Janice R. Andrews
July 1, Bridgetown, Barbados (ANI): Following a triumphant trip at the just-ended T20 World Cup 2024 and the awarding of the coveted ICC trophy, India captain Rohit Sharma shared his intense feelings, saying he was at a loss for words.
After the victory, the 37-year-old skipper retired from the 20-over format. Rohit Sharma finishes the tournament as the best scorer in the format with a record of 4231 runs in 159 games. In T20 internationals, he also has the record for hundreds (five). Now, in his two T20 World Cup victories, Rohit won the first in 2007 while competing and the most recent in 2024 as captain.
Rohit expressed his happiness on his official Instagram account, writing, “This photo perfectly captures how I’m feeling right now. I have so many words, but I’m at a loss for how to describe what yesterday meant to me. Still, I will, and I will share them, but for now, I’m living the dream that a billion of us may all realize.”
In summary, India won the toss and chose to bat first in the event final. India had a rough start to the match and were down to 34/3, but they were able to rally thanks to a counterattacking partnership of 72 runs between Axar Patel (47 in 31 balls, including four sixes and one four) and Virat Kohli (76). Virat and Shivam Dube’s stand of 57 runs (27 in 16 balls, three fours, and a six) proved to be significant as India reached a competitive 176/7 in their 20 overs.
Anrich Nortje (2/26) and Keshav Maharaj (2/23) were South Africa’s two best bowlers. Aiden Markram and Marco Jansen both claimed a wicket.
Early on in the 177-run chase, South Africa was down to 12/2. South Africa got back into the game with a 58-run partnership between Quinton de Kock (39 in 31 balls, with four boundaries and a six) and Tristan Stubbs (31 in 21 balls, with three fours and a six). Heinrich Klaasen’s half-century (52 in 27 balls, with two fours and five sixes) threatened India mightily. Nevertheless, in the last overs, Arshdeep Singh (2/18), Jasprit Bumrah (2/20), and Hardik Pandya (3/20) produced an incredible fightback, limiting South Africa to 169/8 in their 20 overs.
Virat Kohli’s outstanding performance earned him the title of “Player of the Match.” India’s ICC trophy drought came to an end with this win, which was their first since the Champions Trophy in 2013.
The victory was a great accomplishment for Team India and a proper send-off for Rohit Sharma, whose contributions to the T20 format have been immense. A billion hearts have surely swelled with pride as a result of the team’s performance and the captain’s heartfelt remarks.
