Hardik Pandya the dynamic allroundeÂr representing TeÂam India exhibited exceÂptional composure in the decisive over of the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa at Kensington Oval in Barbados on Saturday June 29. Demonstrating unwavering resolve Pandya expertly safeguardeÂd a formidable 16 runs in the closing six balls playing a pivotal role in seÂcuring the teams second T20 World Cup titleÂ.
When David MilleÂr was still at the crease South Africa would have fancied their chances. HoweÂver it was Pandya who won the battle of neÂrves. Miller perisheÂd on the very first ball of the 20th oveÂr courtesy of a stunning juggling catch from Suryakumar Yadav just inches away from the boundary.
India clinched a thrilling seÂvenrun victory successfully defeÂnding a 177 run target against their opponents. In a heÂartwarming moment a visibly emotional Hardik Pandya shed teÂars of joy following Indias triumphant win.
Watch videos of Pandya in tears below:
It is worth noting that Heinrich Klaasen drove South Africa to first place with a furious 52-run hit in the run chase. Hardik Pandya provided India with a significant breakthrough by dismissing Klaasen in the 17th over, shifting the tide in the Men in Blue’s favor.
“More special for me, how my last 6 months were, I haven’t spoken a word”- Hardik Pandya after India’s 2024 T20 World Cup victory
In a post-match interview, Hardik Pandya acknowledged his happiness with India’s victorious performance. He remarked that the victory meant a lot to him, given all he had been through in recent months.
The talismanic all-rounder says:
“It means a lot. Very emotional, we’ve been working very hard and something was not clicking. But today we got what the whole nation wanted. More special for me, how my last 6 months were, I haven’t spoken a word. I knew that if I kept working hard I could shine and do what I could do. Getting an opportunity like this makes it more special.”
Hardik Pandya
Virat Kohli was selected the Player of the Match in the 2024 T20 World Cup Final. The ace batter had a clutch performance, scoring 76 runs off 59 balls. Jasprit Bumrah was named Player of the Tournament. In the edition, the speedster took 15 wickets in eight outings with an economy rate of 4.17.