The Indian cricket team scripted a remarkable comeback, clinching the ICC 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup title in a nail-biting final against South Africa. The victory, secured by a mere seven runs, marks India’s second T20 World Cup triumph and ends a 17-year wait for the coveted trophy.
Key Highlights:
- Jadeja Joins Retirees: Following the win, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced an eye-popping ₹125 crore prize money for the Men in Blue. Ravindra Jadeja, along with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, also bid adieu to T20Is, leaving fans emotional yet hopeful for their continued contributions in other formats.
- Dravid’s Farewell: The final also marked Rahul Dravid’s last game as India’s coach, adding sentimental value to the historic win.
- Thrilling Finish: At one point, the match seemed to slip away from India’s grasp, with South Africa needing just 30 runs from 30 balls. However, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Hardik Pandya’s heroics in the death overs restricted South Africa to 169-8.
- Praise and Reactions: From Prime Minister Narendra Modi to cricket legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Mahendra Singh Dhoni, tributes poured in for India’s first world title in 13 years.
This victory not only adds another star to India’s cricketing legacy but also exemplifies the team’s resilience under pressure. As captain Rohit Sharma aptly put it, “Guys understand when the pressure is on what needs to be done.” The Men in Blue stuck together, defying odds, and etched their names in cricketing history.
Full list of T20 World Cup winners and runners-up:
- 2007: India (Winner), Pakistan (Runner-up)
- 2009: Pakistan (Winner), Sri Lanka (Runner-up)
- 2010: England (Winner), Australia (Runner-up)
- 2012: West Indies (Winner), Sri Lanka (Runner-up)
- 2014: Sri Lanka (Winner), India (Runner-up)
- 2016: West Indies (Winner), England (Runner-up)
- 2021: Australia (Winner), New Zealand (Runner-up)
- 2022: Australia (Winner), Pakistan (Runner-up)
- 2024: India (Winner), South Africa (Runner-up)
The Men in Blue have once again made the nation proud, and their victory reverberates across cricket-loving hearts worldwide. 🏆