On June 29, at the Kensington Oval in Barbados, India faced South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2024 Final. India chose to bat first after winning the toss. With cheap dismissals, Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant scored nine and zero runs, respectively.
After SKY left the game for just three runs, Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav began to construct the innings. Axar Patel joined Kohli in the midst of the fifth over as India was struggling at 34 for 3.
Together, they scored 72 runs for the third wicket, a much-needed partnership. After scoring 47 off of 31 at a strike rate of 151.61, Axar turned around and left. Like Virat Kohli, Shivam Dube was in a desperate attempt to get rid of the monkey in his head. He did a good job of rotating the stroke as the later found it difficult to timing the ball. India overcame the par score of 160 thanks to the pair’s vital 57-run partnership. After overcoming an innings-long deficit to score 76 off 59 balls, Kohli left the pitch.
On a rather good batting surface, India manages a respectable score.
Dube took responsibility for his own actions, hitting timely boundaries and making a slow but steady comeback to score 27 off 16. When Dube was removed with two balls remaining, Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja had very little to contribute, albeit Pandya started his innings with a huge edge that went over the boundary rope behind the keeper. India whickered their way to a score of 176 for 7. In a T20 World Cup final, this is the highest goal ever. Although the score is manageable on paper, India will need to bowl out of their skins against South Africa’s formidable batting lineup.
Also read: Watch: Quinton de Kock sends Axar Patel out to the pavilion following a brilliant 47
“Fortunately, my attempt to take advantage of the breeze and the surface paid off. The pitch has improved from its slow start, and maybe it will be enjoyable to chase. We take great satisfaction in our excellent outfielding and catching. We can succeed as the lads are eager to travel and we have a rare opportunity. Keshav Maharaj, a spinner for South Africa, stated after the first innings, “Hopefully we can grab it with both hands.”
Here’s how ‘X’ users reacted to IND’s batting against SA in Final:
Good Luck to 🇮🇳 and to the man for the big occasions #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/iizK55JJT4
— Riyan Paragg (@ParagRiyan) June 29, 2024
It’s a high percentage that points more to defeat more than a win when a team loses three wickets in the Powerplay.
India are treading precariously in the @T20WorldCup Final v @ProteasMenCSA— Alan Wilkins (@alanwilkins22) June 29, 2024
Axar Patel mama! Hold your head up, this could be trophy defining👌👌 #T20WorldCup2024
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) June 29, 2024
Axar patel, India’s all purpose player
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) June 29, 2024
As I said earlier, a @imVkohli special was brewing for tonight!! Vintage Kohli rising up in the big game providing stability to the team and ticking the runs on the board. Time to accelerate now 🔥
— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) June 29, 2024
Don’t mess with QDK’s arm!
— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) June 29, 2024
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Come on 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/KpWEMzGJIe
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) June 29, 2024
What a come back team India @BCCI
Big match big innings
Always love to watch @imVkohli #WorldCup #INDvSA #Final— Umar Akmal (@Umar96Akmal) June 29, 2024
Blinder by Axar Patel but you gotta give it to Rahul dravid & the management to taking such a huge call to send him after india were 3 down,in trouble , big final , under pressure . He’s done his job , could very well be a match winning innings . #INDvSA #INDvsSAFinal…
— Shreevats goswami (@shreevats1) June 29, 2024
Always the KINGGGGG
well done @imVkohli
👏👏👏👏👏#INDvSA #T20WorldCup #CricketTwitter
— DK (@DineshKarthik) June 29, 2024
Cometh the hour….Cometh The Kohli.
Well played 👏👏#IndvSA #WorldCupFinal
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) June 29, 2024
Masterful innings from @imVkohli and India heading towards a total that @nassercricket reckons should be enough – 170 plus – with @hardikpandya7 to come.
— Alan Wilkins (@alanwilkins22) June 29, 2024