Rohit Sharma’s India completed an historic redemption story with a seven-run victory over South Africa in a thrilling ICC T20 Cricket World Cup final on Saturday.
It was a bright morning in Barbados as India opted to bat first against a formidable Proteas unit looking to write their names into the record books as they took to the field in their first ever final.
South Africa placed the pressure on the Indians by picking up the in-form Rohit for just nine off five balls.
Virat Kohli would come to the party for the first time in the tournament; and he did so when it mattered most.
The all-time great guided the men in blue to 176/7 with an incredible innings, anchoring from one end as the wickets fell on the other and finishing on a man of the match winning 76 from 59 balls.
His knock was even more special post-match, as Kohli announced his retirement from the T20 international format on a high.
In the run chase, Heinrich Klaasen starred with a half century to shift the pressure back on the Indians.
But even when defending 30 off the final 30 balls, Jasprit Bumrah and his fellow bowlers kept their composure.
The paceman turned the game on its head with the final over of his spell, taking a wicket and going for just two runs to help his side home and claim the player of the tournament award.
As the Indian tricolour was hurled up after an invincible World Cup campaign, South Africa will take pride in the way they carried themselves under pressure in their all-time best World Cup finish.
Pictured above: India crowned World Champions
Image source: @bcci
