India secured their second Twenty20 World Cup title with a nail-biting seven-run victory over South Africa in a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final over.
South Africa needed 16 runs from the last six balls after Heinrich Klaasen’s explosive 52 from 27 balls, including five sixes, had kept them in the hunt.
David Miller’s attempt to hit a full toss from Hardik Pandya ended in a spectacular catch by Suryakumar Yadav, who skillfully knocked the ball back into play before completing the catch.
Despite two boundaries from the last two balls potentially forcing a Super Over, Kagiso Rabada’s dismissal sealed the win for India, prompting jubilant celebrations from Indian supporters.
The victory was anchored by Virat Kohli’s return to form, scoring 76 from 59 balls after a series of low scores throughout the tournament. Kohli’s efforts, combined with a solid 47 from Axar Patel, helped India post a formidable 176 for seven.
Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional bowling, yielding two crucial wickets for just 18 runs, kept South Africa’s chase in check.
Bumrah was named player of the tournament for his consistent performance, while Kohli announced his retirement from T20 Internationals after the match, leaving behind a legacy of 4188 runs from 125 matches.
South Africa’s captain Aiden Markram praised his team’s campaign despite the heartbreak, expressing pride in their performance throughout the tournament.
