Sports Desk, 29th June: Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from T20 International cricket following India’s nail-biting seven-run victory over South Africa in the 2024 T20 World Cup final at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, on Saturday, June 29.
This triumph marks India’s second T20 World Cup win, the first being the inaugural edition in 2007. It also signifies India’s first major ICC victory since the Champions Trophy in 2013.
India posted a total of 176/6 in their 20 overs, propelled by Kohli’s stellar 76 runs and key contributions from Axar Patel and Shivam Dube. South Africa, in their chase, managed 169/8, falling short by seven runs.
The final, held in a packed stadium, witnessed intense action from both sides, enthralling cricket fans worldwide. The turning point came when Hardik Pandya secured a crucial wicket, dismissing the formidable Heinrich Klaasen, whose explosive batting had kept South Africa in contention. Alongside Pandya, the lethal bowling of Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh proved too challenging for the South Africans.
Earlier in the match, Klaasen demonstrated his batting prowess with a series of boundaries and sixes, setting the stage for a thrilling contest.