India beat South Africa in the final of the ICC T20 World Cup, beating the Proteas by 7 runs. Rohit Sharma and company brought an ICC trophy home after 11 years and India’s first World Cup win since 2011. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the team for bringing the cup “home in style”.

CHAMPIONS!

Our team brings the T20 World Cup home in STYLE!

We are proud of the Indian Cricket Team.

This match was HISTORIC. 🇮🇳 🏏 🏆 pic.twitter.com/HhaKGwwEDt

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 29, 2024

“Champions! Our team brings the T20 World Cup home in style! We are proud of the Indian Cricket Team,” Prime Minister Modi posted on X.

In a video message congratulating the team, PM Modi said the team won the World Cup and also the “hearts of crores of Indians”. No small achievement that it did not lose a single match, he said.

“Congratulations to India for this magnificent win. Today, 140 crore countrymen are proud of your fantastic performance. You won the World Cup and also the hearts of crores of Indians. You didn’t lose even one match; that’s not a small feat. You have achieved a spectacular victory. I congratulate you,” the prime minister said in Hindi.

It was India’s second T20 World Cup victory after they had won it in 2007 under the legendary MS Dhoni in South Africa, and first since winning the Champions Trophy in 2013.

Star batter Virat Kohli, who was an upcoming cricketer 17 years ago, made his first fifty of this tournament in the final — a classy 76 off 59 balls with six fours and two sixes that carried India to a competitive 176 for seven.

Then the Indian bowlers, led by Arshdeep Singh (2/20) and Jasprit Bumrah (2/18), worked their magic as they did throughout this tournament, limiting South Africa to 169 for eight to propel India to their second T20 World Cup.

There were pockets of fight from the Proteas, who were playing in their maiden World Cup final.

Heinrich Klaasen threatened India with a 52 off 27 balls (2×4, 5×6) but Hardik Pandya (3/20) snatched the crucial wicket to bring the game decisively in favour of India.

India captain Rohit Sharma announced he was retiring from T20 international cricket after winning the World Cup in Saturday’s final. Rohit said he would be continuing for India in Test and ODI formats but that he was stepping back from the shortest form. Rohi’s announcement came shortly after his team-mate Virat Kohli also said he was retiring from T20 internationals.

Two of India’s greatest ever cricketer – Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma – announced their T20I retirement on Saturday, after the side’s second T20 World Cup win. While Kohli announced his retirement minutes after the triumph, India captain Rohit Sharma announced it in the official post match press conference.  Rohit, who played a crucial role in India’s triumphant campaign, confirmed that he would continue to represent India in ODIs and Tests.

Rohit, whose searing 41-ball 92-run knock in the Super 8s clash against Australia would be remembered for years to come, said he was ‘desperate’ for the title.

“This was my last game as well. No better time to say goodbye. I wanted this (trophy) badly. It’s very hard to put in words,” Rohit told the post-match press conference after ending India’s over-a-decade long title drought. “This what I wanted and it happened. I was very desperate for this in my life. Happy that we crossed the line this time,” he added.

His announcement came on the heels of India’s second T20 World Cup title, a victory that brought immense joy and pride to the nation.

His retirement marks the end of an illustrious T20I career during which he became the format’s highest scorer, amassing 4231 runs in 159 matches. He also holds the record for the most centuries in T20 internationals, with five to his name. His T20I journey began with the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, where he was a key player in India’s first title win. Now, as captain, he has led India to their second title, further cementing his legacy.

The final match against South Africa was a nail-biter, with India defending a target of 176 runs. The Proteas, needing 30 runs from the last 30 deliveries, appeared to have the upper hand. However, India’s bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Arshdeep Singh, held their nerve in the crucial moments. Pandya, in particular, shone in the final over, successfully defending 16 runs and sealing a dramatic seven-run victory for India.

This triumph was particularly special for Rohit, who had experienced both highs and lows in his cricketing career. The win was a testament to his leadership, resilience, and unwavering determination. Reflecting on his journey, Sharma said, “I’ve loved every moment of this. I started my India career playing this format. This is what I wanted, I wanted to win the cup.”

His retirement follows that of his long-time teammate, Virat Kohli, who also announced his departure from T20 internationals after the World Cup. Together, Sharma and Kohli have been pillars of Indian cricket, their contributions instrumental in numerous victories over the years.

With IANS and PTI inputs