The final match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, is shaping up to be a nail-biting encounter. This match is crucial for both teams, with India looking to reclaim glory and South Africa aiming for their maiden T20 World Cup title.

First over highlights

The match kicked off with Virat Kohli smashing three fours off Marco Jansen in the first over, signaling India’s aggressive intent. Kohli’s quickfire runs gave India a promising start, thrilling fans and putting pressure on the South African bowlers.

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Second over setback

However, the second over brought a significant setback for India. Keshav Maharaj dismissed Rohit Sharma, who had been instrumental in India’s previous victories. Shortly after, Rishabh Pant fell for a second-ball duck, attempting a sweep shot that resulted in a top edge caught by Quinton de Kock. This double blow severely dented India’s progress.

Early dominance by South Africa

South Africa capitalized on their early breakthroughs. Keshav Maharaj’s double-wicket over changed the dynamics of the game, putting India on the back foot. Kagiso Rabada further compounded India’s troubles by trapping Suryakumar Yadav in the fifth over with a well-placed delivery that was caught at deep backward square leg.

Rabada’s crucial wicket

Rabada’s dismissal of Suryakumar Yadav was a masterstroke. The back-of-length delivery aimed at Surya’s body forced an error, leading to an easy catch for the fielder. This wicket left India reeling and highlighted Rabada’s importance in South Africa’s bowling lineup.

Virat Kohli’s role

With India three wickets down, the onus was on Virat Kohli to stabilize the innings. Kohli’s experience and composure in such high-pressure situations made him the ideal candidate to anchor the innings.

Axar Patel’s contribution

Axar Patel, known for his all-round abilities, played a crucial role in India’s recovery. His previous performances had shown his capability to contribute significantly with both bat and ball. Patel’s calm demeanor and strategic shot selection were vital in supporting Kohli and rebuilding India’s innings.

India’s batting line-up

Despite the early loss, India has depth in its batting order. Players like Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja are still to come; they are capable of scoring runs quickly and changing the course of the game. Their role will be important in the last overs.

Most wickets in the powerplay this tournament

The players with the most wickets in the powerplay this tournament are Fazalhaq Farooqi with 10 wickets, Naveen-ul-Haq with 8 wickets, Tanzim Hasan Sakib with 7 wickets, and KG Rabada with 7 wickets.