The final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 witnessed an unforgettable climax as India defended their total against South Africa in a nail-biting finish. The last five overs of Indian bowling were a testament to nerves of steel, impeccable execution, and a display of high-octane cricket that culminated in India clinching the title and ending their 11-year trophy drought. Here’s a detailed look at those last 30 balls that decided the fate of the World Cup.
16th Over: Hardik Pandya’s Golden Arm Strikes
Score before the over: RSA 151-4
Bowler: Hardik Pandya
The 16th over started with South Africa in a strong position needing 26 runs off 24 balls. Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller were set at the crease, poised to take their team home.
- 16.1: Hardik to Klaasen, OUT! A slower full delivery outside off was chased by Klaasen, resulting in an edge through to Pant. A crucial breakthrough as Klaasen departed for a well-made 52 off 27 balls. (RSA 151-5)
- 16.2: Hardik to Marco Jansen, no run.
- 16.3: Hardik to Jansen, 1 run.
- 16.4: Hardik to Miller, 1 run.
- 16.5: Hardik to Jansen, 1 run.
- 16.6: Hardik to Miller, 1 run.
Runs Conceded: 4
Score after the over: RSA 155-5
17th Over: Bumrah’s Masterclass
Bowler: Jasprit Bumrah
With South Africa needing 22 runs off 18 balls, Bumrah was brought back into the attack.
- 17.1: Bumrah to Miller, no run.
- 17.2: Bumrah to Miller, no run.
- 17.3: Bumrah to Miller, 1 run.
- 17.4: Bumrah to Jansen, OUT! A superb inswinger that bowled Jansen through the gate. (RSA 155-6)
- 17.5: Bumrah to Keshav Maharaj, no run.
- 17.6: Bumrah to Maharaj, 1 run.
Runs Conceded: 2
Score after the over: RSA 157-6
18th Over: Arshdeep’s Ice-Cold Nerves
Bowler: Arshdeep Singh
The tension was palpable with South Africa needing 16 runs off 12 balls.
- 18.1: Arshdeep to Maharaj, no run.
- 18.2: Arshdeep to Maharaj, no run.
- 18.3: Arshdeep to Maharaj, 1 run.
- 18.4: Arshdeep to Miller, 2 runs.
- 18.5: Arshdeep to Miller, 1 run.
- 18.6: Arshdeep to Maharaj, no run.
Runs Conceded: 2
Score after the over: RSA 161-6
19th Over: Pandya’s Magic Continues
Bowler: Hardik Pandya
With 16 needed off 6, Pandya bowled the penultimate over.
- 19.1: Hardik to Miller, OUT! A low wide full toss was heaved by Miller, but Suryakumar Yadav plucked a stunning catch at long-off. (RSA 161-7)
- 19.2: Hardik to Rabada, FOUR. An outside edge flew to the third-man boundary.
- 19.3: Hardik to Rabada, bye, 1 run.
- 19.4: Hardik to Maharaj, leg bye, 1 run.
- 19.5: Hardik to Rabada, OUT! Another full delivery, Rabada holed out to Suryakumar Yadav at long-off again. (RSA 167-8)
- 19.5: Hardik to Nortje, wide.
- 19.5: Hardik to Nortje, 1 run.
Runs Conceded: 6
Score after the over: RSA 169-8
20th Over: The Final Over
Bowler: Hardik Pandya
With 8 needed off the final over, Hardik Pandya bowled a dramatic last over.
- 19.6: Hardik to Nortje, 1 run. India wins the T20 World Cup 2024! A full delivery was heaved to mid-wicket, but it wasn’t enough. The Indian players erupted in jubilation.
Final Score: RSA 169-8
India Wins by 7 Runs
The Winning Moment
As the final ball was bowled and Nortje managed just a single, the Indian team erupted in celebration. Hardik Pandya, who had turned the game around with his stellar death bowling, fell to his knees, tears streaming down his face. Rohit Sharma, the captain, was mobbed by his teammates, sharing in the moment of glory and relief. This victory ended India’s 11-year wait for an ICC trophy, with the players and fans rejoicing in the triumph.