and re-igniting Indian hopes.
Axar Patel broke the crucial partnership, but Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller kept South Africa in the hunt with a quickfire partnership. Just when it seemed South Africa was on course for victory, the tide turned again. Jasprit Bumrah’s economical 16th over and Hardik Pandya’s wicket of Klaasen put India back in control.
The final over was a nail-biter. With David Miller needing just a few runs for victory, Hardik Pandya bowled a full toss. Miller struck it towards the boundary, but a sensational athletic effort by Suryakumar Yadav saved the day. Sprinting from long off, Yadav leaped and plucked the ball in mid-air. Realizing he was going over the boundary, he threw the ball back into play while airborne before completing a stunning catch. This moment of brilliance sealed India’s victory.
The final ball sparked a wave of jubilation among players and fans alike. The emotions were raw and genuine, reflecting the years of longing and dedication. The sight of Indian players, visibly overwhelmed with joy, celebrating with the trophy is an image that will stay etched in memories for years to come.
India’s World Cup victory was truly historic. Not only did they break a 13-year drought, but they also achieved the feat by remaining undefeated throughout the tournament. This remarkable journey will be cherished by cricket fans not just in India, but across the globe.
The 2024 T20 World Cup will be remembered for more than just the dramatic final. It showcased spirited performances from associate nations, a foray into the American market with the participation of USA and Afghanistan, and a resurgence of cricket in the Caribbean. The tournament also witnessed pitch controversies, logistical challenges, and the emergence of new stars.
About the Author:
A software engineer by profession, Indian culture enthusiast, ardent promoter of hinduism, and a cancer survivor, Raj Shah is a managing editor of Desh-Videsh Magazine and co-founder of Desh Videsh Media Group. Promoting the rich culture and heritage of India and Hinduism has been his motto ever since he arrived in the US in 1969.
He has been instrumental in starting and promoting several community organizations such as the Indian Religious and Cultural Center and International Hindu University. Raj has written two books on Hinduism titled Chronology of Hinduism and Understanding Hinduism. He has also written several children books focusing on Hindu culture and religion.
