India set a target of 177 for South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2024 final at Kensington Oval. After winning the toss and electing to bat, India overcame a shaky start to post a competitive total of 176/7 in their allotted 20 overs.

The Indian innings got off to a rocky start with the early dismissals of Rohit Sharma (9), Rishabh Pant (0), and Suryakumar Yadav (3). This left India in a precarious position at 34/3 within the first few overs.

However, Virat Kohli and Axar Patel steadied the ship with a crucial partnership. Axar, playing an uncharacteristic but effective innings, scored 47 before being run out due to a mix-up with Kohli.

Kohli, who had been struggling for form earlier in the tournament, found his groove at the perfect time. He crafted a masterful innings of 76 runs off 59 balls, anchoring the Indian innings and providing much-needed stability.

Shivam Dube provided late impetus with a quick 27 off 16 balls, helping India push their total past the 170-mark.

For South Africa, Keshav Maharaj and Anrich Nortje were the standout bowlers, each claiming two wickets. Their disciplined bowling kept India in check, particularly during the crucial middle overs.

The South African bowlers maintained disciplined lines throughout, but the recovery led by Kohli ensured India posted a fighting total.

Scorecard:

India: Rohit Sharma c Klaasen b Maharaj 9 Virat Kohli c Rabada b Jansen 76 Rishabh Pant c de Kock b Maharaj 0 Suryakumar Yadav c Klaasen b Rabada 3 Axar Patel run out (de Kock) 47 Shivam Dube c Miller b Nortje 27 Hardik Pandya not out 5 Ravindra Jadeja c Maharaj b Nortje 2 Extras: 6 (w-6, nb-1) Total: 176/7 in 20 overs Fall of wickets: 1-23, 2-23, 3-34, 4-106, 5-163, 6-174, 7-176 Bowling: Marco Jansen 4-0-49-1, Keshav Maharaj 3-0-23-2, Kagiso Rabada 4-0-36-1 Aiden Markram 2-0-16-0, Anrich Nortje 4-0-26-2, Tabraiz Shamsi 3-0-26-0.