Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Khadse, congratulated Rohit Sharma and Team India for their victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, ending a 17-year wait. The Men in Blue clinched the title by defeating South Africa by seven runs in Barbados.
In a statement, Khadse remarked that the Men in Blue have elevated the nation’s reputation.
“I congratulate and extend my wishes to all the players of Team India. They have taken forward the name of our country. Team India has won this title after 17 years…,” Khadse said.
Recapping the tournament’s final match, India won the toss and chose to bat first. Despite being reduced to 34/3, a counter-attacking partnership of 72 runs between Virat (76) and Axar Patel (47 off 31 balls, with one four and four sixes) stabilized India’s innings. Additionally, a 57-run partnership between Virat and Shivam Dube (27 off 16 balls, with three fours and a six) helped India reach a total of 176/7 in their 20 overs.
Keshav Maharaj (2/23) and Anrich Nortje (2/26) were the standout bowlers for South Africa, with Marco Jansen and Aiden Markram each taking a wicket. Chasing a target of 177 runs, the Proteas were initially reduced to 12/2.
However, a 58-run partnership between Quinton de Kock (39 off 31 balls, with four boundaries and a six) and Tristan Stubbs (31 off 21 balls, with three fours and a six) brought South Africa back into contention. Heinrich Klaasen’s half-century (52 off 27 balls, with two fours and five sixes) further threatened to tilt the game in their favor. Nevertheless, Arshdeep Singh (2/18), Jasprit Bumrah (2/20), and Hardik (3/20) made a strong comeback in the death overs, restricting South Africa to 169/8 in their 20 overs.
Virat was named ‘Player of the Match’ for his outstanding performance. By winning their first ICC title since the Champions Trophy in 2013, India has finally ended their long ICC trophy drought.