As the year ends, Indian cricket fans can look back and celebrate a campaign that ended an 11-year ICC trophy drought
The wait was finally over. After 11 long years, India brought home an ICC trophy. And what better way to do it than by winning the 2024 T20 World Cup? Under Rohit Sharma’s superb captaincy, India defeated South Africa in a nail-biting final. But this victory wasn’t just about the final. It was about an entire tournament filled with unforgettable performances. Team India gave fans plenty to cheer about, from nerve-wracking thrillers to dominant wins.
So, as the year wraps up, let’s relive the top 5 moments that made this World Cup truly special.
In the 19th match of Group A, India defeated PAK by six runs in New York on June 9, 2024. It was a low-scoring yet nail-biting encounter. Batting first, India managed only 119 all out in 19 overs. Rishabh Pant played a crucial knock of 42 off 31 balls, anchoring the innings.
PAK’s disciplined bowling, led by Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf (3/21 each), created trouble for India. But India’s bowlers stole the show. Jasprit Bumrah’s magical spell of 3/14 turned the game on its head. He dismissed key players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, ensuring PAK fell short. Hardik Pandya (2/24) and Arshdeep Singh (1/31) also played vital roles as PAK managed just 113/7 in 20 overs.
India outplayed Afghanistan by 47 runs in the Super Eights clash at Bridgetown on June 20, 2024. Batting first, India posted 181/8 in 20 overs. Suryakumar Yadav starred with a blistering 53 off 28 balls, smashing five fours and three sixes. Contributions from Hardik Pandya (32) and Rishabh Pant (20) bolstered India’s total.
Afghanistan struggled against India’s bowling attack. Jasprit Bumrah delivered another clinical performance, taking 3/7 in his four overs. Arshdeep Singh chipped in with 3/36, while Kuldeep Yadav added 2/32. Afghanistan’s batting collapsed to 134 despite a fighting 26 from Azmatullah Omarzai.
India delivered a statement win against Australia in the Super Eights at Gros Islet on June 24, 2024. Batting first, India put up a massive 205/5 in 20 overs. Skipper Rohit Sharma led from the front, scoring a sensational 92 off 41 balls, smashing eight sixes and seven fours at a strike rate of 224.39.
Australia started strong, with Travis Head smashing 76 off 43 balls, but India’s bowlers pulled it back. Arshdeep Singh (3/37) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/24) struck crucial blows, restricting Australia to 181/7. Rohit’s explosive knock and disciplined bowling in the second half gave India a 24-run victory. It was a captain’s performance for the ages, earning Rohit the Player of the Match award.
India stormed into the final with a dominant 68-run victory over England in the 2nd Semi-Final at Providence on June 27, 2024. Batting first, India scored 171/7. Rohit Sharma once again delivered, scoring a fluent 57 off 39 balls. Suryakumar Yadav (47 off 36) and Hardik Pandya (23) supported him well.
India’s bowling attack demolished England’s chase. Axar Patel’s spin magic saw him pick up 3/23, including key wickets of Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali, and Jonny Bairstow. Kuldeep Yadav (3/19) and Jasprit Bumrah added to England’s woes as they collapsed to 103 all out in 16.4 overs. Axar’s all-round brilliance earned him the Player of the Match award as India cruised into the final.
The grand finale against South Africa on June 29, 2024, in Bridgetown was a thriller. Batting first, India posted a competitive 176/7. Virat Kohli delivered when it mattered most, scoring a crucial 76. Kohli’s innings provided stability, while late contributions from Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya lifted India to the highest first-innings total in a T20 World Cup final.
South Africa fought back with Heinrich Klaasen’s rapid fifty, leaving them needing 30 off 30 balls with six wickets in hand. But India’s bowlers held their nerves. Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Hardik Pandya bowled tight spells, taking wickets at crucial moments.
The defining moment came when Suryakumar Yadav took a breathtaking catch to dismiss David Miller in the final over. South Africa fell short at 169/8, and India won by seven runs. Kohli was named Player of the Match, sealing India’s second T20 World Cup title.
