The recently concluded T20 World Cup 2024 left cricket enthusiasts longing for more after a thrilling month of intense matches. India clinched a dramatic victory over South Africa, winning by seven runs in the final at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 29, reclaiming a trophy they last held in 2007.
While the tournament boasted several exhilarating matches, none rivaled the intensity of the final showdown where South Africa faltered from a seemingly winning position.
Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller appeared to secure a substantial advantage for the Proteas, needing 30 runs from 30 balls. However, Klaasen’s departure shifted momentum, causing the team to retract.
Suryakumar Yadav’s breathtaking catch at long off dismissed David Miller in the final over, while Hardik Pandya’s composed performance ensured India comfortably crossed the finish line.
Yet, the final wasn’t the only heart-stopper of the tournament. Here, we recount the top four nail-biting encounters from this year’s event.
South Africa vs Nepal (Source – Getty Images)
One of the standout matches took place between South Africa and Nepal during the group stage.
Played at the Arnos Vale Ground in Kingston, St Vincent, South Africa set a modest target of 115-7 on a challenging pitch. Reeza Hendricks led the Proteas with 43 runs off 49 balls, scoring at an 87-strike rate.
Nepal, led by Asif Sheikh’s 42 and Anil Sah’s 27, came agonizingly close to chasing down the target, falling short by just one run. With two runs needed off the final two balls, South African pacer Ottniel Baartman bowled a dot ball and effected Gulsan Jha’s run out on the last ball.
Bangladesh vs Afghanistan (Photo Source X(Twitter)
Bangladesh faced Afghanistan in a pivotal Super Eight clash, a direct battle for a semifinal spot against Australia.
Batting first, Afghanistan posted 115-5 in their allotted 20 overs before bowling Bangladesh out for a mere 105. Litton Das fought bravely with an unbeaten 54 for Bangladesh but lacked support from his teammates.
Bangladesh’s exit from the tournament paved the way for Afghanistan’s historic entry into an ICC event semifinal for the first time.
India vs Pakistan (Source – Getty Images)
India and Pakistan clashed in a thrilling group-stage encounter in New York. India struggled to set a competitive total, managing only 119 runs before being dismissed in 19 overs.
Pakistan appeared poised to achieve a rare ICC tournament victory over India before collapsing dramatically, managing only 113-7 against Jasprit Bumrah and company. India clinched a narrow six-run victory, maintaining their dominance in ICC tournaments.
India vs South Africa (Photo Source X(Twitter)
Arguably the tournament’s highlight, the final between India and South Africa delivered an absolute spectacle with its seesawing fortunes.
Despite efforts from Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, and Quinton de Kock, South Africa came tantalizingly close to victory. However, India seized control and emerged victorious.
At one point, South Africa required 30 runs off 30 balls chasing a target of 177. Yet, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Arshdeep Singh turned the tide, securing India’s first ICC trophy in 11 years.
Pandya’s final over, capped by Suryakumar Yadav’s spectacular catch at long off to dismiss David Miller, will be etched in cricketing history.
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