The year 2024 will forever be etched in the minds and hearts of Indian cricket fans. It's been a year of accomplishments and significant milestones for India. The Indian cricket team punched way above their weight and gave its fans countless memories to cherish. From winning the World Cup to scripting record-shattering performances, the year 2024 has been a year of domination from the Men in Blue.

As the year draws to a close, let's rewind the clock for a brief moment to revisit some of India's glorious cricketing moments from 2024. 

See also: Who is Sharfuddoula Saikat, the Bangladeshi 3rd Umpire Behind Yashasvi Jaiswal's Controversial Dismissal?

T20 World Cup triumph in the Caribbean

Perhaps the most cherished memory of them all is India's emphatic T20 World Cup win in the West Indies. India remained unbeaten in all the games and snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in one of the most unbelievable manner to defeat South Africa in the final. After narrowly missing out on the ODI World Cup last year, all that the Men in Blue were aspiring for was to bring the World Cup back home, and they did so with flying colours. Jasprit Bumrah emerged as the player of the tournament and finished as the highest wicket-taker. He delivered a number of match-winning performances throughout the course of the tournament and will often be remembered for his performances against South Africa and Pakistan which India were destined to lose at one stage.

4-1 hammering to England at home

This series win will go into the record books as one of the most convincing Test series win for India. After crashing out in the first Test in Hyderabad, India staged a comeback from behind and went the next four Test matches to seal the series 4-1. India were up against a battle-hardened "Bazzball" inspired English team and turning the tide after a heavy defeat in Hyderabad was never going to be an easy affair. That series saw the birth of two superstars - Dhurv Jurel & Akash Deep. Jurel played a crucial innings on a turning track to see India home and help them clinch the series in the Ranchi Test. Akash Deep was an extraordinary find with the ball and delivered an inspiring performance on his debut to help India win the last Test of the series.

Record-breaking home series against Bangladesh

In this series, the Indian top-order batters put on an exhibition of brute force and insane hitting. The memories of the Kanpur Test fill the fans with unparalleled joy as India made a game out of it and even went on to win that match in less than two days. After restricting Bangladesh to 233, Indian openers went on a rampage and smashed the record for scoring the fastest team 50,100,150, 250 & 250 in Test cricket. It took them just a little over a session to post 285 runs. Bangladesh were weakened after sustaining such an onslaught and later capitulated for 146 in the second innings giving India a paltry target of 96 runs. More records were broken in the T20I series when India blasted their way to a record 297 posting the highest-ever T20I score of all-time by a full-member nation. 

A smashing 4-1 T20I series win against South Africa 

The bilateral T20I series between South Africa and India came to a dramatic close with India winning it handsomely by 4-1. A number of records were broken during the course of the fourth match at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Friday. From posting the highest total against South Africa (283) to an awe-inspiring partnership between Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma, India had stung South Africa like never before. Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma posted the highest-ever partnership of 210 runs for India for any wicket in T20Is. Besides, Samson in 2024 became the first player ever to score three T20I hundreds in a calendar year. In addition, Tilak Varma also hogged the limelight in that series and became the second Indian to score back-to-back centuries in T20Is

India's massive 295-run win against Australia in Perth

India's record-breaking win in the Perth Test has been the only memory that has been worth cherishing in what has so far been a dismal Test series for India. Leading into the Border Gavaskar Trophy series (2024-25) after a demoralizing series whitewash against the Black Caps at home, this 295-run win gave India a tremendous lift at the start of the series. This was also one of their biggest win against Australia in Test cricket in terms of runs margin. India were without the services of their ace batter Rohit Sharma and the captaincy baton was passed on to Jaspirt Bumrah who had very limited experience in captaincy. After being bowled out for 150, Bumrah led the pace attack from the front and bagged a magnificent five-for to derail Australia for 104. Then Jaiswal and Rahul mounted a serious assault on the Aussie bowlers and on the back of a massive 201-run opening stand, India were able to set a near-impossible target of 534 runs and effectively bat Australia out of the game.

Team India registered a thrilling win over South Africa to clinch the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown in Barbados on June 29. Following the win, Team India gave the best fielder award as always and this time none other than Suryakumar Yadav received it for his stunning boundary line catch.

Notably, Suryakumar Yadav’s stunning effort near the boundary line almost turned the table in India’s favour and the number 1 ranked T20I batter got rewarded for his heroics as well. South Africa looked comfortable to win the match, with 30 runs needed from 30 balls, when Suryakumar Yadav grabbed the stunner to dismiss David Miller. The catch was truly match-defining as after that, South Africa failed to return to the game.

SEE ALSO: Rahul Dravid gets the perfect send-off from the team, says, “I tried my best whenever I played”

However, BCCI honourary secretary Jay Shah joined the Indian players in the dressing room for the ‘best fielder’ medal ceremony. Fielding coach T Dilip as always applauded the effort from everyone in the team as he thanked Jay Shah for joining them as well. The BCCI secretary then gave Suryakumar Yadav his ‘best fielder’ medal and he was happy to flaunt that medal, as well.

“He would have already taken 50 catches like that in the practice…The awareness of the rope is very important and having the confidence that he can throw it and catch it. It was a decision-making moment at that point of time…,” India’s fielding coach T Dilip said on Suryakumar’s catch after the game.

After the win, Rohit Sharma, India Captain said: “Very hard to sum up what we have been through for the last 3-4 years. To be honest, we worked very hard as individuals and as a team a team, lot has gone on behind the scenes for us to be here today and win this game. It is not what we did today, it is what we have been doing for the last 3-4 years. That’s the the result that has come for us today. We have played lots of high pressure games in the past as well and have been on the wrong side as well. But the guys understand what needs to be done. Today was the perfect example of when the back is against the wall, what is required.”

Dreams do come true indeed. It sure did for one Hardik Pandya, who has undergone a redemption of self with his glorious win at the T20 World Cup 2024. In a nail-biting final against South Africa, India emerged victorious with a hard-fought 7-run win, securing the coveted trophy. For Pandya, this moment was the culmination of years of hard work, resilience, and determination.

The road to victory

India faced off against South Africa, the only other undefeated team in the tournament. Both teams brought their A-game, but India excelled in all departments, holding their nerve in a tightly contested match. Pandya’s performance was pivotal. Coming into the attack, he dismissed the dangerous Heinrich Klaasen with a cunning slower and wider delivery, which led to an easy catch for Pant behind the stumps. This wicket marked the beginning of South Africa’s downfall.

As the match reached its climax, Pandya was entrusted with the responsibility of bowling the final over. With South Africa needing 16 runs to win, Pandya displayed remarkable composure. He bowled a spectacular over, taking two crucial wickets, including the pivotal dismissal of David Miller, thanks to a sensational catch by Suryakumar Yadav. Pandya conceded just 8 runs, sealing India’s victory and bringing eternal glory back home.

“Just a boy from Baroda living his dream…”

An emotional Pandya took to X to share his pride and happiness. He reminisced about his journey from Baroda to Barbados, expressing his joy in achieving the feat of bringing glory back to India.

As the vice-captain of the Indian team, Pandya has proven time and again to be the difference maker when his team needed him most. Saturday’s final was no different, as he rose to the occasion and delivered a performance that will be remembered for years to come.

See Also: T20 World Cup 2024 Final: Haters turned fans! Netizens apologize to Hardik Pandya after his match-winning last over against South Africa – Cricket Winner

In his heartfelt post, Pandya reflected on the years of hard work and dedication that led to this moment. His journey, marked by ups and downs, culminated in this crowning achievement. Pandya’s story is one of perseverance and triumph, inspiring millions of fans and young cricketers around the world.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 was more than just a cricket tournament; it was a stage for redemption, forgiveness, and unexpected heroics. At the center of this narrative stood Hardik Pandya, the enigmatic all-rounder who had faced both criticism and adulation throughout his career.

Before the T20 World Cup, Pandya’s journey was tumultuous. His performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) had been under scrutiny, especially after his transfer back to the Mumbai Indians from the Gujarat Titans. As if that wasn’t enough, he was handed the captaincy, replacing the iconic Rohit Sharma. The Mumbai crowd didn’t hold back, booing him during matches, and social media trolls had a field day.

Consistency in the tricolor

However, whenever Pandya donned the Indian jersey, he transformed. His consistency in limited-overs cricket was remarkable. Whether with the bat, ball, or in the field, he gave his all. The T20 World Cup was his chance to silence the doubters and prove his worth on the biggest stage.

T20 Performance in 2024: Pandya’s T20 performances in 2024 were nothing short of spectacular. He contributed with both bat and ball, playing crucial roles in India’s victories. His ability to finish games under pressure made him indispensable. But it was the final match that etched his name in cricketing folklore.

The final showdown

In the T20 World Cup final against South Africa, Pandya found himself in a high pressure situation. With South Africa needing 27 runs to win from the last four overs, he was entrusted with the final over. It was a battle of nerves, skill, and determination.

Interestingly, it was a clash of Mumbai Indians teammates Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya. In IPL 2024, Rohit had often taken the responsibility of bowling the last over. But this time, he handed the ball to Pandya. The tension was palpable. The crowd held its breath.

Pandya delivered. Yorkers, slower balls, and unwavering focus he defended the target, conceding only 12 runs. The final delivery, a pinpoint yorker shattered the stumps. India won and Pandya emerged as the match winner. The same fans who had once criticized him now showered him with praise.

Netizens apologize to Hardik Pandya

Social media exploded with apologies. Netizens acknowledged their misjudgment and celebrated Pandya’s redemption. Haters turned into fans and Pandya’s journey became a testament to resilience and determination.

Hardik Pandya’s last over in the T20 World Cup final wasn’t just about cricket; it was a lesson in perseverance, belief, and the unpredictable nature of sports. As the confetti rained down at the Kensington Oval, Pandya had rewritten his story – from being booed to being hailed as a hero. And in that moment, cricket transcended boundaries, proving that redemption is always within reach.

Twitter reactions:

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.

India aims to end their global title drought, while South Africa seeks to shed their ‘chokers’ tag. Both unbeaten teams will clash in the final at Kensington Oval.

Their flawless campaigns and dominant semi-final wins prove that the two best teams have reached the final in Bridgetown.

The day after South Africa halted Afghanistan’s fairytale run in Trinidad, India defeated England in Guyana to reach their third consecutive global final across all formats.

SA vs IND Final : Pitch Report

“Interesting looking surface. It’s been that way all tournament. They’ve done a fair bit of rolling, but there’s no live grass to hold it together. It’s fairly hard to start with so I’m hoping the ball comes onto the bat quite nicely.” By Ian Bishop

Hope the weather Gods are shining on us. There is a 30% chance of rain and a strong wind blowing towards fine leg for the left hander and that’s the shortest boundary at 56m. Don’t be surprised if Quinton de Kock targets that boundary or Suryakumar Yadav tries to open up his body. It is a central pitch so fairly even boundaries on all sides. Interesting looking surface, it is hard but there is no live grass. By Ian Bishop & Nasser Hussain

This is a fair pitch which might not have the bounce of St Lucia or the low bounce of Guyana, says he hopes there is even pace and bounce, which is all everyone wants. Nasser added

SA vs IND Final: Update

Team India has formed a huddle. Rohit Sharma is giving a pep talk to his team. We are few moments away from the toss. The big game is coming coming. The anticipation is high.

The Sun is beating down at the moment in Barbados. The good news is that there is no sign of rain.

SEE ALSO: [WATCH]: T20 World Cup 2024 Final, South Africa vs India – Rohit Sharma earns major praise from South Africa players