Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Team India over the phone after their victory in the T20 World Cup 2024, where they defeated South Africa by seven runs in the final match held in Barbados. He praised Virat Kohli for his crucial innings in the final and his overall impact on Indian cricket. PM Modi also commended Rohit Sharma for his leadership and acknowledged his successful T20 career.
In his conversation, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the pivotal role played by all-rounder Hardik Pandya during the final over and applauded Suryakumar Yadav for his crucial catch that dismissed David Miller. He also recognized Jasprit Bumrah’s significant contributions throughout the tournament. Additionally, PM Modi expressed gratitude towards departing head coach Rahul Dravid for his immense contribution to Indian cricket.
Reflecting on the final match, India won the toss and chose to bat first. Despite early setbacks, a partnership between Virat Kohli (76) and Axar Patel (47 off 31 balls) helped India recover to post 176/7 in 20 overs. South Africa’s bowling was led by Keshav Maharaj and Anrich Nortje, who took two wickets each.
Chasing a target of 177, South Africa stumbled early but recovered briefly with partnerships from Quinton de Kock (39) and Tristan Stubbs (31). Heinrich Klaasen’s aggressive fifty posed a threat, but disciplined bowling by Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya restricted South Africa to 169/8 in their 20 overs.
Virat Kohli was awarded the Player of the Match for his stellar performance, leading India to their first ICC title since the 2013 Champions Trophy, thus ending their ICC trophy drought.
