Bridgetown, Barbados: In a nail-biting finish that will be remembered in the annals of cricketing history, India triumphed in the ICC T20 World Cup with a seven-run victory over South Africa. India clinches their second T20 World Cup title and ends this year-long break from winning the first title in 2007.

India decided to bat first, scoring 177 runs with seven wickets down in their stipulated twenty overs. The mainstay of batting was Virat Kohli, who scored a brilliant, well-measured 76 in 59 balls with the help of 6 fours and two sixes. Indian innings relied on two significant partnerships – Kohli for a 75-run stand with Axar Patel (47) on the fourth wicket and for another 57 runs with Shivam Dube (27) on the fifth wicket.

The South African bowlers showed good resolution to return to the match as Keshav Maharaj and Anrich Nortje picked up two wickets each. It was a bowling effort in which Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada took a wicket.

In the pursuit of a competitive score, South Africa polled only eight runs short of the set target, making 169 for loss of wickets. Quinton de Kock scored quickly and made 39, while Tristan Stubbs added 31 valuable runs before getting out, and Heinrich Klaasen displayed true prowess as he scored 52 to lead from the front. But the Indian bowlers, especially the outstanding show by the all-rounder Hardik Pandya, picked three wickets at the correct times to check the SA’s aggressive chase.

This win is a landmark achievement for the Indian cricket team, officially becoming the T20 World Cup champions after a long-run struggle. Bowling, in particular, was disciplined and crucial, and Kohli’s innings effectively filled the role of an anchor in a closely fought match. There will undoubtedly be joyous celebrations across India this year as they reclaim their place on the global stage.