In a riveting showdown at the Kensington Oval on Saturday, India surged to their highest-ever total in a T20 World Cup final, amassing 176/7 in their allotted 20 overs against South Africa.
Virat Kohli, showcasing his trademark resilience and class, anchored the innings with a commanding 76 off 59 deliveries. His innings, embellished with 6 boundaries and 2 towering sixes, set the stage for India’s formidable total after they won the toss and opted to bat first.
Providing crucial support, Axar Patel played a crucial role with a blistering 47 off just 31 balls, including 4 massive sixes that kept the momentum firmly in India’s grasp through the middle overs.
Facing a stern challenge from South Africa’s bowling attack, led by Anrich Nortje and Marco Jansen, Kohli and Axar displayed aggressive stroke play. Nortje ended with figures of 2/26 from his 4 overs, while Jansen managed 1/49, striving to curb the Indian onslaught during the death overs.
The Indian innings witnessed vital partnerships, notably a crucial 72-run stand for the fourth wicket between Kohli and Axar, whose explosive innings was cut short by a runout.
In the final overs, India accelerated emphatically, adding 58 runs in the last 5 overs, despite losing wickets at regular intervals.
With this imposing total, India has set a daunting challenge for South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2024 final, setting the stage for a thrilling finale as South Africa gears up to chase down the target and vie for the prestigious title.
The match promises an enthralling conclusion to what has been a gripping tournament, showcasing the pinnacle of T20 cricket on the global stage.
