The world of cricket is never short of drama and surprises. In the latest twist, Australia’s star fast bowler, Mitchell Starc, has opened up about his exclusion from the Super 8 fixture against Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup 2024. Starc’s benching to make way for Ashton Agar was a controversial decision that sparked widespread debate among fans and experts alike.

Exclusion from the match against Afghanistan

The decision to bench Starc in the crucial Super 8 match against Afghanistan was surprising. The team management opted to bring in left-arm spinner Ashton Agar, hoping his spin would be more effective given the conditions.

See Also: BCCI overlooks Kohli, consults Hardik Pandya for Gambhir’s new role: Report

Ashton Agar’s performance in the match was commendable. He bowled economically, giving away just 17 runs in his four overs and successfully containing the Afghan batters during the middle overs. Despite his efforts, Australia failed to capitalize and ended up losing the match by 21 runs.

Australia’s exit

Australia’s early departure from the T20 World Cup were disappointing for fans and the team alike. Several factors contributed to this outcome, including strategic decisions, player performances, and perhaps a bit of bad luck. Analyzing the statistical performance of the team provides insight into what went wrong.

Mitchell Starc’s perspective

In a candid discussion on the WillowTalk podcast, Starc shared his thoughts on being left out of the playing XI. He explained that the decision was based on the pitch conditions and the effectiveness of spin bowling in previous matches at the venue.

“They saw previous games on that ground with spin playing a part and obviously Ash and the left-armer enticing them to make a change,” Starc said on the WillowTalk podcast.

Criticism of Pre-tournament seedings

Starc also voiced his criticism regarding the pre-tournament seedings. He argued that Australia’s position did not reflect their capabilities and affected their group stage matchups. Analyzing the seeding process and its impact on the tournament’s outcomes sheds light on potential areas for improvement.

Another point of contention was the scheduling of the matches. Australia’s schedule, which included late-night arrivals and early games, was far from ideal. These logistical issues likely impacted the players’ performance and preparation.

“We finished ahead of England and end up where we were pre-seeded as the second side. All of a sudden, you’re in a different group. We had the two night games and the third was a day game, so it wasn’t the best preparation. We had a delayed flight out of St Vincent, a 90-minute drive from the airport to the hotel in St Lucia, our players got in late by night and then a 10 o’clock toss,” he added.

Starc’s tournament performance

Despite the controversies, Starc’s performance in the tournament was a mix of highs and lows. He took five wickets in as many games, but his economy rate and average were not up to his usual standards.

India’s cricket team, fresh off their thrilling T20 World Cup victory, finally landed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi in the early hours of Thursday. The journey back was marred by delays due to Hurricane Beryl, but the team’s triumphant return made it all worthwhile.

The Journey home

After their pulse-pounding seven-run victory against South Africa at the Kensington Oval in Barbados, the Indian cricket team, their families, coaching staff, and BCCI officials found themselves stranded due to Hurricane Beryl. The hurricane led to a shutdown of airports in the Caribbean, leaving the team in Bridgetown for five additional days.

See Also: Watch: Team India’s special jersey celebrating T20 World Cup glory

The BCCI sprang into action, arranging a special charter flight once the airport reopened. This flight was crucial to bring the World Cup heroes back home safely and swiftly.

Triumphant arrival in New Delhi

The special charter flight, dubbed AIC24WC — Air India Champions 24 World Cup — took off from Barbados at 4:50 am local time on Wednesday and touched down in New Delhi at 6 am IST on Thursday after a grueling 16-hour non-stop journey. The energy on board was electric, and upon landing, the team was met with a hero’s welcome.

Hundreds of supporters, undeterred by the early hour and the weather, gathered at the airport to welcome their champions. They held placards, waved the national flag, and chanted “India, India!” as the players emerged from the arrivals area, their gold medals gleaming.

Inside the Long Flight

The 16-hour flight from Barbados to New Delhi was filled with camaraderie and celebration. The BCCI shared glimpses of the journey, showcasing the high spirits of the players. Special announcements were made by the Air India pilot to thank the team for ending India’s long wait for a World Cup victory.

Midway through the journey, a heartfelt announcement was made to honor head coach Rahul Dravid, who will no longer be part of the Indian dressing room. This gesture was a poignant reminder of the contributions and dedication of the support staff.

Players’ interaction during the flight

Despite the long journey, the players, including captain Rohit Sharma, vice-captain Hardik Pandya, and star batter Suryakumar Yadav, mingled with their families and support staff. They made their way into the economy section to chat with others, reflecting the unity and familial atmosphere within the team.

Player of the tournament, Jasprit Bumrah, was even seen babysitting his son Angad, ensuring the long flight was enjoyable for everyone. This sense of camaraderie and personal connection was evident throughout the journey.

BCCI’s gesture to Journalists

In a special gesture, the BCCI also included 20-odd Indian sports journalists who had been stranded in the Caribbean. These journalists were given the opportunity to hold the T20 World Cup trophy and take photos, marking a memorable moment for the media personnel.

Upon landing, the team proceeded to the ITC Maurya Hotel, where a grand welcome awaited them. Special preparations had been made to ensure the team’s comfort and to celebrate their victory.

Meeting with PM Narendra Modi

A significant highlight of the team’s return was their scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This meeting was a formal recognition of the team’s achievement, celebrating their dedication and skill on the global stage.

Roadshow in Mumbai

Following their time in Delhi, the team was set to fly to Mumbai for a grand roadshow. This victory parade was planned from Marine Drive to Wankhede Stadium, with an expected massive turnout of fans eager to celebrate their cricketing heroes.

The 1 km victory parade was organized to allow fans to cheer for the team and celebrate their victory. The route from Nariman Point to Wankhede Stadium was lined with fans, waving flags and expressing their pride.

India’s cricketing fraternity is buzzing with excitement as the Men in Blue returned home victorious from the T20 World Cup. Adding to the jubilation, team Indian wear a special jersey designed to commemorate this monumental achievement. This new jersey not only marks their recent victory but also bridges a glorious past with a promising future.

India’s journey to the Title

The road to the T20 World Cup final was nothing short of spectacular. The Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma, showcased exceptional skill and determination. Key moments included breathtaking performances from Suryakumar Yadav and decisive captaincy from Rohit Sharma. Each match was a testament to the team’s perseverance and strategy, culminating in a thrilling final against South Africa.

See Also: T20 World Cup 2024: Catches by SKY and Axar included in ICC’s best catches for the tournament

The Homecoming

The victorious squad’s return to India were met with overwhelming enthusiasm. The team arrived at New Delhi airport on a specially-arranged charter flight, greeted by thousands of jubilant fans.

As the team emerged from the arrivals area, they were met with deafening cheers and chants of “India, India.” The players, adorned with their gold medals, waved and smiled at the adoring crowd. The airport scene was a vibrant mix of national pride and personal joy as fans celebrated their champions.

Unveiling the Special Jersey

In the midst of this celebration, Sanju Samson shared the first glimpse of a special jersey on Instagram. This new jersey features a significant update: a second star above the BCCI logo, symbolizing India’s second T20 World Cup win. The word “champions” is boldly emblazoned across the front, serving as a proud reminder of their hard-fought victory.

Significance of the second star

The addition of the second star is deeply symbolic. It pays homage to India’s first T20 World Cup triumph under MS Dhoni’s captaincy in 2007. This design choice connects the past and present, reflecting a legacy of triumph and resilience. It’s a nod to the journey the team has undergone and the milestones they’ve achieved along the way.

Meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi

After their grand welcome, the team headed to the ITC Maurya Hotel for a brief rest. Special arrangements had been made to ensure their comfort and to prepare them for their next big event: a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Post the meeting, the team was scheduled to board a special flight to Mumbai. Their arrival in Mumbai was eagerly anticipated, with fans ready to continue the celebrations.

Victory parade in Mumbai

In Mumbai, the BCCI had organized a 1 km victory parade from Nariman Point to Wankhede Stadium. This parade was expected to draw massive crowds, eager to celebrate their cricketing idols. The route was lined with fans, ready to cheer and applaud the champions.

The celebrations would culminate in a grand ceremony at Wankhede Stadium. The event included felicitation of the players and support staff, speeches, and a display of the T20 World Cup trophy. It was a fitting end to a day of celebrations.

India’s triumphant return as T20 World Cup champions after defeating South Africa in the final has sparked nationwide celebrations. The team’s arrival in New Delhi was met with euphoric fans, marking the beginning of a jubilant homecoming for the cricketing heroes.

The Journey of Homecoming

The Indian team’s journey back from the Caribbean were delayed due to Hurricane Beryl, but the anticipation only heightened the excitement. After a long wait, the players finally touched down in New Delhi, bringing with them the glittering T20 World Cup trophy.

See Also: T20 World Cup 2024: Catches by SKY and Axar included in ICC’s best catches for the tournament

The scene at the airport was electrifying. Despite the monsoon rain, fans gathered in large numbers, chanting “India, India” as they awaited their heroes. The players, adorned with gold medals, walked out to a roaring reception. Vice-captain Hardik Pandya, sporting a Caribbean hat, was the first to emerge, followed by captain Rohit Sharma who proudly held the trophy aloft.

Heroes’ welcome at ITC Maurya Hotel

Special arrangements were made at the ITC Maurya Hotel to welcome the team. As the players arrived, they were greeted by the rhythmic beats of dhols. Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya danced with the trophy, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. The hotel lobby was adorned with a special cake to honor the champions.

Individual Highlights

Rohit Sharma’s leadership throughout the tournament was pivotal, and his triumphant entry with the trophy was a moment to behold. Hardik Pandya’s charismatic presence energized the crowd, and Suryakumar Yadav, fresh off his stunning catch in the final, was a fan favorite.

Virat Kohli, whose hometown is Delhi, received some of the loudest cheers. His broad smile and waves to the crowd captured the joy of the moment. Rishabh Pant, another local star, was the first to enter the hotel, greeted by enthusiastic fans and staff.

Special celebrations

The celebrations included traditional bhangra dancing, with Rohit, Surya, and Hardik leading the way. The joyous atmosphere was infectious, and even those who didn’t dance were seen smiling and clapping along. The special cake in the lobby was a sweet tribute to the team’s achievement.

Meet with PM Narendra Modi

The team was scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi later that day. This interaction was not only a formal felicitation but also a moment of national pride. The Prime Minister’s acknowledgment of their victory added to the significance of the win.

Victory parade in Mumbai

Following their stay in New Delhi, the team set to travel to Mumbai for a victory parade. The parade, starting from Nariman Point and ending at Wankhede Stadium. Fans in Mumbai were eager to join the celebrations and show their support.

This victory ended an 11-year drought for global cricket trophies for India, with their last win being the Champions Trophy in 2013. The 2011 World Cup victory at home, under the captaincy of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, was the last time India held the coveted trophy. This win revived memories of past glories and ignited hopes for future successes.

India’s T20 World Cup victory in 2024 were a triumph of skill, strategy, and sheer determination. Among the many highlights of the tournament, one moment stood out: Suryakumar Yadav’s stunning catch to dismiss David Miller in the final. Fielding, often an underrated aspect of cricket, played a crucial role in this victory, exemplifying the saying that “catches win matches.”

The crucial moment

With South Africa needing 16 runs from the final over, the pressure was palpable. The crowd at the stadium and millions of viewers around the world held their breath. India’s skipper, Rohit Sharma, turned to Hardik Pandya to bowl the decisive over, hoping his experience and nerve would see India through.

See Also: Rohit Sharma invites fans to join India’s victory parade in Mumbai; Check full schedule

Suryakumar Yadav’s stunning catch

Hardik Pandya bowled a wide-ish full toss that David Miller struck powerfully down the park. The ball seemed destined to clear the boundary, but Suryakumar Yadav had other plans. He leaped into action, catching the ball mid-air with remarkable precision. As his momentum carried him out of play, Surya had the presence of mind to release the ball back into the air, find his balance, and jump back inside the ropes to complete the catch. This jaw-dropping effort sent Miller back to the dugout and gave India a massive advantage in the dying moments of the game.

Impact on the game

The dismissal of David Miller was a turning point. South Africa, just moments away from a potential victory, found themselves reeling from the blow. Suryakumar’s catch shifted the momentum entirely, and India went on to win the match by 7 runs, securing their place as T20 World Cup champions.

ICC recognition

The ICC recognized Suryakumar Yadav’s catch as one of the best in the T20 World Cup 2024. This acknowledgment places his effort alongside other incredible catches, highlighting its significance in the context of the tournament.

Other memorable catches

Among the best catches of the tournament were Axar Patel’s one-handed stunner to dismiss Mitchell Marsh, Gulbadin Naib’s spectacular grab, Roston Chase’s diving effort, Steven Taylor’s wonderful catch against Pakistan, and Aiden Markram’s backward dive. Each of these catches had its moment of glory, but Suryakumar’s effort in the final stands out due to its timing and impact.

Player reactions

Suryakumar Yadav expressed his joy and gratitude in post-match interviews, acknowledging the team effort that led to their victory. Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya also praised Surya’s catch, emphasizing its significance in their win. The team celebrated this moment, understanding its pivotal role in their triumph.

Suryakumar Yadav’s catch will be remembered as one of the defining moments in T20 World Cup history. Comparable to other famous catches in World Cup history, this moment will be etched in the memories of cricket fans for years to come.

India’s T20 World Cup victory has ignited a wave of euphoria across the nation. The team’s captain, Rohit Sharma, has extended a heartfelt invitation to fans, urging them to join the victory parade and celebrate this monumental achievement together.

Victory parade details

The grand victory parade is scheduled to take place on Thursday, July 4, starting at 5 PM. Fans are invited to gather at Marine Drive and Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai to partake in the festivities and cheer for their champions.

See Also: Hardik Pandya becomes first Indian to Top T20I all-rounder rankings following T20 World Cup victory

The final 1km of their journey will be completed in an open bus, giving fans a chance to see their heroes up close. The parade will commence from Nariman Point and culminate at Wankhede Stadium, creating a memorable route filled with joy and excitement.

Team India’s journey

Team India will arrive in New Delhi in the early hours of Thursday. Their first stop will be a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where the players and support staff will be felicitated. Afterward, they will board a chartered flight to Mumbai, ready for the grand parade.

Social Media Invitations

Taking to social media, Rohit Sharma wrote, “We want to enjoy this special moment with all of you. So let’s celebrate this win with a victory parade at Marine Drive & Wankhede on July 4th from 5:00pm onwards. It’s coming home.”

Similarly, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah encouraged fans to join in, stating, “Join us for the Victory Parade honoring Team India’s World Cup win! Head to Marine Drive and Wankhede Stadium on July 4th from 5:00 pm onwards to celebrate with us! Save the date.”

Inside Wankhede Stadium, Jay Shah will preside over a special presentation ceremony, distributing the Rs 125 crore prize money to the team. This substantial reward reflects the hard work and dedication of the players and support staff.

Special honors and awards

After landing in India, the team will be honored by PM Narendra Modi. A special breakfast with the Prime Minister will precede their flight to Mumbai. This gesture underscores the significance of their victory and the pride it brings to the nation.

The recently concluded 2024 T20 World Cup has ended on a high note, with India winning their second title after a 17-year gap. This victory not only marks the end of the team’s hiatus from winning an ICC trophy since 2013 but also signifies a significant achievement for Indian cricket. The team’s performance from various departments of the game has been significant.

This tournament has provided some wholesome moments, especially from some unexpected players who have had a recent bleak performance run. This article delves into the five players who have been the game-changers in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup winning campaign, including some who have defied expectations with their stellar performances.

1. Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya has been having a downfall of a stint for a brief period, starting from his IPL transfer from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians. Have been hindered by injuries regularly, and many people didn’t expect much from his ability, especially after having a disastrous season with the Mumbai Indians as the captain.

But he has proved all the critics wrong and has proven to be the team’s clutch player in the tournament. He displayed his sheer athleticism with his fielding and making crucial runs and wickets. By this, he has shown one of the best comebacks in the sporting world. In his tournament campaign, he has made 144 runs at a strike rate of 151.57. In addition, he scalped 11 wickets at an economy of 7.64.

2. Suryakumar Yadav

Suryakumar Yadav has been one of the most reliable middle-order batters in the game’s shortest format. And he has proved it in their triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup campaign. He has made 199 runs at a commendable strike rate of 135.37.

Yadav gave a solid campaign to team’s middle order by scoring two half-centuries. He has hit a crucial 47 in the semi-final against England despite playing on some challenging batting tracks. And not to mention his fielding prowess with one of the tournament’s most incredible catches in a pivotal time in the final off David Miller against South Africa.

3. Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah, the Player of the Tournament and India’s secret weapon in their title victory was unbeatable. More than his 15 wickets, Bumrah’s contribution in limiting opponents’ scoring rates made him India’s most valuable Player throughout the competition.

His 4.17 economy rate is the greatest ever recorded by a bowler in a single edition of the men’s T20 World Cup. In his tournament campaign, he has taken 15 wickets at an economy rate of 4.17, with his best statistics of 3/7 coming against Afghanistan.  

Also Read: Rohit Sharma- The Everlasting Big Brother of the Indian Team

4. Arshdeep Singh

Arshdeep Singh ended as the tournament’s joint-highest wicket-taker, taking 17 wickets in eight matches at an economy and average of 7.16 and 12.64, respectively.

The left-arm fast bowler was an excellent match for Jasprit Bumrah with the ball, particularly during his early Powerplay stints. In the final, Arshdeep was instrumental in India’s victory, getting Quinton de Kock’s crucial wicket at a critical moment in the game and then bowling a magnificent last over, surrendering only four runs.

5. Axar Patel

Axar Patel’s versatility was a key factor in India’s title-winning campaign. He contributed in various ways, from scoring critical runs with the bat to taking crucial wickets with the ball.

His adaptability and strong performances in different roles were instrumental in India’s success. In the tournament, he scored 92 runs at an economy of 139.39. Also, he took nine wickets at an economy of 7.86. His stunning counter-attacking 47 in the final, after being pushed up the order, allowed Virat Kohli to settle in and play the anchor role.

The 2024 T20 World Cup has seen India create a second star on their T20I format crest. After a long gap of 17 years, winning the inaugural edition way back in 2007, the team turned out to be impactful game-changers, with every department prospering and unleashing their best game to the fullest.

With the conditions in the USA and West Indies primarily favouring the batters, the Indian bowling unit utilised this advantage to the core, scalped crucial wickets, and prevented some boundaries with a top-notch, fast and spin combination. Here are the top three bowling performances from the Indian side post their triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup campaign.

1. Arshdeep Singh (4/9) vs USA

Arshdeep Singh, one of the reliable Indian pacers, finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker (17) in the T20 World Cup 2024 with the Afghan pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi. His finest bowling performance came against the USA in New York, when he took four wickets.

Shyan Jahangir was knocked out on the opening delivery of the match leg before wicket by Singh. Singh also removed Andries Gous in the first over, reducing the USA to three for losing two wickets in the opening over. His remaining two victims were Nitish Kumar and Harmeet Singh, who finished with an excellent 4/9 from four overs. The left-handed pacer was chosen Man of the Match for his outstanding performances.

2. Jasprit Bumrah (3/7) vs Afghanistan

Jasprit Bumrah has been awarded the Man of the Tournament title thanks to his dazzling display of bowling by restricting the batters to go for big shots and boundaries. The Man of the Series of the T20 World Cup 2024 was at his best against Afghanistan in Barbados during India’s group eight match against Afghanistan. Team India scored 181 for losing eight wickets in 20 overs, thanks to Suryakumar Yadav’s superb half-century.

Afghanistan tends to struggle with a massive target of 182, and Jasprit Bumrah made matters worse. Rishabh Pant nabbed his first victim, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who was in good form. Hazratullah Zazai followed suit. Najibullah Zadran was his third victim, and the Afghans had no answer for Bumrah’s delivery. The top-notch pacer finished with three wickets in four overs, including a maiden.

Also Read: T20 World Cup 2024: Top-3 batting highlights from the winning Indian team

3. Axar Patel (3/23) vs England

India faced England in the second semi-final of the event. Despite India’s 171-run score in 20 overs when batting first, the might of English batting could have been a cause for concern. However, Axar Patel’s strategic use of the ball changed the game.

His dismissals of Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, and Moeen Ali early in the match set England back, and they were unable to recover. Axar Patel’s exceptional spell, with an economy of 5.75, was a game-changer for India, securing their spot in the tournament’s final match.

The 2024 T20 World Cup in USA & West Indies has concluded on a high note, with India winning their second-ever T20 World Cup title since the tournament’s inception in 2007. This also marks the end of a long 11-year hiatus of the team not winning any ICC title. Before the start of the tournament, many had lowered their expectations of the team, as their key players were not up to the mark in the 2024 IPL edition.

But, as they say, a nation-based commitment unleashes the best; all the departments have been phenomenal in providing some memorable moments. The Indian batting unit has seamlessly faced all the pitch conditions and challenges and created impact through runs. In this writeup, we delve into the top batting performances from the winning Indian side of the 2024 T20 World Cup.

1. Rohit Sharma (92 runs off 41 balls) vs Australia

During the Super-8 stage, Rohit Sharma, the Indian skipper, faced Australia’s formidable pace attack. His innings of 92 runs off 41 balls, marked by seven fours and eight over-the-park smashes, was a turning point in the match. With a colossal strike rate of 224.39, Rohit’s aggressive approach was instrumental in India’s victory, as they secured their semi-final spot by defeating Australia.

His aggressive attitude proved vital, as India made a big total and won the match by 24 runs to secure their semi-final position. Even in the semi-final, Rohit took on England’s bowlers on a rigid surface, scoring a fifty that helped India score 171 before spin took over and reduced the opposition to 103.  

2. Virat Kohli (76 runs off 59 balls) vs South Africa

Despite being in low form, Virat Kohli, the superstar of the game, delivered one of the tournament’s most significant hits. His innings of 76 runs off 59 balls, including six fours, was a testament to his resilience. Kohli’s innings, which included three fours in the opening over against Marco Jansen, was a significant contribution to India’s victory.

His two sixes off Kagiso Rabada in the final stages of the innings propelled India above 150. Axar Patel, who has played some vital innings with the bat, was also instrumental in Kohli’s resilient performance, as he continued to find frequent boundaries in his contribution of 47 off 31 balls as India scored 176/7 and went on to win by seven runs. This innings played a pivotal role in clinching their second-ever T20 World Cup title after over 17 years.

Also Read: T20 World Cup 2024: Best playing XI of the tournament

3. Rishabh Pant (42 runs off 31 balls) vs Pakistan

Rishabh Pant, the wicketkeeper-batter, in his first assignment for the national side since returning from injury, produced some significant contributions batting at number three, including a memorable performance against Pakistan in a low-scoring thriller. His innings of 42 runs off 31 balls, which included six fours, was a crucial factor in India’s victory. The Southpaw collaborated with troubleshooter Axar to help India to a decent total of 119.

Despite compiling one of the lowest totals, India defeated their bitter rivals by holding them to 113/7 and winning by six runs in New York. Pant’s knock was critical since he scored those runs on a rough surface at the Nassau County International Stadium in New York. His first innings of 36* runs off 26 balls after the accident against Ireland proved his ability to provide clutch innings in any conditions.

The curtains on arguably the most exhilarating of all T20 World Cups were drawn with India’s magnificent triumph over South Africa in a pulsating final that aptly summed up the entire tournament. It twisted this way and that till the very end, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. India, with their embarrassment of riches in terms of talent and an unerring determination to win, emerged victorious, solidifying their position as one of the true behemoths of modern cricket.

With this victory, India became just the third side to win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup twice, England (2010, 2022) and West Indies (2012, 2016) being the only other teams to have achieved the feat.

See Also: India-W vs South Africa-W Day 3 Stumps: India Women in strong position as South Africa Women trail by 105 runs in their second innings

Top 5 game-changing moments of T20 World Cup 2024

1. Suryakumar Yadav’s catch

The final over was nail-biting with South Africa needing 16 runs to win. David Miller smashed the ball over the bowler, destined to fly over the boundary ropes. But then, Suryakumar Yadav intervened.

He plucked it out of thin air, juggled it as he went over the ropes, and managed to hold on with his feet millimeters away from the boundary cushion. Third umpire Richard Kettleborough deemed it a legal catch, extinguishing South Africa’s last batting hope with Miller departing for 21.

Kagiso Rabada got a lucky boundary on the next ball after Miller’s dismissal, but South Africa managed just four more runs in the final four balls, including another dismissal, as India secured a narrow 7-run win.

2. Bumrah bagged wicket of Rizwan

Jasprit Bumrah’s prized scalp of Mohammad Rizwan (31 off 44) in the 15th over was a turning point. Rizwan, guiding Pakistan with composure, fell to Bumrah’s stunning delivery, flattening the stumps.

The moment India won the game came in the first ball of the 15th over. The stumps lay flattened. Mohammad Rizwan, on his knees, dragged himself onto his feet from the pits of disgust. Jasprit Bumrah was wheeling away wildly, his equally excited teammates leapt onto him.

The match almost in the jaws of Pakistan, Bumrah produced a moment as only he could. Bumrah’s electrifying celebration reflected the importance of this wicket. Rizwan’s dismissal brought the crowd to their feet and reinvigorated India’s supporters.

3. Bumrah’s picked wicket of Travis Head

Travis Head’s resilient knock and partnership with Mitchell Marsh brought Australia within reach of India’s challenging target of 206 runs. Kuldeep Yadav broke this crucial partnership, but it was Bumrah’s dismissal of Head in the 17th over that was pivotal.

Bumrah, bowling from around the wicket, delivered a slower ball on the stumps. Head backed away and attempted a big swing but was completely deceived by the change in pace. The ball went high into the off side, where Rohit Sharma, positioned at covers, settled under the ball and took a pressure-filled catch. Head’s dismissal was a significant relief for the Indian camp, bringing them closer to victory. With Australia’s required run rate climbing, they needed 53 runs off the final 17 balls.

4. Aiden Markram’s superman-show

In the final over against England, Aiden Markram took a brilliant catch to dismiss the in-form Harry Brook, sealing the game for South Africa. Brook was looking in good touch against the Proteas as he helped stitch a crucial partnership with Liam Livingstone worth a 78-run stand in 42 balls to take England’s chase of 164 back on track. While Liam Livingstone was dismissed after a 17-ball 33, Brook looked to carry on and went past his half-century in relatively quick fashion and was looking to put an end to the chase.

During the final over of the chase, England needed 14 runs in the last six balls to win the match. Anrich Nortje was bowling the last over and Brook aired the very first delivery. Markram took a brilliant catch running back from mid-off. He had his eyes set on the ball as he was running back and looking over his right shoulder. He stretched fully and completed the catch to take the game away from England.

5. Axar Patel’s magic against Jos Buttler

In the semifinal between India and England, Axar Patel’s impressive delivery on the very first ball dismissed Jos Buttler, who attempted a reverse-sweep but misjudged the ball.

It was the first delivery of the fourth over and Axar Patel bowled it full on off. Jos Buttler had made his mind and went for a reverse-sweep but got into a bizarre position and the ball looped up in the air off the bottom of his blade behind the stumps. 

Rishabh Pant took an easy catch, giving India the breakthrough they needed. Patel’s dismissal of Buttler set the tone for India’s defense, leading to their competitive total of 171.