After being named Player of the Match, Kohli announced that this was his final T20 World Cup and his last T20I match for India
30 June, 2024
PHOTO: AFP
Pakistan's pacer Shaheen Afridi praised India's Virat Kohli following Kohli's match-winning performance in the T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa. Afridi congratulated Kohli, who was named Player of the Match, and lauded India's victory.
Kohli played a crucial role in India’s victory, scoring 76 runs off 59 balls. His innings helped India set a competitive total of 177 runs.
Afridi expressed his admiration on Instagram, stating, “Memorable end to a remarkable T20I career. Congratulations India on winning the T20 World Cup.”
Kohli’s final match was historic as he became the only player to be part of the winning team in all four major ICC men’s tournaments. He was in the squad that won the U19 World Cup in 2008, the Cricket World Cup in 2011, the Champions Trophy in 2013, and now the T20 World Cup in 2024.
Interestingly, India’s U19 World Cup win in 2008 was also against South Africa, mirroring the victory in the T20 World Cup final this year.
In the final, South Africa, chasing a target of 177, fell short by seven runs. Despite commendable efforts from Quinton de Kock and Heinrich Klaasen, who scored 39 and 52 runs respectively, the Proteas couldn't reach the target set by India.
Earlier, Indian captain Rohit Sharma chose to bat first after winning the toss. However, the decision initially seemed risky as key players like Rohit, Rishabh Pant, and Suryakumar Yadav were dismissed early. Kohli, who had struggled throughout the T20 World Cup 2024, stepped up and played a pivotal innings, enabling India to post a solid score of 176 for seven.
After being named Player of the Match, Kohli announced that this was his final T20 World Cup and his last T20I match for India. Kohli's illustrious T20I career began in 2010, and he played 125 matches, amassing 4,188 runs at an average of 48.69.
This victory marks India’s second T20 World Cup title. Their first win was in the inaugural tournament in 2007, where they defeated Pakistan in the final. The 2024 victory also ends India’s long wait for an ICC trophy, their last being the Champions Trophy in 2013 under the leadership of MS Dhoni.
India’s triumph in the T20 World Cup 2024 is a significant achievement, bringing joy to fans and ending their eleven-year wait for an ICC trophy.
