Virat Kohli anchored with a gritty half-century as India posted a total of 176 for 7 in 20 overs against South Africa in the final match of T20 World Cup 2024 at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados.
This is the highest total by any team in the final of men's T20 World Cup. India were reduced to 34 for 3 in 4.3 overs but a crucial 72-run stand between Kohli and Axar Patel bailed the team out of trouble. Axar fell for 47 off 31 while Kohli hit 76 off 59. Keshav Maharaj and Anrich Nortje picked two wickets apiece for 23 and 26 runs, respectively.
South Africa dealt early blows by removing Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav within the first five overs, stifling India's usual momentum drivers in the format. This strategic move allowed South Africa to maintain control through the middle overs, frustrating India's attempts to accelerate their scoring.
However, the match took a turn in the final phase, where Virat Kohli, waiting patiently throughout his innings, unleashed a flurry of runs in the death overs. India managed to accumulate 42 runs in the last three overs, enabling them to set a competitive total. Analysts suggest that India's bowling, particularly their spinners, could benefit from the pitch conditions, though adjustments in length might be needed for their quick bowlers.
Despite India's late surge, South Africa remains confident in their pursuit, albeit facing the challenge of achieving the highest successful chase in 18 day games at the Kensington Oval.
Statistical insights highlight Virat Kohli's measured approach during the middle overs, where he scored 23 runs off 26 balls without hitting a boundary. This rare instance underscores the strategic balance needed in T20 cricket.
The stage is set for an intense conclusion as South Africa prepares to chase India's target, with both teams eyeing a crucial victory in the ongoing series.
This is the highest total by any team in the final of men's T20 World Cup. India were reduced to 34 for 3 in 4.3 overs but a crucial 72-run stand between Kohli and Axar Patel bailed the team out of trouble. Axar fell for 47 off 31 while Kohli hit 76 off 59. Keshav Maharaj and Anrich Nortje picked two wickets apiece for 23 and 26 runs, respectively.
South Africa dealt early blows by removing Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav within the first five overs, stifling India's usual momentum drivers in the format. This strategic move allowed South Africa to maintain control through the middle overs, frustrating India's attempts to accelerate their scoring.
However, the match took a turn in the final phase, where Virat Kohli, waiting patiently throughout his innings, unleashed a flurry of runs in the death overs. India managed to accumulate 42 runs in the last three overs, enabling them to set a competitive total. Analysts suggest that India's bowling, particularly their spinners, could benefit from the pitch conditions, though adjustments in length might be needed for their quick bowlers.
Despite India's late surge, South Africa remains confident in their pursuit, albeit facing the challenge of achieving the highest successful chase in 18 day games at the Kensington Oval.
Statistical insights highlight Virat Kohli's measured approach during the middle overs, where he scored 23 runs off 26 balls without hitting a boundary. This rare instance underscores the strategic balance needed in T20 cricket.
The stage is set for an intense conclusion as South Africa prepares to chase India's target, with both teams eyeing a crucial victory in the ongoing series.
