South Africa’s white-ball coach, Rob Walter, has taken full accountability for the team’s 3-1 defeat to India in the recently concluded T20I series but emphasized the broader goal of building a stronger player pool. Speaking after South Africa’s 135-run loss in the final match in Johannesburg, Walter described the series as a “balancing act” between fielding the strongest XI and giving younger players exposure to international cricket.

The series exposed South Africa’s struggles with depth, especially in the bowling department. The absence of experienced players such as Kagiso Rabada (rested), Lungi Ngidi (injured), and former centrally contracted stars Anrich Nortje and Tabraiz Shamsi highlighted the challenges. In their place, younger players like Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, and debutant Andile Simelane were given opportunities but often appeared out of rhythm against a dominant Indian side.

Balancing development and performance

Walter acknowledged the importance of nurturing younger players to expand the team’s capabilities but admitted that performances must also improve. “To grow the net of players, there’s a time we have to play younger guys even in big series against good teams. Ultimately, that’s where they’re going to learn the most,” Walter said. However, he added that it does not excuse underperformance: “We still need to be better, and that starts with me as the head coach.”

Since Walter’s appointment in February 2023, South Africa have struggled in bilateral T20I series, failing to win any of the seven they have played. Despite these challenges, Walter is the only coach in South Africa’s history to lead the men’s team to a major tournament final, reaching the T20 World Cup finale in June 2024.

Walter attributed the discrepancy between their tournament success and bilateral form to the availability of key players. “In world tournaments, we’re picking our very best 15 players, but it’s not feasible to do that every time. We need to build our base of players to the same level,” he explained.

See Also: Nitish Reddy included in Ravi Shastri's playing Xl in the upcoming Perth Test

Competing with franchise cricket for talent

One of Walter’s most significant challenges lies in retaining top talent amid the lure of lucrative franchise leagues. The departures of Nortje and Shamsi from central contracts underscore the difficulties South Africa faces as a cricketing nation. “Franchise cricket offers financial security, which international cricket, especially in South Africa, struggles to compete with,” Walter admitted.

Walter clarified that both Nortje and Shamsi remain committed to South African cricket but have chosen to prioritize managing their workload and financial opportunities. “Anrich’s decision to step back from Test cricket was to manage his body better after severe injuries. I respect that. But we still want to field our best side for world tournaments, and players like Nortje and Shamsi will always be considered,” Walter said.

Walter also drew comparisons with India’s depth in white-ball cricket, highlighting the seamless integration of fringe players into their main squad. “India’s fringe players are creating pressure on their main XI, which is what we aspire to. But their situation is unique, as they don’t lose players to external franchise leagues,” he added.

Despite the setbacks, Walter remains optimistic about South Africa’s future in white-ball cricket. He emphasized the importance of patience and strategic planning to build a competitive team. “It’s a balancing act—between rest, rotation, and exposure—while staying competitive,” Walter concluded.

As South Africa prepares for its next series, the focus will remain on improving performances while continuing to develop a deeper player pool. Walter’s leadership will be critical as the team navigates the complex landscape of international cricket, balancing development and competition on the global stage.

India’s off-spinner Sneh Rana delivered a remarkable performance against South Africa, claiming the second-best bowling figures by an Indian in Women’s Tests. Her spell of 25.3-4-77-8 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai dismantled the South African batting lineup, setting a new benchmark since Neetu David’s memorable 1995 feat.

Record breaking spell

Sneh Rana’s exceptional figures of 8 wickets for 77 runs put India in a commanding position against South Africa, dismissing them for 266 in 84.3 overs. This achievement places her alongside Indian greats like Gargi Banerjee, Diana Edulji, and Shubhangi Kulkarni, who have also left indelible marks in Women’s Test cricket history.

See Also: Axar Patel: India’s T20 World Cup Final hero’s near-villain moment – Cricket Winner

Rana’s achievements to follow

Rana’s pivotal contributions followed India’s imposing first-innings total of 603/6 declared, fueled by Smriti Mandhana’s 149 and Shafali Verma’s blistering 205. Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Richa Ghosh also contributed with brisk half-centuries, propelling India to a commanding lead of 337 runs and enforcing the follow-on on South Africa. Rana’s early breakthroughs and pivotal dismissals, including that of Marizanne Kapp, ensured India’s dominance in the match.

Hardik Pandya kept his nerves to defend 16 runs in the last over to help India beat South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2024 final and clinch the ICC championship title after a 17-year wait. The scenes at the Kensington Oval in Barbados were a mix of jubilation and raw emotion, highlighting the significance of this triumph for the Indian team and its ardent supporters.

India’s batting innings

India’s innings began with early struggles as South African bowlers struck quickly. However, key partnerships, especially involving Virat Kohli and other middle-order batsmen, helped India stabilize and set a competitive total. Kohli’s experience and calm under pressure were vital in guiding the team.

See Also: Virat Kohli retires from T20I cricket after winning T20 World Cup 2024 final

South Africa’s chase

South Africa’s chase was marked by early breakthroughs from Indian bowlers, putting them on the back foot. Despite this, key partnerships and a spirited fightback kept the Proteas in the game, making the match a thrilling contest.

The final over drama

The last overs of the match were filled with tension as Hardik Pandya was tasked with defending 16 runs. Every ball became crucial, with Pandya showcasing immense composure and skill. His performance in the final over was a testament to his ability to handle pressure and deliver when it mattered most.

The winning moment

As the final wicket fell, securing India’s win, Rohit Sharma, the team’s captain, fell flat to the ground, overcome with emotion. Rahul Dravid, the team’s head coach, leaped out of his chair in celebration, embodying the relief and ecstasy felt by millions of Indian fans worldwide.

Rohit Sharma’s emotional reaction

Rohit Sharma’s reaction to the victory was a mix of relief and joy. The memory of past disappointments, especially the last final they reached undefeated but lost, seemed to flood back. This victory was not just about winning a trophy; it was about overcoming past failures and vindicating years of effort and dedication.

Rahul Dravid’s celebration

Rahul Dravid’s reaction was a moment of pure joy. Known for his calm demeanor, Dravid’s leap of celebration highlighted the significance of the win for him and the entire team. His guidance and mentorship have been crucial in shaping the team’s success.

Hardik Pandya’s redemption

Hardik Pandya, who faced immense scrutiny and criticism in recent years, was seen in tears, overwhelmed by the magnitude of the moment. From being labelled public enemy number one in India to becoming a world champion, Pandya’s journey epitomizes resilience and redemption. His tears of joy symbolized the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance.

Virat Kohli’s role

Virat Kohli, a key player in India’s cricket history, mirrored the scenes from 2011 when he carried his idol on his shoulders after India’s World Cup victory. This time, he was seen hugging everyone in his eyeline, sharing the joy and relief of this monumental win. Kohli’s contributions throughout the tournament were pivotal in India’s success.

The team’s celebration

The Indian players, drenched in ecstasy, flooded the playing field as the dugout emptied to join the celebrations. The crowd, roaring at the top of their lungs, created a deafening soundscape that reverberated around the stadium. The joy and excitement were palpable as the team celebrated their historic win.

The atmosphere in the stadium

The atmosphere in the stadium was electric. The crowd’s reaction and energy played a significant role in boosting the players’ morale. The sight of fans celebrating, waving flags, and chanting was a testament to the passion and love for cricket in India.

South Africa’s heartbreak

For South Africa, it was another heartbreak as they fell short, unable to clinch the title. The team fought valiantly, but the loss was a bitter pill to swallow. Reflection on their journey highlighted their resilience and determination, promising a stronger comeback in future tournaments.

After an 11-year drought, the Men in Blue have finally ascended to ICC glory, defeating South Africa by 7 runs in a thrilling Men’s T20 World Cup final 2024 at Barbados’ Kensington Oval on Saturday, June 29. Playing in their maiden World Cup final appearance, the Proteas could only manage to score 169/8 in a chase of 177 runs.

India’s batting innings

India’s batting innings began on a shaky note. Early setbacks saw the quick dismissals of key players, leaving the team in a precarious position. However, Virat Kohli, known for his ability to perform under pressure, stepped up to stabilize the innings.

See Also: [Watch] Axar Patel’s crucial 47 ends in a dramatic run-out in T20 World Cup 2024 Final against South Africa

Maharaj’s sensational 2nd over

Keshav Maharaj turned the game on its head with a sensational second over. He dismissed Rohit Sharma, who fell while attempting a sweep, followed by Rishabh Pant, who was caught off a top-edge. These early blows put India on the back foot.

Kohli and Axar’s crucial partnership

Kohli and Axar Patel then forged a crucial partnership to rebuild the innings. Their steady accumulation of runs and strategic rotation of strike kept India in the game. Axar’s aggression complemented Kohli’s calculated approach, helping to rebuild the innings.

Axar Patel’s aggression

Axar Patel’s innings was marked by aggressive shots and crucial boundaries. His ability to clear the boundary eased the pressure off Kohli and put India back on track. However, a brilliant piece of fielding resulted in Axar’s run-out, just as he was looking dangerous.

Kohli and Dube’s partnership

Following Axar’s dismissal, Shivam Dube joined Kohli at the crease. Their partnership further stabilized the innings, with Kohli bringing up his half-century in the process. Dube’s quick runs in the final overs were crucial in pushing India towards a competitive total.

The final Overs of India’s innings

The final overs saw some aggressive batting from Dube and Kohli, with India hammering 42 runs off the last three overs. Kohli’s dismissal in the 19th over brought an end to his brilliant knock, but his efforts had already ensured a challenging total of 176/7 for South Africa to chase.

South Africa’s chase

South Africa’s chase faltered early with the dismissal of Reeza Hendricks by Jasprit Bumrah in the second over. Arshdeep Singh then struck, removing skipper Aiden Markram with a sharp catch by Rishabh Pant in the third over, putting India in control.

The Stubbs and de Kock partnership

Tristan Stubbs and Quinton de Kock attempted to rebuild the innings with a robust 58-run partnership. However, their alliance was disrupted by Axar Patel, who struck to remove Stubbs in the ninth over. Stubbs’ dismissal for 31 off 21 balls was a turning point.

Klaasen’s big hits

Heinrich Klaasen then took the mantle, hitting big shots to keep South Africa in the game. His aggressive approach saw him notch up a quick fifty, but his dismissal by Hardik Pandya in the 16th over was crucial, as it shifted the momentum back in India’s favor.

Klaasen was in a murderous mood as he got to a 23-ball fifty, and took down Axar for a 24 run over. The equation was down to 30 off the last five overs, but India’s pacers managed to pull a real rabbit out of the bag. Hardik got Klaasen, then Bumrah knocked over Jansen as South Africa felt the pressure. Arshdeep then bowled a brilliant penultimate over, conceding just 4 and Hardik Pandya bowled like a champion to close out the game and give India a win by 7 runs.

The climax of the chase

The final overs were a test of nerves. Bumrah and Pandya delivered exceptional spells to keep the pressure on the Proteas. Bumrah’s dismissal of Marco Jansen and Pandya’s crucial over in the final moments ensured India’s victory by a narrow margin of 7 runs.

India’s bowling masterclass

India’s bowlers delivered a masterclass in the final. Bumrah’s early breakthroughs and Arshdeep Singh’s control were instrumental. The fielding efforts, including key catches by Suryakumar Yadav and Rishabh Pant, were equally significant in India’s triumph.

Virat Kohli, often hailed as the best player of his generation, silenced his critics with a stunning performance when it mattered the most. Despite only entering double digits twice in his previous seven innings, Kohli’s 59-ball 76 against South Africa in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 was nothing short of spectacular.

Virat Kohli: The undisputed king

Kohli’s journey through the World Cup had been a rollercoaster. His early performances were scrutinized, with many questioning his form and ability to lead India to glory. Critics were quick to point out his lack of big scores, but Kohli, known for his resilience and determination, had other plans for the final.

See Also: Why is Prafull Billore, aka ‘MBA Chai Wala’, supporting South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2024 Final?

A shaky start

India’s innings started on a shaky note. Early dismissals of Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant within a span of three deliveries left India reeling. Kohli, entering the field with a daunting task ahead, knew that his innings needed to be a mix of caution and aggression.

The turning point

Kohli’s response to the early pressure was nothing short of heroic. He began by smashing lanky pacer Marco Jansen for three fours in the opening over. This aggressive start was a statement of intent. However, the loss of wickets meant Kohli had to recalibrate his approach.

Building the innings

Together, Kohli and Axar built a solid partnership. They steadily accumulated runs, with key boundaries interspersed throughout their innings. By the end of 10 overs, Kohli was 36 off 29, and the foundation for a competitive total was laid.

The climax of Kohli’s innings was marked by calculated aggression. In the 19th over, Kohli smashed Jansen for a four and a six, signaling his intent to accelerate. This burst of runs was crucial in pushing India towards a respectable total.

Kohli’s dismissal came in the 19th over, attempting another big hit off Jansen, only to find Rabada at long-on.

Kohli’s inning progression

During his innings in the final against South Africa in 2024, Virat Kohli’s progression was as follows: he scored 21 runs off his first 15 balls with a strike rate of 140.0, 16 runs off the next 15 balls with a strike rate of 106.7, 11 runs off the following 15 balls with a strike rate of 73.3, and 28 runs off the last 14 balls with a strike rate of 200.0.

Slowest Fifty for India in T20 World Cups (balls)

The slowest fifties for India in T20 World Cups, in terms of balls faced, are as follows: Suryakumar Yadav took 49 balls to reach fifty against the USA in New York in 2024, Virat Kohli took 48 balls against South Africa in the final in Bridgetown in 2024, Virat Kohli took 45 balls against Pakistan in Dubai in 2021, Gautam Gambhir took 44 balls against Bangladesh in Nottingham in 2009, and Rohit Sharma took 44 balls against the West Indies in Mirpur in 2014.

Reactions and aftermath

The reactions to Kohli’s innings were mixed. Fans hailed his knock as saviors innings, however critics were furious about his slow innings.

The T20 World Cup 2024 final at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados, has been an electrifying contest so far. India, aiming for their second T20 World Cup title, faced South Africa, who were seeking their first. The match has seen remarkable performances and dramatic twists, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion.

Early Setbacks

India’s start was less than ideal, with the team reduced to 34 for 3 within the first 4.3 overs. Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada dealt early blows, dismissing key players Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, and Suryakumar Yadav. The powerplay proved challenging on a pitch that offered some assistance to the bowlers.

See Also: T20 World Cup 2024: How much prize money will the winner take home?

Keshav Maharaj’s early impact

Keshav Maharaj played a pivotal role in disrupting India’s top order. In the second over, he dismissed Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant, both attempting aggressive shots but failing to execute. Maharaj’s clever use of flight and variation put India on the back foot early in their innings.

Kagiso Rabada’s key wicket

Adding to India’s woes, Kagiso Rabada removed Suryakumar Yadav in the fifth over. A back-of-length delivery forced an error from Yadav, who was caught at deep backward square leg. This wicket left India in a precarious position, needing a solid partnership to recover.

Virat Kohli’s anchoring role

Amidst the early chaos, Virat Kohli stood firm. Known for his ability to anchor the innings, Kohli adopted a measured approach, focusing on rotating the strike and building a partnership. His resilience was crucial in steadying the Indian innings.

Axar Patel’s crucial knock

Promoted up the order, Axar Patel joined Kohli at a critical juncture. Patel’s aggressive intent and ability to find gaps provided much-needed momentum. His performance was instrumental in pulling India out of trouble, complementing Kohli’s steady presence.

The 72-Run partnership

Kohli and Patel’s partnership of 72 runs was the turning point for India. They played with a blend of caution and aggression, targeting loose deliveries while respecting the good ones. This stand not only stabilized the innings but also set the platform for a competitive total.

Axar Patel’s dismissal

Axar Patel fell just short of his half-century, scoring 47 off 31 balls. His dismissal was a setback, but by then, he had done significant damage, helping India recover from their early losses. His innings featured powerful hitting and smart running between the wickets.

Kohli’s continued resilience

Virat Kohli continued to hold one end, accumulating runs with his trademark elegance. He reached his half-century and pushed on, ensuring that India had a fighting total. Kohli’s 76 off 59 balls was a testament to his ability to perform under pressure.

Virat Kohli scores in the T20 WC finals
77 (58) vs SL, Mirpurr, 2014
76 (59) vs SA, Bridgetown, 2024

Late Flourish by Kohli and Dube

In the final overs, Kohli, along with Shivam Dube, added vital runs to the total. Their quick scoring in the death overs was crucial, with Dube’s cameo providing the acceleration India needed. This late surge took India to a formidable score of 176 for 7.

South African bowling analysis

South Africa’s bowlers had a mixed day. Keshav Maharaj and Anrich Nortje were the pick of the bowlers, each taking two wickets and keeping the run rate in check. However, Marco Jansen struggled, conceding 49 runs in his four overs. The spinners found some grip on the dry pitch, but overall, India managed to counter the bowling effectively.

Most sixes hit in a T20 World Cup final

The record for the most sixes hit in a T20 World Cup final is held by M Samuels, who hit 6 sixes against Sri Lanka in Colombo in 2012. Other notable performances include Misbah-ul-Haq with 4 sixes against India in Johannesburg in 2007, Virat Kohli with 4 sixes against Sri Lanka in Mirpur in 2014, C Braithwaite with 4 sixes against England in Kolkata in 2016, Mitchell Marsh with 4 sixes against New Zealand in Dubai in 2021, and Axar Patel with 4 sixes against South Africa in Bridgetown in 2024.

Highest 1st innings total in T20 WC final

The highest first innings total in a T20 World Cup final is 176/7 by India against South Africa in Bridgetown in 2024. This is followed by Australia’s 173/2 against New Zealand in Dubai in 2021, New Zealand’s 172/4 against Australia in Dubai in 2021, West Indies’ 161/6 against England in Kolkata in 2016, and India’s 157/5 against Pakistan in Johannesburg in 2007.

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.

See Also: [Watch] “Hope for even bounce on an interesting surface” : Pitch report from Barbados ahead or T20 World Cup 2024 Final, South Africa vs India

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.

The much-anticipated ICC T20 World Cup 2024 final has started at the iconic Kensington Oval in Barbados. Both India and South Africa have showcased impeccable form throughout the tournament, remaining undefeated.

The Unlikely Supporter: Prafull Billore and his ‘Reverse Jinx’

In an interesting twist to the final, Indian entrepreneur Prafull Billore, famously known as MBA Chaiwala, has become a viral sensation on social media. Despite being an Indian, Billore is humorously supporting South Africa, a trend that has caught the attention of many cricket enthusiasts.

See Also: Here’s why David Miller is biggest threat for Indian team in T20 World Cup 2024 Final

The ‘Panauti’ (bad luck) memes began circulating after Billore posted a selfie with Indian cricketer Suryakumar Yadav. Billore shared the photo on X (formerly Twitter) on June 21, and the next day, Yadav scored only six runs in a T20 match against Bangladesh. This coincidence led to playful speculation about Billore’s supposed jinx effect.

Turning Tides: Billore’s embrace of the meme culture

Instead of shying away from the trolling, Billore leaned into the joke. He began posting edited photos of himself with players from teams facing India, claiming to use his “jinx” power against them.

Before the semi-final against England, Billore shared doctored images featuring himself with English cricketers Jos Buttler and Jofra Archer, humorously asserting his reverse jinx ability. Following India’s decisive 68-run victory over England, Billore’s antics were celebrated by netizens.

Billore’s tweets before final showdown

Billore has now extended his reverse jinx support to the South African team, sharing images of himself with their players and even posing in front of the South African flag with the hashtag #Istandwithsouthafrica. This quirky narrative has added an extra layer of excitement to the final.

As India prepares to take on South Africa in Barbados, Billore’s reverse jinx has become a part of the pre-match buzz. The Indian team is eager to end its ICC trophy drought, having last won an ICC title in 2013. With the memory of recent losses in the WTC Championship and ODI World Cup final in 2023 still fresh, India’s quest for victory is more intense than ever.

Tonight’s final is set to be a thrilling encounter, and cricket fans are eagerly waiting to see if Billore’s meme magic will have any impact on the outcome.

As India and South Africa gear up for their high-stakes clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Final at Kensginton Oval, Bridgetown in Barbados. England win the toss and choose to field first. India have won the toss and have opted to bat.

India’s Journey in T20 World Cup 2024

India dominated the group stage with clinical victories over Ireland, Pakistan, and the USA. They continued their winning streak in the Super 8 stage, comfortably defeating Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Their next challenge was Australia, a team that had often troubled them in the past. However, India overcame this hurdle with another convincing win, advancing to the semi-finals undefeated. In the semi-finals, India faced England. Rohit Sharma led the batting with a solid performance, securing a 68-run victory.

Throughout the tournament, India has been impressive, especially when batting first. Out of their seven wins, five have come from setting a target, and each victory has been decisive. So far, no opponent has truly challenged India, highlighting their dominance in the competition.

South Africa’s Journey in T20 World Cup 2024

South Africa’s batting lineup struggled on the challenging surfaces in the USA, often finding it difficult to put up competitive scores. During the group stage, South Africa faced tough competition from the Netherlands, Bangladesh, and Nepal, with all three matches being closely contested.

In the Super 8 stage, South Africa secured narrow victories against both the USA and England. They then faced the West Indies in a virtual knockout match and once again, managed to hold their nerve under immense pressure. Their best performance came in the semi-final against Afghanistan, where they delivered a dominant win, completely outclassing their opponents.

South Africa vs India: Who said what at the toss?

Rohit Sharma: We’re going to bat first, looks a good pitch. We’ve played one game here, the scores have been really good. Just about understanding indivdual roles, I know it’s a big occassion but it’s important to remain calm and play it like it’s another international game against a good team. South Africa have been some good cricket but so have we. It’s going to be a really good game between two quality teams. Different individuals have stepped up at different times and that’s what we’re looking forward to today as well.

Aiden Markram: Would’ve batted first as well, looks dry. But we get first crack with the ball so hopefully we can do well. At times we haven’t been at our best but we’ve still managed to win and we take confidence from that. Perfect isn’t possible but we want to be as close as possible to that. There’s absolutely no pressure on us, we’ve never been in a final and we just want to enjoy it and be at our best. Same team for us.

Playing XIs:

India: Rohit Sharma(c), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant(w), Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah

South Africa: Quinton de Kock(w), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram(c), Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi

As the South African team takes to the field for their historic ICC T20 World Cup final in Barbados, all eyes will be on their middle-order batter, David Miller. Known as the Proteas’ crisis man, Miller has a reputation for delivering crucial performances in ICC knockout games.

The Match-Up: India vs South Africa

Both India and South Africa have shown exceptional form throughout the tournament. South Africa secured a commanding nine-wicket victory over Afghanistan, ending their dream campaign. On the other hand, India avenged their semi-final defeat in the 2022 edition by defeating England by 68 runs. This final promises to be a thrilling encounter between two dominant sides.

See Also: T20 World Cup 2024 Final, South Africa vs India: Aiden Markram gears up for the final showdown at Barbados

David Miller: A player who never chokes

David Miller’s reputation as a dependable performer in high-pressure situations is well-deserved. Over the years, he has been South Africa’s go-to man in crunch games, especially in ICC tournaments. His ability to deliver under pressure has made him an invaluable asset for the Proteas.

Miller’s performance in ICC tournaments

ICC Champions Trophy 2013

During the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy semi-final against England, Miller scored a vital 56 off 51 balls, rescuing South Africa from a precarious position of 80/8 to 175. Though England chased the total easily, Miller’s knock was crucial in giving his team a fighting chance.

T20 World Cup 2014

In the 2014 T20 World Cup semi-final against India, Miller played a quickfire cameo of 23 off 12 balls. His efforts helped South Africa post a competitive total of 172/4, though India, led by Virat Kohli’s 72, eventually chased it down.

ODI World Cup 2015

Miller’s explosive 49 off 18 balls in the 2015 Cricket World Cup semi-final against New Zealand was another highlight. His innings included six fours and three sixes, boosting South Africa’s total to 281/5 in a rain-affected game. Despite his efforts, New Zealand managed to chase down the target.

ODI World Cup 2023

Perhaps his most valuable contribution came in the 2023 50-over World Cup semi-final against Australia. Miller’s century (101 off 116 balls) was instrumental in taking South Africa from 24/4 to a respectable 212. Although Australia chased the total, Miller’s innings was a standout performance under immense pressure.

In ICC tournament knockouts, Miller has amassed 229 runs in four games at an average of 76.33, including a century and a half-century. His best score remains the 101 against Australia. These statistics underscore his importance in crucial matches.

IPL knockouts performance

He has also been a key player in IPL knockout matches, representing Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans. Notable performances include a brisk 68 and 32 in winning causes against Rajasthan Royals in the 2022 season.

India’s counter strategy

India, aware of Miller’s capabilities, will have specific plans to counter him. Key bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja will play crucial roles in containing Miller. India’s strategy will likely involve varying their pace and using tight field placements to restrict Miller’s scoring opportunities.