Men in Blue ended the 11 years drought and finally won the ICC T20 World cup 2024 exactly a year ago against South Africa at Barbad
Published: Jun 29, 2025, 10:55 AM (IST)
Edited: Jun 29, 2025, 10:56 AM (IST)
Exactly a year ago, Indian cricket witnessed a moment of sheer joy and pride as the Men in Blue finally ended an 11-year-long ICC trophy drought. After several heartbreaks in World Cup tournaments across formats be it ODIs, T20Is, or the World Test Championship India roared back to lift the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in a thrilling final against South Africa at Barbados.
The campaign began with a heavy emotional backdrop. The haunting memories of the 2023 ODI World Cup final loss to Australia still lingered. India had cruised through the tournament unbeaten, only to stumble in the final, leaving fans across the globe heartbroken. The T20 World Cup opener brought those feelings back but this time, things were different.
In the title clash at Kensington Oval, India won the toss and opted to bat first. They posted a competitive total of 176 for 7 in 20 overs, thanks to a calm and composed 76 from Virat Kohli and a crucial 47-run knock from Axar Patel. South Africa, chasing 177, fought hard and looked close to snatching the trophy, especially with Heinrich Klaasen’s explosive innings that tilted the game in their favour.
But in the final overs, the Indian bowlers held their nerves. Hardik Pandya delivered under immense pressure, turning the match around just when it seemed to slip away. South Africa could only manage 169/8 in their 20 overs, and India clinched the title by 7 runs in a nail-biting finish.
Perhaps the most unforgettable moment of the final came when Suryakumar Yadav took a stunning catch at long-off to dismiss David Miller in the last over. Commentator Jatin Sapru’s electrifying words echoed in every Indian fan’s heart, “Long off, Long off… Long off… Suryakumar Yadav! Suryakumar Yadav ne pakda hai apne career ka sabse important catch!”
Tears of joy flowed as Rohit Sharma knelt down and proudly placed the Indian flag on the ground an image that will remain etched in cricket history.
The triumph was also marked by emotional goodbyes. After lifting the trophy, Indian stalwarts Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja announced their retirement from T20 Internationals. Kohli, who was named Player of the Match in the final, bowed out on a high, as did Rohit and Jadeja three giants of Indian cricket who gave it their all in their final T20I outing.
June 29, 2024, will forever be remembered by Indian cricket fans as a day of redemption, resilience, and ultimate glory.