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The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 is all set for an engrossing conclusion to a tournament full of twists, and thrills as unbeaten forces India and South Africa face-off in the title clash at the Kensington Oval on Saturday.
India, in its third ICC final in the last 12 months, are seeking to end their 11-year drought of a big title and aim to win the trophy they last won in the inaugural edition in 2007, where current skipper Rohit Sharma played under MS Dhoni’s leadership.
On the other hand, South Africa are into a men’s ICC World Cup final for the first time - after seven previous efforts ended in defeats. Both India and South Africa have made it to the title clash as the unbeaten teams in very contrasting styles – the Rohit Sharma-led side came out on top in tough New York pitches and adapted very well to triumph in its matches in the Caribbean so far, latest of it being a comprehensive 68-run win over defending champions England.
India’s campaign has been very much like their awe-inspiring and dominating run in the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup, and would be keen to cross the last hurdle which they failed to go past against Australia in Ahmedabad when they play in their third T20 World Cup final.
For South Africa, who won 1998 ICC Knock-Out title (then called as Champions Trophy), Saturday is the perfect time for them to give their country the joy of winning the silverware. For India, captain Rohit Sharma has been literally leading the charge from the front. After the ten-wicket annihilation at the hands of England in the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final at Adelaide, Rohit has led a transformation for India – changing his batting approach to a more attacking version and being selfless for the team’s cause, with no care given to milestones.
When it mattered the most, Rohit launched a sensational takedown of Australia in the Super Eights game at St Lucia, with the standout being taking 29 runs off Mitchell Starc.
In terms of bowling, India have clicked as pacers and spinners are doing their jobs with perfection. Meanwhile, South Africa have been helped by various individuals clicking at the right time to find themselves in the title clash. Reeza Hendricks has struggled for form at the top, but his unbeaten knock in the semifinal and hitting winning runs against Afghanistan should boost his confidence.
Wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock will be aiming to come good in the final, and use his extensive CPL experience at Barbados, a venue where South Africa will be playing a game in this T20 World Cup for the first time. Their dynamic middle order of Markram, Tristan Stubbs and Heinrich Klaasen can play pace and spin very, followed by the hugely experienced David Miller present to apply finishing touches to the batting innings.
For all the new-found weather geeks, there is considerable rain threat for the final match day, as well as on the reserve day. No team has ever won a Men’s T20 World Cup as an unbeaten side, which means India and South Africa have a golden chance to rewrite history. Who will achieve their eventual date with destiny of winning the title, it will be made crystal clear by the end of this weekend.
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