Indian fans experienced early heartbreak in the T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa as key players Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant were dismissed cheaply by left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. The highly anticipated final saw dramatic turns from the start as Maharaj delivered crucial blows in the very second over, significantly setting back the Indian innings.
Keshav Maharaj provided early breakthroughs, dismissing Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant. This early double strike left the Indian team reeling and their supporters visibly disheartened. Pant, out for a duck, attempted a sweep off a full delivery outside off but mistimed it, resulting in a simple catch for Quinton de Kock.
Rohit, who appeared to be in good form, also fell to the sweep, hitting a full ball to Heinrich Klaasen at backward square leg. The Indian captain managed just 9 runs off 5 balls, including two boundaries. These early dismissals by Maharaj put South Africa in a commanding position, dampening the spirits of Indian fans.
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Despite the early setbacks, Virat Kohli showed resilience, demonstrating his class by hitting three elegant boundaries off Marco Jansen’s first over. Kohli’s form has been pivotal for India’s journey to the final, providing hope for a recovery in this high-stakes match.
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Under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, India has exhibited dominant performances throughout the tournament, both with the bat and ball, on challenging pitches across the United States and the Caribbean. Their calm and composed approach has been key to reaching their third T20 World Cup final. Sharma, the sole remaining active player from India’s victorious 2007 T20 World Cup squad, brought a wealth of experience and leadership to the team.
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South Africa, led by the astute Aiden Markram, displayed remarkable composure and tactical acumen throughout the tournament. Markram’s leadership has been instrumental in guiding South Africa through tough encounters, including tense matches against Bangladesh and Nepal in the group stages. The final clash at the Kensington Oval promised a thrilling contest as both teams aimed to make history in the T20 World Cup.
“If I had played 2023 World Cup Final, then we would have either been all out for 150 or 200 runs or would have scored over 300+ runs”
This is you Rishabh Pant in Semi-final and Final of T20 WC- pic.twitter.com/gQRUiFoLtl
— TukTuk Academy (@TukTuk_Academy) June 29, 2024
The faster Rishabh Pant realizes he is not meant for T20 cricket, better it will be for India 💀 pic.twitter.com/thgoJnST5Z
— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) June 29, 2024
Those who say Rishabh Pant is better than Dhoni pic.twitter.com/gNpaPJ9cr9
— desi mojito 🇮🇳 (@desimojito) June 29, 2024
This MDC Parchi Sympathy Merchant Rishabh Pant should never see Indian Dressing Room in white bowl!!
He came in team on basis of PR, he failed in every KO match of World Cups…..
He said, “Agar mai hota toh 300 bna deta ODI WC Final mein”, he was taking dig at Kohli & KL!! pic.twitter.com/UTd2IJ5j7P
— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) June 29, 2024
Rishabh Pant batting me aate hi#INDvsSAFinal pic.twitter.com/QO7JOcl38g
— Byomkesh (@byomkesbakshy) June 29, 2024
Rishabh pant Surya 😭#INDvsSAFinal pic.twitter.com/fw7CGiiuce
— Raja Babu (@GaurangBhardwa1) June 29, 2024
