India ended a 13-year wait for a world title by securing a dramatic seven-run victory over South Africa in the T20 World Cup final.
Chasing 177, South Africa needed 26 from 24 balls, but Heinrich Klaasen’s dismissal for 52 turned the tide in India’s favor.
Arshdeep Singh’s tight penultimate over left Hardik Pandya to defend 16 in the last, culminating in a stunning catch by Suryakumar Yadav to dismiss David Miller and secure India’s win.
Virat Kohli’s crucial 76 off 59 balls led India to a competitive 176-7, earning him the Player of the Match title.
This triumph marks India’s second T20 World Cup win, their first since the inaugural tournament in 2007, and their first world title since the 2011 50-over World Cup.
Kohli and Rohit retire
In an emotional post-match announcement, India greats Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma declared their retirement from T20 internationals.
Kohli, who played a pivotal role in the final, expressed his satisfaction, stating, “This was my last T20 World Cup, and this is what we wanted to achieve.” Kohli retires with 4,188 runs, including one hundred and 38 fifties, in 117 innings.
Rohit Sharma, who also announced his retirement, leaves as the highest scorer in T20 internationals with 4,231 runs and five centuries.
“There is no better time to say goodbye to this format,” said Rohit, who captained India to their 2024 T20 World Cup win and played in the 2007 victory.
