On This Day in 2024: India Clinched Second T20 World Cup Title, Defeating South Africa in Final
On this day, June 29, 2024, India clinched their second ICC Men's T20 World Cup title, triumphing over South Africa by seven runs in a thrilling final at Kensington Oval in Barbados. Virat Kohli's stellar 76-run knock earned him Player of the Match, while Jasprit Bumrah was crowned Player of the Tournament for his exceptional bowling.
June 29, 2024, is etched forever in the annals of Indian cricket as a day of triumph, emotion, and historic achievement. Exactly two years ago, the Men in Blue, led by the astute Rohit Sharma, lifted the ICC Men's T20 World Cup trophy for the second time, defeating a resilient South African side by a narrow margin of seven runs in a gripping final held at the iconic Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. This momentous victory not only ended India's long wait for an ICC title but also marked a perfect farewell for several legends of the T20I format. Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma and Ravi Shastri Spotted Supporting India Women at Lord's For AUS-W vs IND-W ICC T20 World Cup 2026 (Watch Video).
The final saw India win the toss and elect to bat first. Despite losing early wickets, a masterclass innings from Virat Kohli, who scored a crucial 76 runs off 59 balls, anchored the Indian innings. Supported by Axar Patel and Shivam Dube, India posted a competitive total of 176/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Keshav Maharaj and Anrich Nortje were the pick of the bowlers for South Africa, each claiming two wickets.
The Nail-Biting Chase
South Africa, playing in their maiden T20 World Cup final, put up a valiant fight in their chase. However, the disciplined bowling attack of India proved too strong in the crucial moments. Jasprit Bumrah, who was later named the Player of the Tournament for his stellar performance throughout the event, delivered a spellbinding performance, taking 2 wickets for just 18 runs in his four overs. Hardik Pandya also played a pivotal role with the ball, picking up 3 wickets for 20 runs. South Africa ultimately fell short, managing 169/8 in their 20 overs, handing India a memorable seven-run victory.
Key Performers and Milestones
| Player | Role | Performance in Final (India) | Tournament Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | Batsman | 76 runs (59 balls) | Player of the Match (Final) |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Bowler | 2/18 (4 overs) | Player of the Tournament |
| Rohit Sharma | Captain/Batsman | Led India to an undefeated tournament win | - |
| Hardik Pandya | All-rounder | 3/20 (3 overs) | - |
This victory was India's second T20 World Cup title, adding to their triumph in the inaugural edition in 2007. Remarkably, India went unbeaten throughout the entire 2024 tournament, a testament to their dominance and consistency. The final also marked a poignant moment for Indian cricket as Virat Kohli, captain Rohit Sharma, and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja all announced their retirement from T20 International cricket following the historic win. Did Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Score 350 Runs Against Ireland? Fact Check Finds Claim Misleading.
A Farewell to Legends
Virat Kohli's Player of the Match performance in the final was a fitting end to his illustrious T20I career, as he confirmed it was his last T20 World Cup match for India. Rohit Sharma, who also confirmed his T20I retirement, became the first Indian player to win two T20 World Cups, having been part of the 2007 winning squad. The emotional announcements underscored the significance of the win, not just as a national celebration but also as a transition point for a generation of cricketing greats. The scenes of jubilation on the pitch and across the cricketing world highlighted the immense impact of this hard-fought victory.
Today, as we reflect on that glorious day, the memories of India's triumph and the sheer drama of the final against South Africa continue to resonate with cricket fans worldwide. It remains a historic chapter, celebrating exceptional talent, unwavering determination, and a perfect swansong for some of India's T20 legends.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 29, 2026 12:44 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
