Indian pacers held their nerve to outperform raging South Africa in the final of the T20I World Cup 2024 on Saturday at Kensington Oval, Barbados. India thrashed South Africa by seven runs to lift their second T20I World Cup title, ending their 13-year ICC trophy drought and outlasting South Africa in a nail-biting showdown. Arshdeep Singh stole the show with his magnificent spell, snaring two wickets from his four overs after giving away 20 runs. Ever dashing Jasprit Bumrah pulled off a stunningly beautiful spell, taking two wickets for 18 runs from his four overs to destroy the proteas. 

At one point, Heinrich Klaasen had threatened to snatch the game away by striking an imperious knock of 52 off 27, including ferocious five sixes and two fours, to provide a precious contribution. But, India remained defiant till the end to end their title drought and race to a palpable victory. As for South Africa, their history of continuous failures was extended as they completely messed up their chase despite being fully settled in the game. 

After winning the toss, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma decided to bat, a decision that soon faced the challenge of South Africa’s strangling bowling attack. The Indian innings was anchored by Virat Kohli, firing a masterful knock of 76 runs, and Axar Patel, who added a vital 47 runs. Their efforts guided India to a formidable total of 176/7 in 20 overs. 

South Africa's bowlers were relentless, applying pressure from the outset. Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and Keshav Maharaj spearheaded the attack, making it difficult for Indian batsmen to score freely. Their tight lines and variations kept the run rate in check and ensured regular wickets. But, Virat Kohli’s composed innings and Axar Patel’s rapid-fire scoring launched India to some respectability.

Chasing 177, South Africa's innings got off to a flying start thanks to Quinton de Kock’s 39. His aggressive 39 runs provided the perfect platform for the middle order to build upon. Heinrich Klassen then took center stage, playing a scintillating innings of 52 off just 27 balls. His explosive batting left Indian bowlers searching for answers. Once India trapped Heinrich Klaasen with the help of Hardik Pandya, South Africa’s chase took a hit as they failed to recover from that blow. Even the mighty David Miller couldn’t launch the ball over the boundary as he was caught by Suryakumar Yadav in a perfect blinder over the boundary when South Africa had needed 16 off the final over. With the fall of wickets at regular intervals, South Africa finished on 169/8 in 20 overs as India ruined their coronation.