The thrilling match kept fans on the edge of their seats. Virat Kohli, the cornerstone of India’s campaign, delivered a masterful innings, scoring 76 runs. His stellar performance earned him the well-deserved Player of the Match award. In an emotional post-match announcement, Kohli revealed his retirement from T20Is, stating, “It’s time for the next generation to step up,” marking the end of a storied career.
Hardik Pandya played a crucial role, defending 16 runs in the final over under immense pressure to secure India’s triumph. South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen posed a formidable challenge with a blistering 52 off 27 balls. Axar Patel contributed significantly with a vital 47 off 31 balls, setting the highest T20 World Cup final total ever recorded. The victory also marked a poignant farewell for head coach Rahul Dravid.
India’s pace bowlers delivered early breakthroughs, while Klaasen’s onslaught momentarily shifted the momentum. Suryakumar Yadav’s pivotal relay catch highlighted India’s determination under pressure. South Africa fell short by 7 runs against India’s total of 176. From Rohit Sharma’s bold decision to bat on a challenging pitch to Kohli’s calculated acceleration, India’s victory epitomized resilience and tactical brilliance.