India Secures Second T20 World Cup with Thrilling Seven-Run Victory Over South Africa

In a gripping final, India, led by Rohit Sharma, clinched the Twenty20 World Cup title for the second time by defeating South Africa by seven runs. Chasing India’s target of 177, South Africa could only reach 169 for the loss of eight wickets in 20 overs.

For India, Hardik Pandya took three wickets, while Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah each claimed two. Heinrich Klaasen, who scored 52 runs, was South Africa’s top scorer in the final.

Scores: India 176/7 (Virat Kohli 76, Axar Patel 47; Keshav Maharaj 2-23), South Africa 169/8 (Heinrich Klaasen 52, Quinton de Kock 39; Hardik Pandya 3-20, Jasprit Bumrah 2-18).

India’s triumph was built on stellar death bowling by Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya, as well as impressive innings by Virat Kohli and Axar Patel. India won the toss and opted to bat first, recovering from 34/3 through a 72-run partnership between Virat Kohli (76) and Axar Patel (47 in 31 balls, with one four and four sixes). A subsequent 57-run stand between Kohli and Shivam Dube (27 in 16 balls, with three fours and a six) led India to 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.

In their chase of 177 runs, South Africa was initially reduced to 12/2 before a 58-run partnership between Quinton de Kock (39 in 31 balls, with four boundaries and a six) and Tristan Stubbs (31 in 21 balls, with three fours and a six) brought them back into the game. A half-century from Heinrich Klaasen (52 in 27 balls, with two fours and five sixes) threatened India’s victory. However, the exceptional death bowling from Arshdeep Singh (2/18), Jasprit Bumrah (2/20), and Hardik Pandya (3/20) ensured South Africa was restricted to 169/8 in their 20 overs.