In this article, we will discuss one of the most thrilling World Cup finals in cricket history, where India staged a dramatic comeback to secure their first World Cup title in 13 years. We will delve into the pivotal moments that defined the match, from Suryakumar Yadav’s extraordinary boundary catch to Jasprit Bumrah’s masterful death bowling and Hardik Pandya’s crucial breakthroughs.
South Africa, with Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller leading a fierce chase, appeared poised to rewrite their big-match history, only for India’s resilience and strategic brilliance to turn the tide. Join us as we unpack the nail-biting events, standout performances, and key turning points that culminated in India’s historic triumph.
Suryakumar Yadav’s sensational boundary catch, coupled with Jasprit Bumrah’s electrifying final overs and Hardik Pandya’s crucial wickets, orchestrated one of India’s most memorable World Cup victories. The match seemed out of India’s grasp with five overs remaining, as South Africa, led by Heinrich Klaasen, appeared set to rewrite their big-match history with a flurry of sixes.
Klaasen and David Miller had amassed 38 runs in the previous two overs, reducing their chase to a run-a-ball with six wickets in hand. Rohit Sharma, faced with a dire situation, summoned Bumrah earlier than planned. Though Bumrah didn’t break the partnership, his tight over yielded only four runs, disrupting Klaasen and Miller’s rhythm.
The turning point came in the 17th over. After a brief delay due to Rishabh Pant’s knee issue, Hardik Pandya bowled a wide delivery that Klaasen edged to Pant, who took the catch with glee. Miller, still at the crease, struggled to find boundaries in the remainder of the over.
Bumrah’s return in the penultimate over was crucial, with his fierce in-seamer dislodging Marco Jansen’s leg stump. With South Africa needing 20 off the final 12 balls, their prospects dimmed as Arshdeep Singh bowled a nerve-wracking 19th over, conceding only four runs.
With 16 runs needed in the last over, the scene was set for drama. Suryakumar Yadav made an incredible grab, popping the ball up as he stepped over the boundary and finishing the catch inside the field, in Miller’s effort to clear the straight boundary after a wide full toss.
This sparked wild celebrations among the Indian team and their fans. South Africa’s tailenders couldn’t score off Hardik’s final deliveries, resulting in a seven-run win for India. The victory, their first World Cup title in 13 years, was met with overwhelming joy and relief among the players and fans alike.
While headlines highlighted Virat Kohli’s top score of 76 off 59 balls, his innings faced scrutiny for its cautious approach. Between the fourth and 18th overs, Kohli scored 29 runs off 35 balls without hitting any boundaries. Reaching his fifty off 48 deliveries without celebration, he seemed stuck in an ODI mindset.
However, his stability allowed Axar Patel and Shivam Dube to play aggressive innings, contributing significantly to India’s total of 176 for 7, the highest score in a World Cup final.
Klaasen demonstrated his skill with some incredible hitting, such as a vicious attack on Axar Patel and an amazing six off Kuldeep Yadav. He became the fastest player in a T20 World Cup final to reach fifty off just 23 balls. But after he was removed, South Africa’s boundary flow dried up, with Rabada’s outside edge producing only one four.
Bumrah’s unplayable deliveries, especially his gem to Reeza Hendricks, were pivotal. He ended with figures of 2 for 18, delivering two critical overs that restricted South Africa’s scoring.
Arshdeep Singh complemented Bumrah’s efforts with figures of 2 for 20, dismissing Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock at crucial moments. His excellent 19th over, restricting Miller and keeping Maharaj on strike, was instrumental.
Despite India’s spinners conceding 106 runs in nine overs, the team’s resilience shone through. South Africa, initially buoyant with early wickets by Keshav Maharaj and Rabada, and sharp fielding, found themselves needing 26 off 24 balls with six wickets in hand. Targeting Hardik seemed logical, but the loss of key batters to him shifted the game’s momentum.
Ultimately, India’s experience and skill, combined with South Africa’s shorter batting lineup, sealed the thrilling victory.
India – 176/7 (20.0)
South Africa – 169/8 (20.0)
Result – India won by 7 runs
Player of the match – Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli
India | Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Suryakumar Yadav, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah |
South Africa | Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram (c), Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi |
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