30 June
News Flash
India Secures First T20 World Cup Title Since 2007; Virat Kohli Announces T20I Retirement
After nearly four weeks of intense competition, India emerged as the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 champions, defeating South Africa in a gripping final. This marks India's first major title since 2013 and their first T20 World Cup victory since the inaugural tournament in 2007.
In a dramatic finish, India defended a total of 176/7 despite South Africa needing only 30 runs off the last 30 balls. Virat Kohli's 76 off 59 balls, which earned him the Player of the Match award, helped India set the challenging target. Kohli announced his retirement from T20Is during the presentation ceremony.
India's innings saw a shaky start with early dismissals by South Africa's Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada. However, a steadying partnership between Kohli and Axar Patel added 72 runs in 54 balls, propelling India to their final score.
South Africa's chase began poorly with early wickets from Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh. Despite a 58-run partnership between Quinton de Kock and Tristan Stubbs, South Africa struggled to maintain momentum. Heinrich Klaasen's explosive 24 runs in the 15th over briefly shifted the game in South Africa's favor, but Hardik Pandya's crucial 17th over dismissal of Klaasen turned the tide.
Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh effectively contained South Africa in the final overs, culminating in a seven-run victory for India.