India beat South Africa by 7 runs: ICC T20 World Cup 2024 final – updates

After almost four weeks of power-packed action, drama and plenty of twists, the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 ends with India crowned world champions.

After reaching the precipice on so many occasions in the last few years, the men in blue finally got the monkey of their back in a thrilling match against first-time finalists South Africa.

The Proteas provided many moments of brilliance, but ultimately they succumbed to the pressure.

Kohli crowns a glittering T20I career with a trophy that has eluded him throughout his career.

Rohit, who won the inaugural 2007 World Cup in South Africa, adds another special chapter in his illustrious career.

Do make sure to tune into our Germany vs Denmark coverage we have up and running.

We hope you enjoyed our coverage of the T20 World Cup 2024, and till the next time, this is Rohan Sharma signing off on behalf of Kevin Hand and Hafsa Adil.

The wait of 17 years comes to an end 🇮🇳

India win their second #T20WorldCup trophy 🏆 pic.twitter.com/z35z54ZQlI

— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) June 29, 2024

My heartiest congratulations to Team India for winning the T20 World Cup. With the never-say-die spirit, the team sailed through difficult situations and demonstrated outstanding skills throughout the tournament. It was an extraordinary victory in the final match. Well done, Team…

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) June 29, 2024

Congratulations to India on winning the #ICCT20CWC2024 First team to do it unbeaten in the tournament. Special special special moment. So many great narratives. South Africa’s time will come in future.

— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) June 29, 2024

Huge congratulations to @imVkohli on an incredible career 👏🏼 What a way to sign off from T20 cricket, with a match-winning knock in the #T20WorldCup final. Your dedication, passion & brilliance have inspired generations. Keep rocking the GAME in ODI and Test cricket, Virat 👍🏼… pic.twitter.com/Hm95OE4fmB

— Azhar Ali (@AzharAli_) June 29, 2024

Great win for Team India with every player rising to the ocassion and not to forget Rahul and the support staff for the fabulous work they have done behind the scenes. A day of fulfillment when all the effort bears fruit. 🙏🏼 #T20IWorldCuppic.twitter.com/eaLYb0Ql8k

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) June 29, 2024

CHAMPION vibes all around 🏆

These Two 🫶🤗#T20WorldCup | #TeamIndia | #SAvIND | @ImRo45 | @imVkohlipic.twitter.com/SXTkzdNcJX

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 29, 2024

WHAT THAT MEANS 🥹🇮🇳#T20WorldCup | #SAvINDpic.twitter.com/1566eQ7GZB

— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) June 29, 2024

Emotion. Elation. Joy. 🇮🇳😍#T20WorldCup | #SAvINDpic.twitter.com/n5yFaQVrmV

— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) June 29, 2024

Victorious India captain Rohit summed up his thoughts at the post-match presentation: “Very hard to sum up what we have been through the last three/four years.

“We worked really hard as individuals and as a team. Winning this game, is not about what we did today, but what we have done the last three to four years. We played a lot of high pressure games and have been on the wrong side of them. Guys understand that when the pressure is on, what needs to be done. Today was a perfect example.

“Even though, at one point, it was looking South Africa’s way, but overall, we wanted this really bad. To win a tournament like this, a lot goes on behind the scenes. I am very proud of the boys and management for giving us that liberty to go out and play and execute, and have that trust in each one of us. Throughout the tournament, I think we were fantastic.

“Nobody was in doubt about Kohli’s form. We know the quality he has. He has been on top of his game for the last 15 years. Come the occasion, we know the big players will stand up. Kohli was holding up that one end which was very crucial for us. Getting to that total was a team effort. This was not a wicket where you could bat freely and keep the scoreboard ticking.

“We wanted someone to bat as long as possible, and that is what Virat did. Axar’s 47 was very crucial as well. I’ve been someone who has seen him [Bumrah] for so many years, playing alongside me. I know what he brings to the table, but what he does is just a masterclass. He backs his skills and he is a very confident lad. Whatever he wants to do he executes to perfection. He is a class act. Pandya was brilliant as well. To bowl that last over with nerves, I am very proud of the boys.”

What A Moment & What A Win to reach The Landmark! 🔝 🙌

Captain Rohit Sharma! 🫡 🫡 #T20IWorldCup | #TeamIndia | #SAvIND | @ImRo45pic.twitter.com/i3hLTuXZpt

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 29, 2024

Led in the front by Bumrah, as has been the case throughout the tournament, the players eagerly await their winner’s medals at the podium.

Losing South African skipper Markram shared his thoughts at the post-match presentation “Yeah, obviously gutted. It will take some time for us to reflect on this campaign.

“It hurts quite a bit, but having said that I am still incredibly proud of this team.

“I thought they bowled well, I don’t think there was a lot to work with the pitch. We thought we restricted them to a chaseable total.

“I thought we batted well and it came down to the wire. Gutted to not make it over the line.

“We have seen in a lot of the games that it isn’t over till the final ball is bowled.

“There was an element of scoreboard pressure, but having said that we got into a great position and proved we were worthy finalists, and could have won this game.

“One thing that is guaranteed about South Africans is that they are really respectful and competitive. They won’t go down without a fight.

“Hopefully, we can draw a lot of things from this tournament going forward.”

King Kohli reigns supreme 👑

Virat Kohli is awarded the @Aramco POTM after his 76 off 59, played a pivotal role in India lifting the #T20WorldCup trophy 🏆#SAvINDpic.twitter.com/5IMYLes059

— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) June 29, 2024

We are into the post-match presentation.

The South African players lineup to collect their medals, with Markram due to speak shortly about the match result.

Bumrah, who turned the game around his spell of 2 of 18 towards the end, has been named Player of the Tournament: “Usually, I try to keep my emotions in check, but today I don’t have a lot of words. The emotion are taking over.

“At the midway stage, we thought we were in trouble, but we managed to pull it off.

“I am just over the moon. My son is here, my family is here.

“We just fell short last time [in the 2023 ODI World Cup], but this time we were able to go through

“We play the sport for these big stages. There is no better feeling.

“It just felt good. I was trying to keep myself in the bubble.

“Spent time with the family and tried not to look too far ahead.

“Over the tournament, I felt very clear and calm.

“I take it one over at a time. If I think too early I can give into the pressure.”

TIMBER & we know who it is! 🎯@Jaspritbumrah93 strikes for #TeamIndia! 🙌 🙌

Follow The Match ▶️ https://t.co/c2CcFqY7Pa#T20WorldCup | #SAvIND | @Jaspritbumrah93

📸 ICC pic.twitter.com/39bUMp2bxL

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 29, 2024

Kohli, who finally came to the party with the bat at the most important stage, was duly awarded Player of the Match for his 76 off 59: “This is my last T20 World Cup, and this is exactly what I wanted to achieve.

“One day you feel like you can’t get a run, then you come out and things happen for you. I am really grateful to get the job done for the team on the day it mattered the most.

“It was now or never. This is my last T20 game for India, so I wanted to make the most of it. This was our aim, to win an ICC tournament.

“It was the occasion which helped me to put my head down and respect the situation. I wanted to play the innings the team needed me.

“This was an open secret, that this was going to be my last T20 WC to play for India.

“It is time for the next generation to take over. They will take the team forward in this format. They will do wonders and keep the flag waving high.

“It’s been a long wait for us, and its not just me alone. You can look at Rohit who has played nine T20 World Cups, and this is my sixth. He deserves it as much as anyone in the squad.

“It is hard to explain the emotions I felt after the game.

“I wasn’t feeling confident after the last few games, but God shows you in ways that you cant imagine.

“The kind of character the guys showed was incredible. It is an amazing day and I couldn’t be more thankful.”

Axar, who starred with the bat after scoring 47 off 31, had this to say, “It means everything to me. When I came to this World Cup, last few years I had been injured and not performed.

“This time I felt like I had to do something good for India and finally I did it.

“I was trying to keep it simple and not think of anything. I didn’t think it was a final. I didn’t think ahead of what i was doing when I was batting.

“Rohit is an amazing man, and he led India very well in this World Cup.

“Rahul bhai [Dravid] told me to pad up after being down three wickets.

“I didn’t get a chance to think about my batting which worked for me.”