2 new2.webp)
With Team India’s win at the T20 World-Cup, the stage is set for the ODI’s!
A month has passed since India clinched the 2024 T20 World Cup on June 29, 2024, in Barbados, yet the thrill of that epic victory remains vivid for both players and fans. The Men in Blue displayed absolute dominance throughout the tournament, reaching the final unbeaten and securing a memorable win. Here, we revisit five unforgettable moments from India's triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup campaign.
In their final Super 8 clash on June 24, 2024, India faced Australia, seeking redemption after their loss in the 2023 ODI World Cup final. Batting first, India lost Virat Kohli early, but captain Rohit Sharma’s 92 off 41 balls, alongside crucial knocks from Suryakumar Yadav (31 off 16) and Hardik Pandya (27 off 17), propelled them to a formidable total of 205. Despite an early Australian wicket, Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh threatened to chase the target. However, India's bowlers held firm, restricting Australia to 181 and securing a 24-run victory, which propelled India into the semi-finals.
In their T20 World Cup semi-final clash, India sought revenge against England for their 2022 defeat. India batted first, scoring 171 runs, with Rohit Sharma contributing 57 off 39 balls and Suryakumar Yadav adding 47 off 36. In response, England’s captain, Jos Buttler, started well but was dismissed by Axar Patel before he could build on his momentum. Patel and Kuldeep Yadav combined to dismantle the English lineup, restricting them to 103 runs. India secured a commanding 68-run victory, avenging their previous semi-final loss and advancing to the final.
In the 2024 T20 World Cup final, India and South Africa faced off, both undefeated throughout the tournament. India, batting first, set a target of 176 runs. South Africa began their chase strongly but lost two wickets in three overs. Quinton de Kock and Tristan Stubbs added 58 runs for the third wicket, with Stubbs falling to Axar Patel. Heinrich Klaasen’s 52-run knock brought South Africa close, needing 30 runs from 30 balls. However, Hardik Pandya’s crucial dismissal of Klassen and tight overs from Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh put India in control, needing to defend 16 runs off six balls.
With 16 runs needed from the final over, David Miller faced Hardik Pandya. Pandya delivered a wide full toss, which Miller struck cleanly, sending the ball towards long-off. As it seemed destined to clear the boundary, Suryakumar Yadav sprinted from wide-off. He leaped, caught the ball, and, while going over the boundary, tossed it back into play. Yadav then re-entered the field and made a remarkable catch. This stunning save was pivotal, pushing India closer to victory and sending the fans into ecstatic celebration.
Before this T20 World Cup win, India had come close to ICC titles several times between 2014 and 2023, with fans and players eagerly awaiting a triumph. As Hardik Pandya bowled the final ball, Anrich Nortje managed a single, securing India’s 7-run victory over South Africa. The win ended a long trophy drought, sparking joyous celebrations among players, support staff, and fans. Even Rahul Dravid, known for his stoicism, showed visible emotion. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli celebrated their final T20I appearance with the victory, closing their careers on a high note.
India’s win after a long time provides hope for the millions of fans for the upcoming One Day International World Cup!
