Virat Kohli leads India to victory in his last T20 World Cup

India beat South Africa and took their second T20 World Cup title after more than a decade since their first win in 2007, after an incredible catch from Suryakumar Yadav and excellent death bowling that secured a groundbreaking seven-run victory in Barbados, a testament to India’s strong bowling line-up.  

South Africa, playing in their first World Cup final in a T20 tournament after victory over Afghanistan in the semi-finals, were on their way to securing their maiden world title but had to succumb to defeat against India’s strong bowling lineup.  

The Proteas, South Africa’s national cricket team, needed a target of 177 to win, which seemed like an easy win as the team only needed 71 runs off 45 balls with six wickets in hand and batters Quinton de Kock and Heinrich Klaasen leading the charge.  

The Proteas’ downfall began when Hardik Pandya, an Indian all-rounder, took Klaasen out in his first over and followed with a crucial wicket of David Miller, aided by an incredible catch by Yadav.  

Jasprit Bumrah was also a vital member of the Indian squad. His in-swinging delivery bowled Marco Jansen out.  

India’s victory, however, could never have been possible without Virat Kohli’s impressive batting. After Rohit Sharma, India’s captain and leading run-scorer, was ruled out in his second over, India began losing hope, especially when the Proteas also took out Rishabh Pant and Yadav before five overs were even completed.  

Kohil proved to be South Africa’s kryptonite. The batter produced two fours from the start and then maintained a consistent run of singles and doubles to keep India’s scoreboard ticking over.  

Axar Patel was Kohil’s batting partner and helped with taking on the South African bowlers by producing four sixes and one four. However, Patel’s run of form was cut short as the Proteas got him out. 

With Kohil stepping back up to the plate, he demonstrated his skills by going from 50 in 48 balls to 76 in 59, assisting strongly in India’s formidable total for the Cup final.  

Kohli, who was named player of the match, said: “This is my last T20 World Cup, and this is exactly what I wanted to achieve.  

“I am grateful to get the job done for the team on the day it mattered the most. It was no or never, this is my last T20 game for India, so I wanted to make the most of it. It is time for the next generation to take over. They will take the team forward in this format.  

“It’s been a long wait and not just (for) me alone. You can look at Rohit, who has played nine T20 World Cups, and this is my sixth. He deserves it as much as anyone in the squad. 

“It is hard to explain the emotions I felt after the game.”