T20 World Cup 2024 Final, South Africa vs India: Kohli and Axar save from collapse; India posted the highest total in a men's T20 World Cup final

The T20 World Cup 2024 final at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados, has been an electrifying contest so far. India, aiming for their second T20 World Cup title, faced South Africa, who were seeking their first. The match has seen remarkable performances and dramatic twists, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion.

Early Setbacks

India’s start was less than ideal, with the team reduced to 34 for 3 within the first 4.3 overs. Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada dealt early blows, dismissing key players Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, and Suryakumar Yadav. The powerplay proved challenging on a pitch that offered some assistance to the bowlers.

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Keshav Maharaj’s early impact

Keshav Maharaj played a pivotal role in disrupting India’s top order. In the second over, he dismissed Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant, both attempting aggressive shots but failing to execute. Maharaj’s clever use of flight and variation put India on the back foot early in their innings.

Kagiso Rabada’s key wicket

Adding to India’s woes, Kagiso Rabada removed Suryakumar Yadav in the fifth over. A back-of-length delivery forced an error from Yadav, who was caught at deep backward square leg. This wicket left India in a precarious position, needing a solid partnership to recover.

Virat Kohli’s anchoring role

Amidst the early chaos, Virat Kohli stood firm. Known for his ability to anchor the innings, Kohli adopted a measured approach, focusing on rotating the strike and building a partnership. His resilience was crucial in steadying the Indian innings.

Axar Patel’s crucial knock

Promoted up the order, Axar Patel joined Kohli at a critical juncture. Patel’s aggressive intent and ability to find gaps provided much-needed momentum. His performance was instrumental in pulling India out of trouble, complementing Kohli’s steady presence.

The 72-Run partnership

Kohli and Patel’s partnership of 72 runs was the turning point for India. They played with a blend of caution and aggression, targeting loose deliveries while respecting the good ones. This stand not only stabilized the innings but also set the platform for a competitive total.

Axar Patel’s dismissal

Axar Patel fell just short of his half-century, scoring 47 off 31 balls. His dismissal was a setback, but by then, he had done significant damage, helping India recover from their early losses. His innings featured powerful hitting and smart running between the wickets.

Kohli’s continued resilience

Virat Kohli continued to hold one end, accumulating runs with his trademark elegance. He reached his half-century and pushed on, ensuring that India had a fighting total. Kohli’s 76 off 59 balls was a testament to his ability to perform under pressure.

Virat Kohli scores in the T20 WC finals
77 (58) vs SL, Mirpurr, 2014
76 (59) vs SA, Bridgetown, 2024

Late Flourish by Kohli and Dube

In the final overs, Kohli, along with Shivam Dube, added vital runs to the total. Their quick scoring in the death overs was crucial, with Dube’s cameo providing the acceleration India needed. This late surge took India to a formidable score of 176 for 7.

South African bowling analysis

South Africa’s bowlers had a mixed day. Keshav Maharaj and Anrich Nortje were the pick of the bowlers, each taking two wickets and keeping the run rate in check. However, Marco Jansen struggled, conceding 49 runs in his four overs. The spinners found some grip on the dry pitch, but overall, India managed to counter the bowling effectively.

Most sixes hit in a T20 World Cup final

The record for the most sixes hit in a T20 World Cup final is held by M Samuels, who hit 6 sixes against Sri Lanka in Colombo in 2012. Other notable performances include Misbah-ul-Haq with 4 sixes against India in Johannesburg in 2007, Virat Kohli with 4 sixes against Sri Lanka in Mirpur in 2014, C Braithwaite with 4 sixes against England in Kolkata in 2016, Mitchell Marsh with 4 sixes against New Zealand in Dubai in 2021, and Axar Patel with 4 sixes against South Africa in Bridgetown in 2024.

Highest 1st innings total in T20 WC final

The highest first innings total in a T20 World Cup final is 176/7 by India against South Africa in Bridgetown in 2024. This is followed by Australia’s 173/2 against New Zealand in Dubai in 2021, New Zealand’s 172/4 against Australia in Dubai in 2021, West Indies’ 161/6 against England in Kolkata in 2016, and India’s 157/5 against Pakistan in Johannesburg in 2007.