Unbeaten India Reigns Supreme! Kohli, Bowling Heroes Deliver Second T20 World Cup Title
Indian cricket fans erupted in joy as Rohit Sharma’s men defeated South Africa by 7 runs in a thrilling final at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, on June 29th, 2024. This victory marks India’s second T20 World Cup triumph, coming 17 years after their maiden title win under MS Dhoni in 2007.
A Long-Awaited Trophy
The win ends India’s 11-year wait for a major ICC trophy, a period that saw them fall short in several finals. This victory holds immense significance for Indian cricket, signifying the team’s resilience and dominance in the T20 format.
Kohli’s Masterclass Propels India
The final itself was a nail-biting encounter. After electing to bat first, India got off to a shaky start, losing their top three batsmen cheaply. However, veteran batsman Virat Kohli stepped up to the occasion, scoring a crucial 76 runs off 59 balls. His knock, laced with six fours and two sixes, provided much-needed stability to the Indian innings.
Axar Patel Provides Crucial Support
Kohli found an able ally in Axar Patel, who chipped in with a valuable 47 runs off 31 balls. Their 72-run partnership for the fourth wicket helped India recover from their early slump and post a competitive total of 176 for 7 wickets on the board.
Pace Attack Seals the Deal
The Indian bowling attack, spearheaded by young pacer Arshdeep Singh (2/20) and the ever-reliable Jasprit Bumrah (2/18), then produced a clinical performance. They restricted a fighting South African batting line-up to 169 for 8 wickets, ensuring India’s victory.
Memorable Farewell for Seniors
The match also marked the emotional farewell of three Indian T20 stalwarts – Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja. While they retired from international T20 cricket, they remain available for selection in Test matches and One Day Internationals (ODIs). Rahul Dravid’s tenure as head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team also concluded with this historic win.
A Dominant Tournament for India
India’s journey to the T20 World Cup title was nothing short of remarkable. They remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, showcasing their strength and consistency. This achievement further cements India’s position as a powerhouse in the T20 format.
Unique Facts about the 2024 T20 World Cup
- This edition witnessed a first for the ICC, with an associate nation, the USA, co-hosting the tournament alongside the West Indies.
- India’s triumph marked the first time a team remained undefeated throughout the T20 World Cup.
- South Africa reached their maiden ICC World Cup final after being readmitted to international cricket in 1991.
- India set a new record for the highest score in a T20 World Cup final, posting 176 for 7 wickets.
Highest Scorer and Wicket Taker
While there were no centuries scored in the tournament, Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz emerged as the leading run scorer with 281 runs at an average of 35.12. Jasprit Bumrah, with his exceptional bowling performance, bagged the Player of the Tournament award, claiming 17 wickets at an impressive average of 8.26.
Prize Money and Bonuses
The ICC awarded a total prize money of $11.25 million for the T20 World Cup. Champions India received $2.45 million (around Rs 20.42 crore), while runners-up South Africa took home $1.28 million (Rs 10.67 crore). Additionally, the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) announced a special bonus of Rs 125 crore for the entire Indian team, including the coaching staff.
India Joins Elite Company
With this victory, India joins the West Indies (2012, 2016) and England (2010, 2022) as the only nations to have won the T20 World Cup twice.
Hurricane Beryl Delays Team’s Return
The Indian team’s return home was delayed due to Hurricane Beryl, a Category 4 storm that hit Barbados on June 30th. The hurricane caused significant damage to the island’s infrastructure and disrupted air travel. However, Prime Minister Mia Mottley assured that the Barbados airport would be operational within 12 hours, allowing the team to resume their journey back to India.
This historic win for India has sent a wave of joy across..
FAQs:
Unlock the Secrets of Current Affairs
1. Who won the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup?
India won the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, defeating South Africa by 7 runs in the final.
2. When and where was the final played?
The final was played on June 29th, 2024, at the Kensington Oval stadium in Bridgetown, Barbados.
3. How long had it been since India’s last major ICC trophy win?
This victory ended India’s 11-year wait for a major ICC trophy, with their previous win being the 2013 Champions Trophy.
4. Who was the captain of the Indian team?
Rohit Sharma captained the Indian team to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
5. Who was the Player of the Match in the final?
Virat Kohli, with a crucial knock of 76 runs, was named Player of the Match in the final.
6. Who was the Player of the Tournament?
Jasprit Bumrah received the Player of the Tournament award for his exceptional bowling performance, taking 17 wickets throughout the competition.
7. Did India lose any matches during the tournament?
No, India remained undefeated throughout the 2024 T20 World Cup, making them the first team to achieve this feat.
8. What was the highest score posted by India in the tournament?
India set a new record for the highest score in a T20 World Cup final, posting 176 for 7 wickets in the final against South Africa.
9. Who were the three Indian players who retired from T20 Internationals after the World Cup?
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja announced their retirement from T20 internationals after the World Cup victory.
10. Who was the head coach of the Indian team during the World Cup?
Rahul Dravid served as the head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team for the 2024 T20 World Cup. This was his final assignment before stepping down.
11. What was unique about the co-hosting of the 2024 T20 World Cup?
For the first time in ICC history, an associate nation, the USA, co-hosted the T20 World Cup alongside the West Indies.
12. Was there a special bonus awarded to the Indian team?
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a special bonus of Rs 125 crore for the entire Indian team, including the coaching staff, for their World Cup victory.
13. How many times has India won the T20 World Cup?
With this victory, India has now won the T20 World Cup twice, joining the West Indies and England as the only nations to achieve this feat.
14. How did Hurricane Beryl affect the Indian team’s return home?
Hurricane Beryl, a Category 4 storm, hit Barbados on June 30th, delaying the Indian team’s return due to airport closures and infrastructure damage.
15. Who was the leading run scorer and wicket taker of the entire tournament?
While no centuries were scored, Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz emerged as the leading run-scorer with 281 runs, and Jasprit Bumrah (India) and Fazalhaq Farooqi (Afghanistan) were joint leading wicket-takers with 17 wickets each.
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