IND vs SA: In the battle of 'chokers' India clinchs victory against South Africa in dramatic T20 World Cup Final

At one point, it seemed like 'India is losing another final!' But this time, the Men in Blue made sure it wouldn't be a repeat of November 19, 2023, when they lost to Australia in the ODI World Cup Final. Both India and South Africa, often dubbed 'chokers', were vying to claim the title, with only one team destined for victory. 

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The Men in Blue went on to win by 7 runs as all the emotions ran high with players falling to the ground crying. While fans were cheering, Kohli went on to say it was his last T20 World Cup. He said, "It was my last T20 game playing for India".

In a nail-biting game, India managed to score 176 runs after losing 7 wickets. Keshav Maharaj dismissed skipper Rohit Sharma (9 off 5) and Rishabh Pant (0 off 2) in the same over. Later, Kagiso Rabada removed Suryakumar Yadav (3 off 4), leaving the burden on Virat Kohli, who scored 76 off 59.

He was supported by Axar Patel (47 off 31) and Shivam Dube (27 off 16). Hardik Pandya (5* off 2) and Ravindra Jadeja (2 off 2) were at the crease towards the end. For the Proteas, Keshav Maharaj and Anrich Nortje both picked up two wickets, while Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada claimed one each.

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In reply, Reeza Hendricks (4 off 5) was bowled by a superb Jasprit Bumrah outswinger, and Aiden Markram (4 off 5) fell cheaply as well. However, Tristan Stubbs (31 off 21) played well against the spinners, putting South Africa in the ascendancy after the Powerplay. Despite his dismissal, Quinton de Kock (39 off 31) and Heinrich Klaasen (52 off 27) stitched together a partnership. Klaasen reached a 23-ball fifty, including a 24-run over off Axar Patel. Soon, the equation was reduced to 30 runs off the last five overs.

Indian pacers pulled off a remarkable turnaround, with Hardik Pandya dismissing Klaasen, Bumrah removing Marco Jansen, and Arshdeep Singh bowling a brilliant penultimate over, conceding just 4 runs. This left Hardik Pandya to bowl the final over, with South Africa needing 16 runs off 6 balls.