South Africa and India are set to clash in the Final of the prestigious ICC T20 World Cup 2024 on June 29 at 8:00 PM IST. The highly anticipated match will take place at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. South Africa is aiming to win their first T20 World Cup title, while India emerged victorious in the inaugural edition in 2007 in Johannesburg.
T20 World Cup 2024 Final
Both South Africa and India have maintained unbeaten records in the tournament as they reach the final stage of the ninth edition.
The Aiden Markram-led South African team secured their spot in the Final by defeating Afghanistan in a Semi-Final match in Trinidad. On the other hand, Rohit Sharma’s Indian team conquered England and advanced towards the 2024 trophy by overcoming the memories of Adelaide 2022.
Key player battles ahead of the SA vs IND Final
As the T20 World Cup climax approaches, here are some intriguing player battles to watch out for:
1. Virat Kohli vs Kagiso Rabada
Veteran batsman Virat Kohli holds the record for the highest run scorer in T20 World Cups with 1,216 runs in 34 games. However, his recent form has been less impressive with only 75 runs in seven matches. South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada, a key bowler for the team, has taken 12 wickets in eight games and will play a crucial role in the Final.
Kohli has faced Rabada in six T20Is, being dismissed by him once at an average of 7.5. In the upcoming clash, Rabada’s performance will be vital for South Africa’s success in the power play.
2. Rohit Sharma vs Keshav Maharaj
Rohit Sharma has been in exceptional form in the tournament, scoring 248 runs in seven games. Keshav Maharaj, South Africa’s left-arm spinner, has picked up nine wickets and poses a challenge for the Indian skipper on the spin-friendly pitch at Kensington Oval.
In their only T20I encounter, Maharaj dismissed Sharma while conceding only 11 runs, making their face-off an intriguing battle.
3. Quinton de Kock vs Arshdeep Singh
South Africa’s Quinton de Kock has been a standout performer with 204 runs in eight matches. India’s young pacer Arshdeep Singh has impressed with 15 wickets in seven appearances and could trouble de Kock in the Final.
Arshdeep has dismissed de Kock twice in T20Is, maintaining a low average and providing an interesting matchup to watch out for.
4. David Miller vs Hardik Pandya
David Miller has been a valuable middle-order batsman for South Africa with 148 runs in seven innings. Hardik Pandya of India has showcased his all-round abilities, taking eight wickets in the tournament.
In their T20I encounters, Pandya has dismissed Miller three times, making their rivalry an intriguing aspect of the Final.
5. Suryakumar Yadav vs Tabraiz Shamsi
Suryakumar Yadav has been a consistent performer for India, scoring 196 runs in seven games. Tabraiz Shamsi, South Africa’s experienced spinner, has picked up 11 wickets in four matches.
Their T20I face-offs have been evenly matched, with both players showcasing their skills. This battle between bat and ball will add an exciting element to the Final.
@Cricbun
