Indian Cricket. (Source – Getty Images)
On Saturday, June 29, 2024, India beat South Africa by seven runs in a thrilling final to lift the T20 World Cup 2024 trophy after 11 years. South Africa needed 30 runs off 30 balls to win their maiden World Cup title. India pulled off one of their greatest heists to finally win a World Cup, as Suryakumar Yadav stole a boundary catch for the ages, Jasprit Bumrah snuck in two electrifying final overs, and Hardik Pandya pilfered the two vital wickets.
Five overs remained, and South Africa were dominating. With a barrage of sixes, one of the greatest hitters in history, Heinrich Klaasen, might end decades of agonising big-match history for his team. With six wickets remaining, South Africa just needed to score one run every ball over the final 30 balls after he and David Miller had combined for 38 runs in the previous two overs.
Rather than saving Bumrah for later overs, Rohit Sharma was compelled to use the world’s best bowler. The hitters never dared to take on Bumrah, thus the alliance was not entirely broken. He did, however, shorten Miller’s and Klaasen’s stride. Only four runs were scrambled off that over by them.
Over 16- Bumrah with the ball
Skipper calls Jasprit Bumrah back to bowl the 15th over when South Africa needed 30 runs off 30 balls. In the crucial over Bumrah gave up only 4 runs which gave hope to the fans.
Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah is the best seam bowler who has played white ball cricket
Over 17- Hardik Pandya takes a wicket
Vice Captain Hardik Pandya comes up with the ball in the 16th over and takes up a crucial wicket of Heinrich Klaasen. He was the only batter hitting boundaries, and if he had not been dismissed, RSA would have won the match.
Over 18- Jasprit Bumrah back at it
Bumrah was called for his last over, where he dismissed Marco Jansen when RSA needed 21 runs off 15 balls. It was then again a nail-biting moment as anything could have happened.
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Over 19- Arshdeep Singh for the second-last over
The in-form bowler Arshdeep Singh got the ball and gave up only 5 runs with RSA needing 16 runs off the last over which was still achievable.
Also Read: South Africa players in tears after loss against India in finals
Over 20- Hardik Pandya steals the show
With the high-octane pressure on his shoulders, Hardik Pandya’s bowling helped India defend 16 runs off 6 overs. Suryakumar Yadav took a stunning catch at the boundary to save a six and send back David Miller. This was the point where India felt that it was theirs. At this point, RSA were 161 for 7 and still had 16 runs to score. Rabada then hits a four off an edge leaving India to defend 12 runs off 4 balls. Then on the second last ball of the last over Hardik strikes again and takes a wicket with RSA needing 9 runs off 1 ball. India win the finals to lift the T20 World Cup 2024 trophy after 11 years.