India lifted the World Cup trophy after 13 years by beating South Africa. In a nail-biting final, the Indian team emerge victorious. At one stage, South Africa looked favourites to win when they required 30 off just 30 balls. But the Indian bowlers pulled back and won the game. Hardik Pandya removed a dangerous Heinrich Klaasen and Suryakumar Yadav took a stunning catch of David Miller at the boundary line. Talking about India’s batting, Virat Kohli saved his best for the last as he played a good knock of 76 off 59 balls. After the match, he announced his retirement from International T20.
Many of the Indian team players were in tears after India’s victory. In November last year, India was beaten by Australia in the finals.
Post the match, an emotional Rohit Sharma said, “Hard to sum up what we've been through in last three-four years. A lot behind the scenes, not what we did today, it's what we did before. A lot of high-pressure games, and we've been on the wrong side of it. Guys understand when the pressure is on what needs to be done, today was perfect example, stuck together with backs to the wall. We wanted this really bad, a lot of mind needs to come together, very proud of the bunch of boys and the management, giving us the liberty to play and that trust. Starts from management, coach, captain, and the players.”
Virat Kohli, who was decared the player of the match, said, “This was my last t20 World Cup, and this is what we wanted to achieve. One day you feel you can't get a run, then things happen. God is great, and I got the job done for the team on the day it mattered. Now or never, wanted to make the most of it. Wanted to lift the cup, wanted to respect the situation rather than force it. This was an open secret, it's time for the next generation to take over, some amazing players will take the team forward and keep the flag waving high.”
