India has been crowned T20 World Cup champions after a thrilling seven-run victory over South Africa in a classic final at Kensington Oval on Sunday morning AEST.
Virat Kohli’s 76 (59) led India to a strong 7-176, but South Africa looked poised to chase down the 176-run target after Heinrich Klaasen blasted 52 from 27 balls.
However, the Proteas limped towards on 8-169 courtesy of some outstanding Indian bowling at the end, with Hardik Pandya taking 3-20 and Jasprit Bumrah 2-18.
Kohli had struggled throughout the tournament, but the Indian superstar delivered his best innings at the perfect moment with his balanced batting.
It was just what was needed for India who had slipped to 3-34 in the fifth over after their captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bat.
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In what has been a low-scoring tournament, the total looked to be a daunting one for South Africa, but Quinton de Kock (39) and Tristan Stubbs (31) got the Proteas off to a promising start before Klaasen turned the game in their direction in the 15th over, smashing spinner Axar Patel for 24 including two fours and two sixes.
At that stage, South Africa needed 30 runs from 30 balls with six wickets in hand.
Klaasen was finally removed, caught behind off Pandya, before Bumrah bowled all-rounder Marco Jansen while conceding just two runs in the 18th over.
South Africa needed 20 from the final 12 deliveries, but quick Arshdeep Singh leaked just four in the penultimate over.
With 16 needed to win off the last over, Pandya bowled a full-toss at Miller who smashed it high straight down the ground, but Suryakumar Yadav produced a breathtaking catch on the boundary, throwing the ball back into play before crossing the ropes and then returning to complete the catch.
Kagiso Rabada came in and edged a four and Pandya showed some nerves with a wide, but the seamer kept his cool to ensure silverware for India after they lost in last year’s 50 Over World Cup on home soil.
India’s previous ICC triumph was 11 years ago, the 2013 Champions Trophy, while South Africa is still searching for its maiden World Cup victory.
“F*** this is tough,” South African legend Dale Steyn tweeted.
“Heartbreaking.”
India becomes the third nation to win multiple Men’s T20 World Cup titles alongside England and the West Indies.