Hardik Pandya the dynamic allrounder representing Team India exhibited exceptional 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 safeguarded a formidable 16 runs in the closing six balls playing a pivotal role in securing the teams second T20 World Cup title.
When David Miller was still at the crease South Africa would have fancied their chances. However it was Pandya who won the battle of nerves. Miller perished on the very first ball of the 20th over courtesy of a stunning juggling catch from Suryakumar Yadav just inches away from the boundary.
India clinched a thrilling sevenrun victory successfully defending a 177 run target against their opponents. In a heartwarming moment a visibly emotional Hardik Pandya shed tears 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.