Bhatkal: Indian bowlers, including Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Arshdeep Singh, maintained their composure as India secured a thrilling victory over South Africa, ending an 11-year ICC trophy drought by winning the T20 World Cup for the second time.
Bumrah dismissed Reeza Hendricks in the second over, and Arshdeep took out Aiden Markram in the third, leaving South Africa struggling in their pursuit of 176 with two early wickets lost. Virat Kohli's impressive 76 led India to a total of 176/7, the highest ever in a T20 World Cup final, at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados. Shivam Dube contributed a vital 27 runs in the closing stages.
Earlier, Keshav Maharaj took the wickets of Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant, while Kagiso Rabada claimed Suryakumar Yadav, leaving India at 34/3 during the powerplay. Axar Patel, looking in fine form, added 47 runs but was run out by Quinton de Kock's brilliant throw.
Rohit Sharma won the toss and chose to bat, leading India to a solid 176 for seven. Kohli's 76 (59b, 6x4, 2x6) and Axar Patel's 47 (31b, 1x4, 4x6) helped stabilize the innings after early wickets. Shivam Dube's 16-ball 27 provided a late boost. Keshav Maharaj was the standout bowler for South Africa with two wickets.
Both teams had impressive unbeaten runs in the tournament, topping their groups and Super Eight rounds. This marked India's third T20 World Cup final, with their last appearance in 2014 and a win in the inaugural 2007 edition. It was the first time South Africa reached the final of an ICC tournament.