South Africa vs India, Full score card

INDIA HAVE PULLED OFF A HEIST TO BECOME THE 2024 ICC MEN'S T20 WORLD CUP CHAMPIONS! Hardik Pandya has done it for the Men in Blue! Absolute ecstasy for Rohit Sharma and his men. Agony for South Africa. Pandya hurls it full and slanting in, on middle and leg, Anrich Nortje backs away to have a swipe across the line. Gets it off the inner half of the bat and it dribbles to deep mid-wicket for just a single and the Proteas are in utter disbelief, spare a thought for them, they fought bravely but the Indians had more experience at this stage. A 7-run victory for the Men in Blue and emotions are running wild on the field.

Anrich Nortje is the new man in for South Africa.

OUT! STRAIGHT TO THE FIELDER! That should be the game and the World Cup to India! Final nail in the coffin for South Africa. Full and going across the left-hander, on off, Kagiso Rabada looks to get underneath it but only manages to skew it off the toe end of the bat. It goes flat and straight to long off where Suryakumar Yadav takes an easy catch this time.

WIDE! Goes searching for the wide yorker but it goes beyond the tramline on off, left alone by Kagiso Rabada for a wide. 9 required off 2 then.

Leg bye! Just one off it! Full and at the batter, Keshav Maharaj clears his front leg to have a swipe across the line. Fails to connect and the ball rolls away off his pads on the leg side for a leg bye. 10 runs needed off 2 balls.

Bye! Smartly bowled! Rolls his fingers over the ball and angles it away, on off, on a nagging length, Kagiso Rabada swings to go back over the bowler's head but misses out. The ball goes on the bounce to the keeper and the batters sneak in a bye. 11 required now off 3.

EDGED AND FOUR! Streaky but South Africa won't mind any which way they come! 12 needed off the last 4 balls. Pace on, angling away, on off, on a back of a length, Kagiso Rabada throws the kitchen sink at it and gets an outside edge that flies between the keeper and short third for a boundary.

Kagiso Rabada is the next batter in.

OUT! WHAT A GRAB! SURYAKUMAR YADAV, YOU BEAUTY! Brilliant presence of mind on the ropes and he just might have won the World Cup for India with this effort. David Miller cannot believe it! Just the start to the over India were after. Not the best of deliveries by Pandya as he tries to go full but it comes out as a full toss, outside off, David Miller reaches out to go down town. Looks like he gets just enough on it but Suryakumar Yadav at long off, steadies himself on the ropes, keeps his eyes on the ball all the way through. Takes the catch and releases it just as his momentum takes him beyond the ropes. Comes back in to complete the catch.

Is that a catch? Has Suryakumar Yadav pulled off the most stupendous catch at the most crucial of stages? This catch could go down in cricketing history as one of the greatest if SKY has managed to keep his foot off the ropes. The third umpire is called in and it is a very close call. What an effort and the conclusion is that SKY has managed to avoid the ropes and it will be adjudged OUT!

Hardik Pandya to bowl the final over. South Africa need 16 runs to win, what a phenomenal game this has been. Which side will hold its nerves in the final over? Let's find out.

And again! Brilliant stuff by Arshdeep Singh. Just 4 runs off the last over and now, South Africa need 16 off the last over. Arshdeep dishes it out on a yorker length, on middle, Keshav Maharaj can only jam it out. The ball bounces off the turf back towards the bowler. Arshdeep leaps to his right and makes the stop.

Well bowled! Gets the yorker in, tailing in, at the toes, David Miller jams it out off the inner half of the bat to deep backward square leg for just a single. Miller won't take the single off the last ball and Maharaj has to go for the big shot.

Angling in, on a back of a length, at the batter, David Miller gets cramped for room to get the pull shot away. Miscues it in front of deep square leg but manages to cone back for the second as the ball went to the right of the man in the deep there.

Maharaj gets off strike now! Pace taken off by Maharaj, on off, Keshav Maharaj hangs back and pulls it in front of deep mid-wicket without much timing for a single. Miller needs to find the fence to ease the pressure off.

Play and a miss! Two dots and Maharaj will start to feel the pressure now. Angling away, on a hard length, on off, Keshav Maharaj pokes at the delivery from the crease and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Arshdeep starts with a dot! Lands it on a length, on middle, Keshav Maharaj looks to work it across the line but gets a soft leading edge that goes down the deck. Arshdeep does well to make a quick low stop to his left in his follow through.

Arshdeep Singh to bowl crucial 19th over.

Yes, he can and gets a single too. Bumrah hurls it in on a good length, on off, Keshav Maharaj covers the line of the ball and pats it in front of cover for a quick single. Virat Kohli thought about having a shy at the bowling end but resisted it. 20 runs needed off the last 2 overs for South Africa.

Honing in at the stumps at pace, on a good length, Keshav Maharaj gets behind the line of the ball and blocks it out in front of cover. Can Maharaj survive the last ball from Bumrah?

Keshav Maharaj walks in at number 8 for South Africa.

OUT! CLEANED HIM UP! Jasprit Bumrah has struck just when India needed it! Marco Jansen stands there in disbelief. Bumrah changes his angle of attack as he comes from over the wicket and slants it in, on a good length, on middle, Marco Jansen gets a stride in and presents a straight bat to keep it out. The ball jags back in sharply off the deck, sneaks past the inside edge and clips the leg pole, enough to dislodge the right bail. Can Bumrah get one more off his remaining two balls?

Bumrah gets this one to skid through, on a back of a length, outside off, David Miller stands tall and punches it to deep cover to turn the strike over.

At the stumps, on a back of a length, on middle, David Miller punches it sweetly to cover. Two dots to start with. Every dot being cheered by the Indian fans.

Beaten! Bumrah bowls it with an upright seam, on a good length, on off, David Miller stays leg side of the ball and fiddles at the delivery. The ball holds its line and zips past the outside edge.

Jasprit Bumrah (3-0-16-1) to bowl out now. Can he turn the game on its head?

Pandya bends his back and digs in a slower bumper, at the batter, David Miller gets on his toes, swivels and controls the pull down to fine leg. Keeps the strike with a single. A wicket and 4 runs off Pandya's over. South Africa require 22 runs in 18 balls. David Miller's wicket here will make things interesting.

Angling in, on a length, on off, Marco Jansen presses forward for the drive but the ball seams back in a bit. Catches the inner half of the bat and it rolls to the left of a straightish mid-wicket for a single.

Slower and the length is pulled back a touch by Pandya, on middle, David Miller waits on it and tucks it behind square on the leg side for one more run.

Offers width does Pandya on off, on a good length, Marco Jansen frees his arms and cracks the drive to deep point for a single.

Pace on and honing in, around off, on a length, Marco Jansen leans on it and times the drive to cover.

Marco Jansen is the new batter in.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! There was a break in play as the physio attended to Rishabh Pant and that break has brought about a wicket for India! Is there a twist in the tale? Pandya rolls his fingers over the ball and keeps it away from the batter's arc, full and outside off, Heinrich Klaasen throws his hands at it but gets an outside edge that is snaffled safely by the keeper, Rishabh Pant near his waist. End of a superb knock by Klaasen. With 26 runs needed off 23 balls, it is still South Africa's game to lose, despite losing Klaasen.

Lands it full again, on off, David Miller leans on it and times the drive to cover. Just 4 runs off the over but South Africa won't mind one bit as they have safely negotiated Bumrah's over. Bumrah has only one over remaining now.

Bumrah keeps it full but this is on the pads, Heinrich Klaasen clips it in front of square on the leg side for a single.

Dishes out a quick yorker, a bit of inward tail, on middle, Heinrich Klaasen gets his bat down in time and squeezes it out in front of his feet.

Slanting in, on the pads, Heinrich Klaasen misses the clip and gets pinged on the front pad but that was heading down leg.

Heinrich Klaasen comes back for the second and that brings up his FIFTY! Fastest fifty in a Men's T20 World Cup final, off just 23 balls. First half-century of the tournament for Klaasen and what a time to get it. Angling in, on a back of a length, on middle and leg, Heinrich Klaasen tucks it through mid-wicket for a couple of runs and brings up his first fifty of this World Cup, couldn't have come at a better time.

Comes back into the attack and lands it on a back of a length, on off, David Miller looks to play at it but gets an inside edge that sneaks past the stumps and goes down to fine leg for a single.

'Catch' is the call but the ball evades backward point. Fires it in, short and around off, Heinrich Klaasen goes on the back foot to go up and over cover. Gets it off the outer half of the bat but it clears the man at backward point for a couple of runs. Down to run-a-ball now for South Africa, just 30 needed off 30 now.

FOUR! Relentless from Heinrich Klaasen and this over could be the telling one in the history of South African cricket. Fired in full and wide, Klaasen is waiting for it, he hangs back and powers it nicely over the cover region for a boundary.

SIX! One more, probably even bigger and South Africa are in a hurry. At the stumps, slightly short and Heinrich Klaasen rocks back before whacking it high and handsome over long on for another colossal hit.

SIX! Wow, Heinrich Klaasen has sent it on the roof! Flighted delivery around off stump, Klaasen gets across a bit and slogs it high and over deep mid-wicket for a huge six. Thjat one landed on the roof.

Gets it spot on this time. Fired in flatter and wide of the off stump, landing it inside the tramline.

WIDE! Another one! Flatter again and pushed wide of the off stump, left alone again and the umpire signals wide again.

WIDE! Quicker and flatter, pushed well wide of the off stump, Heinrich Klaasen leaves it alone.

FOUR! Up and over! Fired in at the off stump, Heinrich Klaasen gets under the ball and hammers it back over the bowler's head for a boundary.

SIX! Easy power from David Miller and Kuldeep Yadav has had a game to forget here. Too short and over the stumps, Miller rocks back and pulls it flat and in front of the man at deep mid-wicket for a biggie. South Africa in the ascendancy here.

FOUR! That is sensational timing from David Miller. Slightly short and outside off, Miller reaches out and just taps the ball away in front of cover-point, the ball speeds away and Axar Patel from deep point cannot get to it chasing to his left.

On a nagging length and floated up on the legs, Heinrich Klaasen flicks it away in front of square leg and picks up a single.

Tossed up around the off stump line, David Miller fetches the ball and sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.

Drags the length back a touch and bowls it around off stump, David Miller waits back and dabs it away to backward point.

Nicely played! Floated up full on the stumps, David Miller leans right on and works it away between the fielders at deep mid-wicket and cow corner for a couple of runs.

Good running! Back of a length and around off sliding on nicely, Heinrich Klaasen waits back and punches it sweetly to the left of a diving Rohit Sharma at covers and picks up a couple of runs in the deep.

On a slightly fuller length and drifting onto the legs, David Miller flicks it down to fine leg and turns the strike over.

Just short of a good length around middle and jagging back in off the deck, David Miller looks to block but is beaten and gets struck on the thigh pad.

David Miller makes his way out to the centre now.

OUT! CAUGHT! A change in the field and Arshdeep Singh has got the big fish here. Arshdeep Singh bowls it on a similar line and length and angles it in at the hips. Quinton de Kock gets inside the line to smash it away over fine leg but hits it flat and straight to Kuldeep Yadav on the fence who takes a good catch under pressure. The fielder was inside the ring on the previous ball but was pushed back to the fence just before this ball.

FOUR! Too easy for Quinton de Kock. A gentle-paced delivery, slightly short and angled down the leg side, de Kock gets inside the line, plays the pick-up shot and gets it well over short fine leg for a one-bounce boundary.

Length ball on the pads, tucked away past square leg by Heinrich Klaasen for a single.

Arshdeep Singh (2-0-8-1) comes back into the attack, replacing Ravindra Jadeja.

Beaten! Bowled flatter and on a nagging length, sliding on from the fourth stump line, Quinton de Kock looks to stay back and cut but misses.

Nicely flighted, a bit full and around off stump, Quinton de Kock watchfully blocks it off.

Floated up on the legs, Heinrich Klaasen gets down on one knee and sweeps it to deep backward square leg for one.

SIX! Stand and deliver! On the shorter side and wide of the off stump, Heinrich Klaasen is able to stay put and free his arms before smashing it over the extra cover fence for a biggie.

Flatter one, on a length and around off, patted away to the man at covers.

Quinton de Kock manages it well in the end. QDK steps out early and Kuldeep Yadav cleverly bowls it flatter and throws it wide outside off. De Kock adjusts and hits it through covers for a single.

Kuldeep Yadav returns to the attack. Kuldeep has conceded 23 runs from his first 2 overs. Can he redeem himself here?

Flatter one sliding on the legs, flicked away firmly to the left of square leg for a single.

Nicely placed and Quinton de Kock picks up an easy brace. Fuller one on the pads, tucked away into the vacant space in front of mid-wicket and the bowler Ravindra Jadeja has to chase it down.

Fires it in a bit and pushes it wide of the off stump, Heinrich Klaasen reaches out and slaps it to deep point for a single.

SIX! In the slot and over the ropes! Too full and around off and middle, Heinrich Klaasen clears the front leg, hits through the line and nails it back over the bowler's head for a biggie.

Just short of Axar Patel in the deep! Another one that is slightly short, Quinton de Kock rocks back to pull but miscues it flat and just in front of deep mid-wicket for a single.

Starts on the shorter side and angles the ball into the stumps, Heinrich Klaasen backs away and cuts it off the stumps in front of square on the off side for one.

Drinks break! How is this for a match? It couldn't be better poised halfway into the chase and neither side is backing down. After an early blitz from Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, South Africa managed to get away with a fine partnership between Quinton de Kock and Tristan Stubbs but Stubbs fell and the Proteas have to rebuild a bit again. Heinrich Klaasen is their main weapon against spin and it will be interesting to see how that match-up stacks up.

Too straight by Pandya, on the pads, on a short of a good length, Heinrich Klaasen glances it off his pads down to fine leg to keep the strike with a single. Hardik started the over well with three dots but the next three balls went for 10 runs.

Taken by Pant but it won't matter as it is a Free Hit! Pandya changes his angle of attack as he comes from around the wicket and serves a slower one, on a length, on off, Quinton de Kock shapes up to go back over the bowler's head. Skies it off the toe-end of the bat and it goes very high in the air, behind the wicket. Rishabh Pant settles under it and grabs it. De Kock cannot make the Free Hit count and it costs India just a single.

NO BALL! Hardik hurls it fuller in length, on middle and leg, Heinrich Klaasen leans on it and eases it down to long on for a single. Oh, dear. Hardik has overstepped and a Free Hit will follow now. Can de Kock make the most of it?

SIX! Cracking shot! Hardik goes into the surface again and it is off-pace too but ends up offering width on off, Heinrich Klaasen picks up the line and length early. Rises with the bounce and slaps it to the right of deep cover for a biggie.

Three dots on the trot to start with. Hardik takes pace off and goes into the deck, around off, Heinrich Klaasen frees his arms to cut it away but plays it early and miscues the shot on the leg side.

Angling in, on a hard length, on middle, Heinrich Klaasen stays on the back foot and nudges it to mid-wicket.

Hardik begins on a back of a length, on off, Heinrich Klaasen stays put and punches it to cover where the fielder dives to his right to make the stop.

Leg bye! Spears it on the pads, on a nagging length, Heinrich Klaasen gets a thud on the pads as he misses out on the tickle. The ball rolls towards backward square leg for a leg bye.

Heinrich Klaasen is the new man in.

OUT! TIMBER! Axar Patel fights back in grand style! Quinton de Kock is distraught at the other end as he punches his bat. Axar lands it full and on the off pole, Tristan Stubbs premediates and tries to use the angle to paddle it fine on the leg side. He walks way too far across and exposes all his stumps. Fails to get any bat on the paddle and the ball sneaks past the inside edge to hit the off pole, enough to dislodge the left bail. A timely breakthrough for India.

Darts it in, short and on off, Tristan Stubbs hangs back and chops it straight to backward point.

Edgy! Pushed through, full and on the pads, Quinton de Kock pulls out the reverse sweep but fails to get the shot away. Gets an inside edge onto the pads and scampers across as the ball rolls on the leg side.

Short and coming in with the arm, on middle, Tristan Stubbs hops on the back foot and punches it to deep cover for a single.

SIX! Good proactive batting and Tristan Stubbs gets the reward! Axar drops it fractionally short, outside off, Tristan Stubbs walks right across his stumps, gets low and swats it to the left of deep square leg for a flat six.

SIX! BANG! Quinton de Kock picked the bones out of that! Kuldeep misses his mark as he serves it right in the arc, full and on middle and leg, Quinton de Kock gets down on one knee and nails the slog sweep. Hits it way over deep mid-wicket and it goes onto hit one of the solar panels on the roof. 13 runs off the over as South Africa continue to take the spinners on.

Slows it up a touch and pulls the length back slightly, turning away, outside off, Quinton de Kock goes for the drive but miscues the shot back to the bowler.

Tosses it up and it is very full, on middle, Tristan Stubbs gets on the front foot and knocks it to wide long on for a single.

On the pads by Kuldeep, full in length, Quinton de Kock helps it off his pads to the left of short fine leg for one more run.

Full again but not much air, on middle, Tristan Stubbs eases it down to long on for a single.

FOUR! Drilled down the ground! Looped by Kuldeep but too full, on off, Tristan Stubbs gets his weight on the front foot and cracks the drive to the right of long off for a boundary.

Angling away, on a nagging length, on middle, Quinton de Kock gets down for the slog sweep but gets an inside edge onto the pads. That could have so easily sneaked under the bat and crashed into the stumps.

Slips it on the pads, fuller and quicker, Quinton de Kock paddles but can't get it past the man at short fine leg.

Pulls the length back and keeps it at the stumps, Tristan Stubbs makes room and pushes it to the left of cover to turn the strike over.

FOUR! Excellently played! Darted in from around the wicket, full and around off, Tristan Stubbs reaches out in front and executes the slog sweep to perfection. Hits it flat and to the left of deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Fires it in now, full and on middle, Quinton de Kock clears his front leg and smacks it to long off for a run.

Honing in at the stumps with a high-arm action, short in length, Tristan Stubbs gets on top of the bounce and punches it in front of square on the off side for a single.

FOUR! Finds the gap to perfection and South Africa are 42/2 at the end of the Powerplay. Fractionally short and outside off, Quinton de Kock lets the ball come on and plays it quite late and in between the fielders at short third and backward point for a boundary.

Nicely bowled! Holds it back a touch and flights it up around off, Quinton de Kock steps down the pitch but holds back and blocks it off.

Flighted up again on the stumps, Tristan Stubbs heaves it off the toe end of the bat down to long on for a single.

Firmly struck but that's good fielding in the deep! Tossed up full on middle, Tristan Stubbs clears the front leg and swats it flat to the left of long on where Suryakumar Yadav dives across and keeps it down to two.

In the air but will land safely! Flatter one, a tad bit short and around off, Tristan Stubbs rocks back and tries to force it over covers and ends up slicing it over the point region for a couple of runs.

Starts off short and flat, at the pads, Quinton de Kock nurdles it past backward square leg for a single.

On a dragged length and around off stump, Quinton de Kock goes on the back foot and dabs it past point for a run.

FOUR! Hammered away! Short and wide outside off, Quinton de Kock rocks back and slaps it uppishly but through the gap at cover-point for a boundary.

At the stumps, Tristan Stubbs comes down the pitch and just pushes it down to long off for a single.

On the fuller side and angling it in from outside off, Tristan Stubbs punches it towards cover.

FOUR! Cut away and cut away well! Quicker one, sliding on with the arm from outside off, Tristan Stubbs goes on the back foot and cuts it behind point for a boundary.

Floated up outside off, Tristan Stubbs plants his front leg across but miscues the sweep to short fine leg.

Slightly shorter and straighter at the hips, Tristan Stubbs gets inside the line and tickles it down to fine leg for a single.

Sharp fielding! Pitched up around off stump, Tristan Stubbs gets on the front foot and punches it sweetly but straight to the man at short cover.

Drags the length back a bit and bowls it over the stumps, Tristan Stubbs presses back and nudges it down in front of mid-wicket.

On a good length at the stumps, tucked away towards mid-wicket for a single by Quinton de Kock.

A pleasing stroke from Quinton de Kock but he will only get a couple of runs here. Overpitched and around off stump, de Kock leans on and drives it in between covers and mid off. The outfield is sluggish and Kuldeep Yadav manages to chase it down.

FOUR! Just wide! On a good length outside off and angling away, Quinton de Kock waits well and plays it with an angled bat and well wide of the man at first slip as the ball rolls away into the deep third fence.

On a length and at the stumps, Quinton de Kock presents the front face of the bat and just pats it towards mid on for a single.

Arshdeep Singh with a well-directed bumper over leg stump, just angling it down leg as well. It is at a difficult height but Quinton de Kock looks to play that favored pick-up and pull shot and misses. Rishabh Pant pouches it and appeals for a catch but the umpire is unmoved. Rohit Sharma does eventually take the review but UltraEdge shows that the ball missed the bat and the gloves. A review lost for India.

Good length outside off and angling away, Tristan Stubbs reaches out and taps it away in front of point and into the deep for a single.

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Aiden Markram will be gutted with that shot and India have their second wicket. Arshdeep Singh just pitches the ball up a bit and angles it well across the off stump. The ball keeps angling away and Aiden Markram goes fishing after it, only managing to get a feather of an edge to the right of the keeper. Rishabh Pant dives across and pouches it safely. Tristan Stubbs comes out to bat now.

Nice change up from Arshdeep Singh. Full and floated up wide of the off stump, Aiden Markram reaches out and just dabs the ball away in front of the point fielder.

Pitched up at the stumps and angling into the left-hander, Quinton de Kock plays it on the up and just to the right of mid on for a quick single.

Good length in and around the top of off stump, Aiden Markram blocks it solidly in front of the man at covers.

On a shade fuller length and around the fifth stump line, zipping through at 139 KPH, Aiden Markram shoulders arms at it.

FOUR! That ball flew off the bat! Just a fractionally short from Jasprit Bumrah and outside off stump, Aiden Markram leans back and just extends his arms and the ball pings off his bat and goes well wide of the chasing man at deep third for a boundary.

Aiden Markram walks in at number 3.

OUT! TIMBER! Jasprit Bumrah with a bolt out of the blue! The dream delivery for any pacer and Bumrah gets the early wicket for India. Bumrah stays over the wicket and pitches the ball up on the stumps, naturally angling it in. Reeza Hendricks looks to play for the line and puts out a straight face of the bat but the ball pitches and straightens to beat the outside edge and knock over the top of off stump.

Leg bye! Bumrah slips it on the pads on a fuller delivery, Quinton de Kock fails to help it away off his pads. The ball comes off his pads and Rishabh Pant fails to collect it cleanly, diving away to his right. The ball pops out of his gloves and rolls away to short fine leg for a leg bye.

Beats the bat straight away! Gets the ball to angle across the left-hander from over the wicket, on a hard length, on off, Quinton de Kock plays for the ball coming back into him and presents a straight bat. It angles away and zips past the bat.

Jasprit Bumrah to steam in from the other end.

FOUR! Thrashed away to end the first over. Arshdeep rolls his fingers over the ball and gets the ball to go across. Ends up offering width on off, on a length, Reeza Hendricks latches onto it in a flash and slaps it between cover and point for the first boundary of South Africa's chase.

Closer to the off-stump line, on a short of a length, Quinton de Kock arches back and cuts it late and to the right of backward point for a single to get off the mark.

A hint of away movement, on a good length, at the stumps, Quinton de Kock closes the bat face and clips it straight to mid-wicket.

Leg bye! South Africa are underway with an extra! Pace on and on a back of a length, straying on the pads, Reeza Hendricks gets inside the line but misses the tickle. The ball brushes his thigh pad and rolls behind square on the leg side for a single.

Edged but well short! Does not take long for Arshdeep Singh to take pace off. Bowls it on a back of a length, on off, Reeza Hendricks has a tentative push at the delivery and gets lucky as there is no pace on offer, resulting in the outside edge falling way in front of Rishabh Pant.

A little bit of swing for Arshdeep Singh first up! Starts from over the wicket and bowls it full, shaping in, on off, Reeza Hendricks gets on the front foot and pushes it towards cover.

OUT! CAUGHT! Anrich Nortje finishes off a more than decent final over and manages to keep India under 180 runs. Nortje steams in and serves a quick bumper over the off stump. Ravindra Jadeja looks to take it on but is rushed into the shot and ends up scoffing it off the top edge. The ball falls well in front of mid off but Keshav Maharaj from extra cover races to the ball and dives in to complete the catch. India finish with 176/7 on the board!

Short of a length and outside off, Ravindra Jadeja reaches out and slashes it up and over backward point for a couple of runs.

Ravindra Jadeja walks in with 2 balls left in the Indian innings.

OUT! CAUGHT! Good catch in the deep from David Miller as that ball was traveling. This is bowled full and on off and middle, Shivam Dube hangs back in the crease again and looks to hammer it over long off but hits it flat and just to the left of Miller who hangs on to the catch. Dube departs after a decent cameo.

FOUR! That went like a tracer bullet! Anrich Nortje looks to repeat the last delivery but misses his mark and serves it in the slot. Shivam Dube stays deep and muscles it straight back past the bowler for a boundary.

Top-drawer stuff from Anrich Nortje. Nails the yorker on middle stump, Hardik Pandya can only manage to dig it to mid off for a single.

Heaved away into the leg side but just for a single. Pitched up on middle and leg stump, Shivam Dube clears the front leg and whips it without much timing to the left of deep mid-wicket for one.

WIDE! Wayward to begin with from Anrich Nortje. Full and wide but gets it a bit too wide of the tramline and it is left alone for a wide.

Anrich Nortje will bowl the last over. He has conceded just 17 runs from his 3 overs. 33 runs have come off the last 2 overs for India. Can Nortje keep India under 180?

FOUR! Streaky but will do nicely for Hardik Pandya and India. A well-directed bumper from Janse, at helmet height and around off, Pandya gets hurried on while looking to pull and gets a top edge that flies over the keeper's head and trickles into the fence.

Hardik Pandya comes out at number 7.

OUT! CAUGHT! Straight to the man and some respite for Marco Jansen as he does get the prized wicket. Jansen uses his height well and bowls it just short of a length over the stumps, Virat Kohli looks to take on the pull but gets it well high on the bat and the ball goes straight down the throat of Kagiso Rabada at long on and he makes no mistake. End of a fine knock from Kohli and he gets a standing ovation from the dugout.

SIX! Glorious from Virat Kohli and what a knock this is turning out to be. Length ball, right in the slot around off and middle stump, Kohli clears the front leg and smokes the ball in epic fashion over cow corner for a monster hit. New ball, please!

Pitched up a bit and around off stump, Virat Kohli looks to smash it straight back but miscues it to the right of long off for a couple of runs.

FOUR! Easy pickings for Virat Kohli and Marco Jansen is having flashbacks of that game against India in the ODI World Cup. A juicy full toss on the leg stump, Virat Kohli whips it off his pads and gets it behind backward square leg for a boundary.

Really well bowled! A slower one, into the pitch and it is the cutter that goes away from the right-hander. Virat Kohli looks to fetch and pull but is beaten all ends up.

An appeal for caught behind but instead, Marco Jansen has overstepped, drama out in the middle. Marco Jansen bowls it full and wide outside off, Virat Kohli looks to jam it out but misses and gets beaten on the outside edge. Replays show that there was no edge on it and it is a big no ball from Jansen as well. Free Hit coming up...

Marco Jansen goes up in appeal for caught behind as does Quinton de Kock. Both think they have heard something and Aiden Markram takes the review. Oh hang on, the third umpire informs the on-field umpire that Marco Jansen has overstepped and it is a NO BALL.

Much better finish to the over from Kagiso Rabada but India still get 16 off it. Full and straight in the blockhole, Virat Kohli hangs back and jams the ball down to long on for one.

Back of a length and dug in outside off stump, Shivam Dube extends his arms and flays it away wide of deep third for a single.

WIDE! Oh, that has slipped right out of Rabada's hand! Goes for the wide yorker but ends up serving a juicy full toss almost beyond the cut strip outside the off stump. Dube leaves it alone for a wide.

Short of a length and angled in at the hips, Virat Kohli tucks it away off the pads through mid-wicket and picks up a single.

FOUR! Relentless from King Kohli now. Too short and too straight from Kagiso Rabada, Virat Kohli plays it late and controls the pull well to find the vacant fence at long leg. 12 already off the over, still 3 balls to go.

Excellent running! Spears in a yorker at the toes, Virat Kohli hangs well deep in the crease and squeezes the ball away in front of square on the leg side for a couple of runs.

SIX! Virat Kohli is in the zone now! Hard length on off and middle stump, Kohli stays put and just clears the front leg before whacking the ball away nonchalantly and a long way over long on for a biggie

FOUR! Slammed away by Shivam Dube! Short of a length and offering some width outside the off stump, Dube backs away and cuts the ball powerfully and well behind point for a boundary.

FIFTY up for Virat Kohli! Banged in well short and over the stumps, Kohli pulls it firmly and towards deep square leg for a single and brings up his first half-century of the tournament. He will now be looking to shift gears.

Gets the yorker in, around off, at 147 kph, Virat Kohli jams it out off the toe end of the bat towards backward point.

Dug into the deck and over the stumps, Shivam Dube flat bats it with an open stance and right back past the bowler for a single.

Good change of pace from Anrich Nortje as he bowls a slower bumper and directs it nicely at the body. Virat Kohli gets inside the line and just gets some bat on it, taking the ball wide of the diving keeper for a single.

Comes from around the stumps to the left-hander and bowls it back of a length outside off, Shivam Dube chops the attempted cut shot down towards backward point for a run.

Pushed through flatter on off stump, Shivam Dube rocks back and forces the ball down to long off for a single.

FOUR! Raw power from Shivam Dube! Tabraiz Shamsi tries to attack the pads here but Dube latches onto it in a flash and swats it away flat and hard in front of square on the leg side for a boundary.

This is tossed up on middle and leg stump, Virat Kohli gets down on one knee and slogs it flat and on the bounce to deep mid-wicket for one more.

Flatter one around off stump, dabbed away off the outside edge of the bat to short third for a run.

Beauty! Tossed up on a nagging length and on off stump, the ball grips and turns away sharply with some extra bounce. Shivam Dube is beaten all ends up.

Floated up on the pads and turning in, Virat Kohli flicks it past square leg for a single.

Takes a bit of pace off the ball and dugs it in around the leg stump line, Virat Kohli advances down the pitch and whips the pull away over mid-wicket for a single.

Too full, looking to spear it in at the toes, Shivam Dube backs away a bit and hits the low full toss to deep mid-wicket for a run more.

A well-directed short ball, right at the helmet of the batter, Virat Kohli manages to get inside the line of the ball and hooks it down to fine leg for a single.

Marco Jansen goes into the pitch and angles it well across the off stump, Virat Kohli tries to fetch and pull but gets it off the toe end of the bat in front of mid-wicket for no run.

Drops the ball short now and aims it at the body, Shivam Dube hops back and fends it away towards backward square leg for one.

SIX! Launched down the ground! Jansen serves it too full, angling in, on middle and leg, Shivam Dube brings his long levers into play and nails the hit back over mid on for a biggie.

On a back of a length, on off, Shivam Dube dabs it wide of point and gets off the mark with a single.

Hurls it on a length, at the stumps, Shivam Dube goes for the big shot on the leg side as he swings across the line but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Full and angling in, on middle and leg, Virat Kohli whips it down to long on and takes a single.

OUT! RUN OUT! Outstanding work by Quinton de Kock and South Africa are cock-a-hoop! Axar Patel was lazy in turning back and he paid the ultimate price. On a back of a length and angling in, around the pads, Virat Kohli misses out on glancing it away. It comes off his pads and rolls to the left of the keeper, Quinton de Kock. Axar Patel sets off for the run but gets sent back by Kohli. Axar is slow to retreat and he is not expecting de Kock to fire the throw in. De Kock removes his gloves, swoops in and hits the stumps at the bowling end. The ball deflects off the stumps and touches the long on fence. South Africa start to celebrate and the third umpire is called into action. The replays show that Axar was slow to react and is caught short of his crease. He fails to make his ground despite the stretch.

Shivam Dube is the new man in.

Now then, drama! Has Axar Patel been caught napping? Quinton de Kock is celebrating and we have the third umpire in play for a run-out check against Patel.

WIDE! Rabada digs it in short as he sees Kohli charge down the track. It goes way over the batter's head for a wide.

Rabada compensates by dragging his length and bowls it outside off, Axar Patel waits back in his crease and pats it to the left of point for a single. 7 runs off the first 2 balls of the over.

SIX! Clean as a whistle! 100 up for India in style! Rabada comes from around the wicket and tries to target the stumps. Gets the line wrong and serves it right in the slot. Axar Patel clears the front leg and with a still head, launches it over long on for a biggie.

Nortje goes into the deck, over middle, Axar Patel hops back and pulls it in front of square on the leg side for a single to end the over.

Beaten! Angling across the batter, on a short of a good length, too close for Axar Patel to play the cut and he gets beaten on the outside edge.

WIDE! Short and down leg by Nortje, Axar Patel gets inside the line and tries to help it away but fails to get any bat on it.

Slower and fuller by Nortje, outside off, Virat Kohli cracks the drive through covers and rotates the strike.

In and around the off pole, on a hard length, Virat Kohli gets on his toes and guides it to backward point.

Sees the batter advance and pulls the length back does Nortje, on middle and leg, Axar Patel drives it on the up to the right of mid off for one.

Nortje pitches it up, full and on the pads, Virat Kohli flicks it away off his pads to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Aerial but safe! Shamsi bowls it short and gets a bit of extra bounce, spinning away, on off, Axar Patel rocks back to get it over backward point. Slices it up and over backward point for a couple of runs.

SIX! Not exactly where Axar Patel intended but he gets the desired result! Floated up Shamsi, full and on off and middle, Axar Patel gets down for the slog sweep but the ball is a bit too full for him to execute the shot. Ends up hitting it flat and to the right of long on where Kagiso Rabada is standing a bit wide. Rabada sprints and slides to his right but the ball evades him for a six.

Drops it short and it is around the pads, Virat Kohli works it around the corner and gets to the other end.

Oh, that was risky! Lopped by Shamsi, on middle, Axar Patel crouches to nail the slog sweep but gets an inside edge back onto the pads and the ball rolls away on the leg side for a run.

A bit too straight by Shamsi, full and on the pads, Virat Kohli works it with the turn behind square on the leg side for a single.

Shamsi floats it up, full and turning in, on middle and leg, Virat Kohli gets a good stride in and tucks it to mid-wicket.

Jansen varies his length now as he goes short and at the left shoulder of the batter. The ball hurries Virat Kohli again and gets big on him too. Kohli goes for the pull but gloves it along the ground to backward square leg for just a single.

WIDE! Missed out and Virat Kohli knows that as he moans in anguish. Too full and on the pads, Virat Kohli shapes up to help it away off his pads but misses the tickle.

Jansen brings the surface into play again as he bangs it in but takes all the pace off, on off and middle, Axar Patel waits on it and guides it down to deep third for a single.

Bends his back and digs it in short does Jansen, at the batter, Virat Kohli gets rushed in the pull shot and gets high on the bat as he swivels for the pull. Splices the pull in front of deep square leg for a run.

Slanting into the southpaw, on a back of a length, on off, Axar Patel rides the bounce well and steers it with an open bat face to deep third for an easy single.

Angling away, on a hard length, Virat Kohli gets on top of the bounce and punches it square of the wicket on the off side for one more run.

In the air...but safe! Jansen comes from over the wicket and takes pace off straight away, on a length, outside off, Axar Patel loses his shape as he swings a bit too hard to go big on the leg side. Gets a thickish outside edge that flies down to deep third. Kagiso Rabada almost overruns it as the ball spins away from him but adjusts well to make the stop with his left hand. A single taken.

Drinks break! Well, this has been an eventful start to the summit clash. After the first over that went for 15 runs, South Africa fought back through Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada to take the Powerplay honours. Due to the loss of those three wickets, India have had to rebuild with Axar Patel performing the aggressor role while Virat Kohli has been happy to knock it around. On what looks like a pretty good batting surface, India will have to keep wickets in hand to accelerate at the back end whereas South Africa will have to chip away at the wickets to limit the opponent to a manageable total here.

Top shot and positive running yet again! Tabraiz Shamsi tosses it up a bit full on the stumps, Virat Kohli uses the bottom hand and brings out that whippy shot and swats it away between deep mid-wicket and long on. Tristan Stubbs at deep mid-wicket moves to his left and slides before firing in a good throw at the bowler's end. Shamsi did take off the bails but Axar was well home.

Excellent running in the end but that throw from David Miller was a fine one. Floated up on the pads, Virat Kohli rocks back and wrists it wide of the man at 45 on the leg side and down to deep backward square leg for a brace. Kohli was jogging back and then realized that it was Miller in the deep and a direct hit could have been very interesting.

Pushed through even quicker at 89 kph and angled into middle and leg, Axar Patel presses back and pushes it through mid on for a run.

On a slightly dragged length around off and bowled flatter, Axar Patel looks to play it away on the off side but miscues it just wide of the keeper. No run there either!

Pushes this one through a bit quicker and on a nagging length on off stump, Axar Patel plays it late and with the turn towards backward point.

Gets a nice bit of arch on that loopy delivery and floats it up on the stumps, Virat Kohli works it off the front foot towards mid-wicket for a single.

WIDE! Starts off with a loosener. Comes from over the stumps and tosses it up at just 81.7 KPH but well wide of the off stump. Left alone by Kohli for a wide.

Another flatter delivery, darted in at the stumps, Axar Patel plays it off the back foot but can't get it past mid-wicket.

Pushed through quicker and flatter across the off stump, Axar Patel rocks back and forces it off the back foot towards cover.

SIX! Now, that is a solid strike! Keshav Maharaj tosses the ball up on off stump and dangles the carrot in front of Axar Patel who obliges and goes for the slog sweep again. The connection is pure and the ball is sent into the stands over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Floated up on the stumps, Virat Kohli is happy to just work the ball away through mid-wicket and turn the strike over.

Nicely cut away but straight to the fielder. On the shorter side and trying to angle it across the off stump, Axar Patel goes on the back foot and cuts it behind point for a run.

Slower through the air and on a shorter length around off, Virat Kohli rocks back and punches it with a straight bat down to long off for a single.

On a length and sliding across the right-hander, Virat Kohli hops on the back foot and tucks it away to deep mid-wicket for one more.

Slower through the air and on a dragged length, Axar Patel goes for the slog sweep again but ends up dragging it through the square leg region for a single.

Full and quick, angled into middle and leg, Axar Patel jams the ball out towards cover.

SIX! Up, up and just over the fielder! This is tossed up around the middle stump and just sliding on, Axar Patel goes for the slog sweep and manages to get enough purchase to take the ball sailing over a leaping Heinrich Klaasen at deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Tosses it up at around 90 kph and on the stumps, Virat Kohli brings those wrists into play and works it wide of long on for another single.

Spears the ball in full at the toes, Axar Patel manages to gets the front leg out of the way and flicks it wide of mid on for a single.

Runs coming in just singles now as these two batters look to steady the ship for India. Fuller in length and sliding onto the pads, flicked away to deep mid-wicket for just one more.

Brings out the slower bumper now, at just 112 kph and dug in well short over the stumps, Virat Kohli does well to get on top of the bounce and plays a controlled pull shot in front of square leg for a single.

The pace is up from Anrich Nortje and he bowls this one at 141.3 kph, on a good length and angles it into the pads. Virat Kohli fails to get it away and gets hit on the thigh pad.

A bit shorter this time and slightly outside off, Axar Patel waits back and glides the ball wide of deep third for an easy single.

Hits the deck hard again and bowls it over off and middle, Axar Patel plays it late and close to the body and just nudges it down with soft hands towards short third.

Anrich Nortje is back on the field and into the attack. Steams in from over the stumps and bowls it on a hard length in the channel around off, Virat Kohli lets the ball come on and dabs it past the diving point fielder for a single.

Tidy stuff from Aiden Markram, just 6 singles off the final over off the Powerplay and India are 45/3! Flatter one on a length and angled across the off stump, Virat Kohli fetches the ball and whips it down to long on for a single.

Slightly flighted, trying to drift it onto middle and leg, Axar Patel lifts the back leg and leans on before driving it through wide mid on for yet another single.

Bowled quicker and pretty full at the stumps, Virat Kohli meets the ball on the full and punches it firmly down to long on for one.

Markram holds this one back a touch and floats it full around middle stump, Axar Patel leans ahead but the ball comes on slower through the deck and Axar pushes it out wide of mid on for a single.

On the shorter side and sliding on over middle and leg stump, Virat Kohli goes on the back foot and tucks it away neatly to deep square leg for one more.

Begins from around the stumps and fires the ball in full on middle and leg stump, Axar Patel flicks the ball away through the mid-wicket region and picks up a single.

Aiden Markram brings himself into the attack now.

Misfield! Rabada bangs it on a hard length, on off, Axar Patel hops back and cuts it towards backward point where the fielder lets it slip through his hands and concedes a single as the ball rolls to the left of deep third.

Angling across, on a length, around off, Axar Patel gets half-forward and taps it in front of cover.

FOUR! A classy shot by Axar Patel to get off the mark. Too straight by Rabada, full and on the pads, Axar Patel lets the ball come to him and closes the face of his bat before clipping it past square leg. Opens his account with a boundary.

Axar Patel is sent up the order as India get rocked early here.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Kagiso Rabada gets in on the act now! A well-judged catch by Heinrich Klaasen and India have been rocked early here. Rabada hurls it on a back of a length, outside off, Suryakumar Yadav walks right across his stumps to whip it away behind square on the leg side. Suryakumar fails to get the shot away in the fashion he would have liked and it was hit into the wind too. It goes only as far as deep backward square leg where Heinrich Klaasen patrolling the fence, runs and tumbles to his left to take a fine catch.

Quick single taken! Pitched by Rabada, on off, Virat Kohli presses forward and drives it to the left of mid off. Calls Suryakumar Yadav through for a quick single and the batters make it.

In and around the off-stump line, on a good length, Suryakumar Yadav waits on it and glides it down to deep third with an open bat face for a single.

Lands it fractionally short and outside off, Virat Kohli goes on the back foot and cuts it hard but straight to cover-point.

Attacks the stumps does Maharaj as he goes full, Virat Kohli strides ahead and nudges it to mid-wicket.

FOUR! Short and punished! Way too short by Maharaj and offers width as well on off, the ball spins away and Virat Kohli has to reach out. He does well as he slaps it hard and to the right of extra cover for a boundary.

Angled in again, short and around off, Virat Kohli gets on the back foot and defends it out on the off side.

Slants it in, short and on the off pole, Virat Kohli goes on the back foot and stabs it down the deck with a straight bat.

Uppish but nicely in the gap! Keshav Maharaj gives it a bit more air and throws it wide of the off stump, Virat Kohli extends his arms, gets down on one knee and slaps it through the cover region for a couple of runs.

Up and just over! Heart in mouth stuff for Suryakumar Yadav but he survives. Kagiso Rabada keeps it nice and full and slides it in from around middle, SKY tries to force the lofted shot and skies it off the toe end of the bat over a back-tracking Ryan Rickelton at wide mid on and picks up a brace.

Anrich Nortje has gone off the field probably with a niggle that he suffered while fielding a ball! Ryan Rickelton has come on as a substitute fielder and hopefully, Nortje is back on the field soon.

Pitches it up now to the new batter and bowls it at 141.4 KPH around off, Suryakumar Yadav looks to lean ahead but miscues the attempted drive towards cover.

Finally a run after three straight dot ball for Kohli. Just back of a length, in and around the off stump and sliding on, Virat Kohli stays back and punches it square and wide of point for one.

Rabada lands it full again, on off, Virat Kohli firms the drive but can't get it past the man at mid on.

Full and on off, Virat Kohli gets a good stride in and pushes it out to cover.

Rabada hits the deck hard and bowls it outside off, Virat Kohli is happy to leave the ball alone.

Suryakumar Yadav is the new batter in at the non-striker's end as Kagiso Rabada now comes into the attack.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Two in the over for Keshav Maharaj! Just the kind of over South Africa needed after an expensive first over from Jansen. Maharaj loops it up nicely, on a fullish length, on off, Rishabh Pant reaches out in front as he looks to take it on the full and execute the sweep. Ends up getting a top edge on it and it balloons behind the wicket towards the keeper, Quinton de Kock who turns around and grabs it. Pant stands his group and the two umpires converge. They send it upstairs to check for a bump ball. The third umpire looks at a couple of angles, first front on and then side on and confirms that the ball had come straight off the top edge and at no point did the ball make any contact with the turf.

Is that out? Quinton de Kock takes the catch and reckons Rishabh Pant is a goner here. The two umpires come together and have a chat regarding a bump ball and then go upstairs. The third umpire is called in and on first review it looks like it went straight off the cue end of the bat and it is concrete evidence. OUT comes up on the big screen!

This is a bit short and turning in, on off, Rishabh Pant hangs back and dabs it to backward point.

Rishabh Pant walks in at number 3.

OUT! STRAIGHT TO THE FIELDER! Keshav Maharaj has the final laugh here and gives a much-needed early strike for South Africa. Maharaj stays around the wicket and keeps it full, outside off and slows it up as well. Rohit Sharma knows that square leg is inside the circle and shuffles across to play it past the man on the edge of the ring. He has to fetch the sweep shot and ends up hitting it uppishly toward Heinrich Klaasen there who dives low to his left and takes a safe catch.

Tosses it up, full and on off, Rohit Sharma gets on the front foot and pats it straight to cover.

FOUR! In complete control this time! Maharaj spears it in and attacks the stumps with a fuller delivery, Rohit Sharma pulls out the reverse paddle and plays it along the ground. Gets it to the right of first slip and well wide of short third for four more runs.

FOUR! Slightly streaky but they all count! Maharaj lands it on a nagging length, darted in, on off, Rohit Sharma goes for the cut but gets an outside edge that flies past first slip and beats short third to his left for a boundary.

Spin straightaway as Keshav Maharaj comes in from the opposite end.

FOUR! Quality shot! Three boundaries in the first over of the final. Jansen lands it a bit too full, at the stumps, Virat Kohli springs on the front foot and shows the full face of the bat. Drives it firmly back past the bowler and splits the mid off and mid on fielders. Anrich Nortje gives it a chase and slides but the ball wins the race. A rollicking start for India, 15 off the first over!

Drags the length back does Jansen and serves it in the channel on off, Virat Kohli watchfully shoulders arms and Quinton de Kock collects it in front of his face.

Hurls it full and slanting away, on off, Virat Kohli leans on it and times the drive to the left of mid off for a couple of runs more.

FOUR! This time to the other side but the result is the same! Virat Kohli is up and running with back-to-back boundaries. Jansen overcooks as he tries to go full in search of swing, on middle and leg, Virat Kohli stays balanced in his crease and flicks it past square leg for four more runs.

FOUR! Gloriously done! Angled across, on a length, outside off, Virat Kohli extends his hands and just angles the face of his bat perfectly to steer it between cover and point for the first boundary of the final.

Rohit Sharma and India are underway! Jansen charges in from over the wicket with a leg slip in place and pitches it right up to the batter, on middle, Rohit Sharma gets his bat down and jams it out to the right of mid on for a single.

Done and dusted with the pre-match proceedings! The official mascots for the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup, Blaze and Tonk light up the screens and that marks the sign of the beginning of the end. The two umpires make their way out to the middle and take their positions followed by the players of South Africa who spread out on the field. It will be the skipper, Rohit Sharma who will open the innings alongside Virat Kohli as usual for India. Marco Jansen has the new ball in hand and is raring to go against Rohit just as he did last year in the ODI World Cup. Let's play...

We are minutes away from the start of an epic encounter between two quality sides and there are high stakes here. But first, that coveted T20 World Cup Trophy is brought out to be showcased by the honorable Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley and 'the Universe Boss' aka Chris Gayle. Next up, the two sets of players make their way out to the middle along with their mascots and line up for their respective national anthems and it will be extra special given it is a monumental occasion. It will be the national anthem of India first, followed by that of South Africa.

PITCH REPORT - Nasser Hussain is pitchside. He starts by saying that there is a 30 percent chance of rain but hopefully, it stays away and it is the central pitch that will be used for the Final. Adds that there is a short boundary on one side of the square around 56 meters and 71 meters on the other side. Ian Bishop says that the rolling has been done nicely on the pitch and there isn't live grass. Reckons the pitch is hard and adds that there have been more wickets for seamers at this venue than any other venue in the West Indies. Says that the reason for this is that when pacers go into the pitch here, it gets hard to hit down the ground.

The captain of South Africa, Aiden Markram says that they would have batted first as well. Tells that the pitch looks dry but they will have the first crack with the ball and they hope to do well. Shares that at times, they have managed to do well despite being not at their best and they have taken confidence from those wins. Feels that having never played a final in a Men's ICC event, there is no pressure on them and this is a fantastic opportunity. Informs that they are playing with the same team as the last game.

Rohit Sharma, the captain of India says that it looks like a good pitch and they have played one game here. Mentions that it is about individual roles and it is all about keeping calm and taking it like just another game against a world-class team. Adds that South Africa have played excellent cricket and so have they, which will make it a great contest. Further adds that it is all about coming together as a unit and ends by informing that they have made no changes to the side.

India (Unchanged Playing XI) - Rohit Sharma (C), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah.

South Africa (Unchanged Playing XI) - Quinton de Kock (WK), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (C), Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi.

TOSS - The flip of the coin lands in the favour of Rohit Sharma. India have opted to BAT first.

For those of you wondering about the current weather conditions, we are happy to inform you that it is bright and sunny in Bridgetown at the moment. The players are going through their warm-ups and the toss and first ball should take place on time, barring any sudden showers.

With challenging surfaces on offer throughout the World Cup, the team that has adapted quicker and better has often come out on top, and that should be the case again in the final. The overhead conditions will be just as important with the possibility of rain. For the final, a reserve day has been allocated, so there will be 190 minutes of extra time before the overs are reduced. It was 250 minutes of extra time for the semifinal between England and India due to there being no reserve day. India are seeking their second Men's T20 World Cup title, while South Africa are chasing their first, be it ODI or T20. Who will reign supreme? Come, let's find out.

On the other hand, after seven previous unsuccessful attempts, South Africa have finally reached their first-ever Men's World Cup final. Game after game, the Proteas have found ways to pull through, and now they stand on the cusp of shedding the unwanted 'chokers' tag once and for all. With both bat and ball, the Aiden Markram-led unit has been thoroughly tested throughout their campaign, but their toughest challenge awaits, and they expect nothing less. In 2014, Aiden Markram led South Africa to their first-ever Under-19 World Cup title, and now, 10 years later, he has the opportunity to achieve silverware with the senior team. The stage is set for Markram and his men to create history and bring the much-awaited glory to South African cricket.

Unbeaten as they were a few months ago at the ODI World Cup before faltering at the final hurdle, India have glory in their sights once again. Rohit Sharma and his team are determined to end the wait of more than a decade for an ICC trophy and give their head coach, Rahul Dravid, a fitting farewell. The Men in Blue have enjoyed pretty straightforward games throughout the tournament barring a close contest against rivals Pakistan before being tested with the bat against the USA as well and they will remain wary of the formidable threat posed by their opponents. Since the semifinal debacle against England in 2022, Rohit Sharma has been the driving force behind India’s 'no holds barred' batting approach. Now, he stands just one step away from completing a remarkable redemption arc.

The day of reckoning has arrived! It's the day of the final of the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup. The journey of the sport's biggest-ever event, which began with 20 teams, has reached its climax. After weeks of exhilarating cricket, 18 teams have fallen, and now only two remain in the quest for ultimate glory. India and South Africa stand on the brink of immortality, and only the stronger will etch their name in cricketing history. Whichever team wins, one thing is certain - history will be made, as no team has ever gone unbeaten to clinch a Men's T20 World Cup title. With that, hello and welcome from Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, which is all decked up to host the summit clash.

... MATCH DAY ...

After weeks of thrilling matches, jaw-dropping performances, and enough drama to fill a season of your favorite TV show, we've finally arrived at the big dance. The Grand Finale of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, is here, and it's shaping up to be an absolute cracker. The two best and unbeaten sides have graced this tournament with their highest cricketing standards. In one corner, wearing blue and carrying the hopes of over a billion fans, we have India. Conversely, it's South Africa, donning green and yellow and ready to roar. They've treated all of us to some of the finest T20 cricket we've ever seen. Let’s first talk about the Men in Blue. They aren't just here to play, they're on a mission with the fire of a decade's worth of determination and wait behind them. Cast your mind back to 2013. That's when India last lifted an ICC trophy. But since then? It's been a roller coaster of 'almost there' moments and heartbreaking near-misses. Cricket can be a cruel mistress, and Team India knows this all too well. The last decade has been a series of gut-wrenching near-misses for the Men in Blue. From the heartbreak of the 2014 T20 World Cup final to semifinal exits in 2015 and 2016 World Cups of both formats, the pain has been real. Let's not forget those two World Test Championship finals that slipped through their fingers. And just when fans thought it couldn't get worse, along came the brutal Novembers of 2022 and 2023, leaving scars that are still fresh and keep stinging. Each defeat has been a tough pill to swallow, but it's also fueled India's burning desire to reclaim glory. This time around, there's a different energy in the Indian camp. They've already shown they mean business in this tournament. First up, they squared the ledger with Australia, exacting sweet revenge for that heartbreaking loss in the 2023 ODI World Cup final. But they didn't stop there. Remember that crushing 10-wicket defeat against England in the 2022 T20 World Cup semis? Well, India just flipped the script on the defending champs, sending them packing in a display of sheer dominance by dismantling them. It's like India's been keeping a checklist of past disappointments and methodically crossing them off. Rohit Sharma's been on a rampage and just might have overcome his dilemma against the left-armers. The skipper's leading by example, blasting bowlers from ball one. With a sky-high strike rate and runs flowing, he's setting the perfect tone for India and is truly living up to his HitMan tag. However, Virat Kohli’s lean patch remains a big, big worry but it's Kohli, after all, the man who usually feasts on big matches with his gracious strokes. He has the most number of runs in the T20 WC knockouts for India with a jaw-dropping average of 99. Overall, India's looking rock-solid from top to bottom. The middle order's been clutch, stepping up when needed, and the bowlers spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and the crafty spin trio, are on fire, giving batters nightmares. With almost every part of the team clicking, India's showing what a complete side looks like. Delving into South Africa now. Despite boasting generations of cricketing greats, from Hensie Cronje to Jacques Kallis, from Graeme Smith to AB de Villiers, and Dale Steyn to Kagiso Rabada, this ‘Rainbow Nation’s’ trophy cabinet has been gathering dust, well, unfortunately. Their lone brush with glory? A solitary ICC final win way back in the 1998 Champions Trophy. Since then, it's been a long, dry spell for this talented cricketing nation. They've had the players, they've had the skills, but that elusive ICC trophy has always slipped through their fingers. But it has been a story of dominance this time. Learning from the past, they have averted those heart-wrenching defeats that used to trip them up. Just like India, they've stayed cool and unbeatable and are coming on the back of blowing Afghanistan away in the wind in the first semifinal. Quinton de Kock has been on fire, and while Reeza Hendricks and Aiden Markram have been tricky, the middle order has covered any gaps. But the real standout has been their bowling. The pace trio of Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, and Marco Jansen have been absolutely ruthless and lightning-fast. Be it Durban, Nottingham, Colombo, or be it Dhaka, or Perth, India versus South Africa in the T20 World Cups has always lived up to its hype with a 4-2 edge to India. However, South Africa won’t forget the way they defeated the Men in Blue at Perth a couple of years back in the Super 12. It has been that kind of rivalry where the records take a backseat. This South African side has strode with a lot of grit and belief to finally put the stereotypes to bed and finally have that piece of silverware gracing the cabinet. But surely the Indian juggernaut won’t let them breathe easily as they too, are here to heal their past wounds. Now, let's turn our attention to the beautifully adorned Kensington Oval in Barbados, where the much-anticipated finale will unfold. This ground has witnessed some high-scoring encounters, with the first inning score of 200 plus being achieved once, while the average score remains around 170. Pitches at this venue are conducive to spin-bowling as the bounce and turn vary a lot. Also, the wind factor holds a key as well as it breezes, a lot. However, chasing hasn't been a walk in the park, with the highest successful chase being 157. Out of the 8 matches played here, the chasing team has tasted victory only 3 times with a game going into the Super Over once. With both sides boasting a good balance in both departments, it is surely not going to be a one-sided affair. It will be a battle between Kohli’s masterclass vs Rabada's relentless bowling, shouldered by Kuldeep’s crafty variations and Klaasen’s brute force. Many such in-match contests and match-ups to look forward to. Who do you think will win the illustrious trophy? Will India add the second star, or will South Africa clinch their maiden T20 World Cup title in their maiden finale appearance? Only time will tell. Which side do you think will dominate?