Tuesday, 02 July 2024
Tuesday, 02 July 2024
T20 cricket's ultimate prize was up for grabs, and India snatched it in spectacular fashion, besting South Africa in a World Cup final for the ages. From early setbacks to late heroics, this match was a rollercoaster that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Maharaj's early magic, Kohli's resilience, and Surya Kumar Yadav's physics-defying catch – this final had it all. Here are five pivotal moments that crowned India as the new T20 world champions.
1. Maharaj's magical powerplay
Punch Who said spinners can't be powerplay bullies? Keshav Maharaj certainly didn't get the memo. The crafty left-armer bulldozed through India's top order, scalping Rohit and Pant. South Africa owned the powerplay, leaving India wobbling like a spinning top.
2. King Kohli's rescue act
Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Virat Kohli, as if reading from a script he'd written himself, stood tall amidst the rubble. His sublime 76, ably supported by Axar Patel's feisty 47 and Shivam Dube's cameo, injected life into India's innings. From a precarious start to a fighting 176-7, it was a comeback that every Indian fan was hoping for.
3. Bumrah and Arshdeep's opening salvo
If South Africa thought chasing 177 would be a walk in the park, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh had other ideas. Their new-ball spell was sharp, leaving South African batsmen prodding and poking like novices. Only Quinton de Kock was able to bring stability. The keeper-batsman's calm amidst the storm kept Proteas' hopes alive, if only just.
4. Hardik's heroics amidst Klaasen chaos
Just when it seemed Heinrich Klaasen might pull a rabbit out of the hat, Hardik Pandya decided to play magician instead. His crucial wicket sent Klaasen packing, dousing South African hopes faster than a sudden Johannesburg thunderstorm. India's victory march gathered pace, but the Proteas weren't going down without a fight.
5. Sky's the limit
In a finale worthy of Hollywood, Suryakumar Yadav turned into Spider-Man at deep midwicket. His physics-defying catch – just see how he defied momentum to manoeuvre – to dismiss a marauding David Miller was the final nail in South Africa's coffin. As Miller trudged off, you could almost hear the collective roar of a billion Indian fans. The trophy was coming home, and how!
