Barbados, 30 June 2024- India emerged victorious in the ninth edition of the ICC T20 World Cup, defeating South Africa by 7 runs at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on Saturday (June 29). Led by Rohit Sharma, India secured their second T20 World Cup title, the first being in 2007, joining the West Indies as the only teams to have won multiple T20 World Cups. This triumph marks India's first ICC event win since the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.

India, having won the toss, opted to bat first and posted a competitive total of 176 runs, thanks largely to a stellar half-century from Virat Kohli. In response, South Africa managed 169 runs for the loss of 8 wickets, falling just short in a tense chase.

The Proteas' innings began with an early setback as opener Reza Henriques was bowled by Jasprit Bumrah in the second over. Arshdeep Singh then dismissed Aiden Markram in the very next over, reducing South Africa to 12 for 2.

Quinton de Kock and Tristan Stubbs attempted to stabilize the innings with a 58-run partnership, but Stubbs fell to Axar Patel for 31. De Kock, continuing his fight, was bowled by Kuldeep Yadav after scoring 39, leaving South Africa at 106 for 4.

A crucial 45-run stand between Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller brought South Africa back into contention. However, Klaasen's dismissal by Hardik Pandya and Jansen's quick departure to Bumrah swung the match back in India's favor.

Needing 16 runs off the final over, South Africa's hopes were dashed as Hardik Pandya dismissed Miller with the first ball, ultimately restricting the Proteas to 169.

Earlier in the match, India got off to a mixed start. Despite three consecutive fours from Virat Kohli in the first over, India lost Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant in quick succession due to Keshav Maharaj's double strike. Suryakumar Yadav also fell early, leaving India reeling.

Kohli and Axar Patel then anchored the innings with a 72-run partnership. Patel, run out for 47, was followed by Shivam Dube, who contributed 27 runs off 16 balls. Kohli's brilliant 76, which included 6 fours and 2 sixes, ended in the 19th over, but India's total of 176 proved to be sufficient.

This match was historic for South Africa, marking their first appearance in a T20 World Cup final. For India, it was their third final appearance, and the victory in Barbados will be fondly remembered alongside their triumph in Johannesburg.