Cricket

Unbeaten India and South Africa, two formidable cricketing nations, are poised to clash in the highly anticipated T20 World Cup final at the iconic Kensington Oval. Both teams have showcased exceptional performances throughout the tournament, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown.India, led by the enigmatic Rohit Sharma, has been a dominant force in the Caribbean. They have effortlessly dispatched every opponent they have faced, including cricketing giants like Australia, Pakistan, and England. Their comprehensive victories have been a testament to their well-rounded squad and unwavering determination.South Africa, under the leadership of Aiden Markram, has also displayed resilience and skill. Despite facing close calls against Bangladesh and Nepal in the group stage, they have managed to overcome adversity and reach the final. Their narrow escape against the West Indies in the Super 8 stage further highlighted their ability to perform under pressure.The contrasting journeys of India and South Africa have added an intriguing dimension to the final. India's dominance has made them the favorites, but South Africa's fighting spirit and ability to overcome challenges cannot be underestimated.For India, the T20 World Cup final represents an opportunity to break the semi-final jinx that has haunted them in previous ICC tournaments. Head coach Rahul Dravid and skipper Rohit Sharma will be eager to guide their team to victory and etch their names in cricketing history.South Africa, on the other hand, will be looking to play the role of spoilers and deny India a triumphant end to their tournament. They will be determined to avenge their heartbreaking losses to Australia in the ODI World Cup and World Test Championship.The absence of Australia, who have often been India's nemesis in major tournaments, adds a unique twist to the final. India will be relieved to not face their arch-rivals, but South Africa will be equally motivated to prove their worth against the tournament favorites.As the two teams prepare to take the field at Kensington Oval, the stage is set for an unforgettable encounter. India's dominance and South Africa's resilience will collide in a battle that promises to deliver excitement, drama, and a fitting conclusion to the T20 World Cup.

Chris Gayle, the legendary West Indies batsman and T20 World Cup ambassador, has attributed the low-scoring matches in the USA leg of the tournament to "jet-lagged and tired" pitches. According to the ICC, drop-in pitches were prepared in Florida since late December, employing proprietary techniques honed over a decade at Adelaide Oval in Australia.The drop-in pitches were transported from Florida to New York in semi-trailer trucks for installation at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, which proved to be one of the most difficult wickets for batting during the tournament. "It's been a low-scoring World Cup without a doubt, and the wicket is on the slower side sometime. It's a batting format... going to give bowlers edge from time to time, bowlers pretty much in control of T20 World Cup," Gayle said during a press conference on Friday.The tournament will conclude with the final between India and South Africa at Kensington Oval in Barbados. "Barbados has been one of the best for batting, hope batters are going to get some runs tomorrow. "We want to see better surface but the wicket in States was a bit jet-lagged as well, as we know. It was tired, all that travel from Australia, didn't get time to recover properly. That's why we had some low-scoring games," Gayle added.The development of the pitches was undertaken by Adelaide Oval Turf Solutions, led by renowned Adelaide Oval head curator Damian Hough. The drop-in square - the type used around the world including at Adelaide Oval and Eden Park - was curated in Florida and transported by road to New York via a convoy of more than 20 semi-trailer trucks in April.The matches in New York took place at a state-of-the-art 34,000-seat modular stadium located at Eisenhower Park in Nassau County, east of Manhattan. The former West Indies captain lauded the ICC for efforts to promote the game in mainland America. "The ICC did a fantastic job, the trophy tour, did well to promote the game within the US. They have taken the trophy to the football games, baseball games, they have done a very good job from the marketing point of view," Gayle said.Coming back to the big-ticket title clash, Gayle said lead pacer Jasprit Bumrah could decide India's fate against South Africa. Inaugural edition winners India and first-time finalists South Africa will battle it out at the Kensington Oval in their bid to be crowned the world champions in the game's shortest format. "India are going to be so hard to beat. They bat so deep and in Jasprit Bumrah, have a world-class death bowler who can break the hearts of the opponents," Gayle wrote in a column for the ICC."In contrast, I picked South Africa as a dark horse before the tournament began, and it is very special to see them finally reach their first final after so many semi-final upsets. "Getting over the hump and winning a World Cup is so special and if they can do it, it will create memories that will last a lifetime for the players and the nation." The final pits two undefeated teams with India seeking to reclaim the trophy they last won in the 2007 edition, and South Africa seeking to etch their name on a senior World Cup trophy for the first time. Gayle found it tough to predict a winner. "It is going to be so hard to call – with two teams who have played clean and aggressive cricket throughout the tournament," he said. "We have a final fit for the occasion."

India's captain, Rohit Sharma, stands on the cusp of a historic milestone as his team prepares to face South Africa in the T20 World Cup final on Saturday. With just six runs separating him from surpassing Virat Kohli's record of 1,216 runs, Rohit Sharma is poised to become the highest run-getter in T20 World Cup history. This achievement would coincide with India's potential triumph in the tournament, marking their first T20 World Cup title under Sharma's leadership.Rohit Sharma's impressive T20 World Cup record boasts 1,211 runs, including 248 runs in the ongoing edition. His consistent performances have yielded 12 half-centuries and a century across the tournaments. In the recent matches, he has played a pivotal role with two crucial fifties against Australia and England, making him the third-highest run-scorer in this tournament.Under Sharma's guidance, India has reached their third consecutive ICC final in less than 13 months. Despite falling short against Australia in the World Test Championship and ODI World Cup finals, India has remained unbeaten in this tournament, showcasing their resilience and skill under Sharma's leadership.The final on Saturday presents India with an opportunity to end their 11-year-long ICC title drought, with their last victory coming in the 2013 Champions Trophy. Rohit Sharma aims to join MS Dhoni as the second Indian captain to lift the T20 World Cup trophy.

T20 World Cup Final: India's Journey from Shattered Dreams to Renewed HopeThe T20 World Cup final is upon us, and with it comes a rollercoaster of emotions for Indian cricket fans. After the heartbreak of November 19, 2023, many had vowed to abandon the sport. However, the allure of cricket is undeniable, and the Indian team has once again ignited the flame of hope in their hearts.Since the 2013 Champions Trophy, India has come tantalizingly close to ICC glory, only to fall short at the final hurdle. This has earned them the unfortunate tag of "chokers," a label that has haunted them for years.The term "chokers" is a cruel one, often used to dismiss the achievements of a team that has consistently performed at the highest level. It implies a lack of mental fortitude, an inability to handle the pressure of big moments.But the Indian team has proven time and again that they are anything but chokers. They have fought back from adversity, overcome challenges, and come within a whisker of victory. Their resilience and determination are a testament to their character and their unwavering belief in themselves.The T20 World Cup final is a chance for India to shed the choker tag once and for all. It is an opportunity to prove that they are not defined by their past failures but by their unwavering spirit and their ability to rise above adversity.Whether India emerges victorious or not, their journey to the final has been an inspiring one. They have shown that even in the face of setbacks, hope can never be extinguished. And as long as there is hope, there is always the possibility of triumph.

Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma has received high praise from former England captain Nasser Hussain, who lauded his batting prowess and leadership qualities. Hussain described Sharma as an "iron fist in a velvet glove," highlighting his calm demeanor and ability to balance authority with compassion.Sharma's leadership style has been a key factor in India's recent success, with the team winning the Asia Cup and reaching the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup under his guidance. Hussain believes that Sharma's ability to create a positive and supportive environment has been crucial to the team's performance."Rohit is like that iron fist in a velvet glove," Hussain said. "You do not mess around with Rohit, but he is also a big brother that will put his arm around you and look after you."Hussain also praised Sharma's batting, noting his consistency and ability to score runs in all formats of the game. Sharma is currently the third-highest run scorer in the T20 World Cup, with 248 runs in seven matches."I have been a fan of Rohit for a very long time, as a batter, as a captain, and as a person," Hussain said. "He seems to have a very calming influence."Sharma's leadership and batting skills have made him one of the most respected players in world cricket. His ability to inspire his teammates and perform under pressure has been instrumental in India's recent success.

Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah has heaped praise on skipper Rohit Sharma, hailing his leadership qualities and proactive approach. In the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, Rohit has emerged as the tournament's third-highest run-getter, amassing 248 runs at a strike rate of 155.97 in seven matches.Bumrah, in a video shared by the ICC, lauded Rohit's leadership style, particularly his ability to empower his players. "Rohit Sharma has been absolutely phenomenal," Bumrah said. "Even in the previous World Cup, he was very proactive. He gives a lot of freedom to his players, lets them express themselves. When he feels the right time, he shares his own experience during the match. It feels really great and I feel very happy playing under him."Former England captain Nasser Hussain also expressed his admiration for Rohit, describing him as an "iron fist in a velvet glove." Hussain praised Rohit's calming influence and ability to balance authority with empathy. "I have been a fan of Rohit for a very long time," Hussain said. "He seems to have a very calming influence. He is like that iron fist in a velvet glove. You do not mess around with Rohit, but he is also a big brother that will put his arm around you and look after you."India's contrasting fortunes in the tournament compared to South Africa have also been highlighted. While India has dominated every opponent they have faced, including Australia, Pakistan, and England, South Africa has narrowly escaped defeat on several occasions. Bangladesh and Nepal gave them a run for their money in the group stage, and they nearly sealed their exit in their final Super 8 game against the West Indies.The Indian squad for the tournament includes Rohit Sharma (C), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal, Sanju Samson, Mohammed Siraj, and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Rishabh Pant's remarkable return to cricket has earned him a "wildcard" selection for India's T20 World Cup final against South Africa, according to former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar.After a near-fatal car accident in December 2022, Pant's recovery has been an inspiration to many. The explosive left-handed batter is back in action in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, leading the Delhi Capitals. His impressive performances earned him a call-up to India's 15-man squad for the mega event.In India's opening match of the tournament, Pant showcased his class with a reverse scoop over the wicketkeeper's head for a boundary against Ireland. Manjrekar believes Pant will be the player to watch out for against South Africa on Saturday at Kensington Oval in Barbados."I think we will get a great idea about who the big match player is. I'm going to go with a wildcard and say Rishabh Pant will be the player to watch out for," Manjrekar said on the 'Caught and Bold' show on Disney+ Hotstar.Pant has been promoted to the number three position in the batting order, with Virat Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma opening the innings. Pant has performed admirably in his new role, scoring 171 runs at a strike rate of 129.54 and an average of 28.50 in seven matches.In less than a year, head coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit will lead India in their third ICC tournament final. Pant will be eager to make a difference for the Indian team, which is still chasing its first World Cup trophy since 2011.India's hopes of winning the title were dashed by Australia in both the World Test Championship and the ODI World Cup. However, Australia will not be a factor this time around, as they were eliminated from the tournament.India sent Australia to the brink of elimination with impressive bowling spells and Rohit's 92-run knock. Afghanistan's historic victory over the cricketing giants left the Baggy Greens stunned before their collapse against India."Losing to Afghanistan... When you have a bad day in a very tough format, you pay the price for it. It was as good a side as India. The two best sides in the tournament were India and Australia," Manjrekar added.

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has expressed confidence in the Indian cricket team's ability to win the T20 World Cup final against South Africa, despite Virat Kohli's recent struggles with form.Kohli, who has been a key player for India in the past, has only managed to score 75 runs in seven matches during the tournament, averaging just 10.71. However, Manjrekar believes that the team's overall performance is more important than individual form."Not really concerned about Virat Kohli's form because the team's form is far more important," Manjrekar said. "India has discovered a new template, the modern template of playing T20 cricket, and it's paying rich dividends so far."India has won all of its matches in the tournament so far, and Manjrekar believes that the team's new approach could lead to a World Cup victory."Of course, India can lift the World Cup 2024," Manjrekar said. "India has discovered a new template, the modern template of playing T20 cricket, and it's paying rich dividends so far."Manjrekar also identified South Africa's fast bowlers and top-order batsmen as potential threats to India in the final."I would say one of the fast bowlers, either Anrich Nortje or Rabada," Manjrekar said. "In batting Quinton De Kock for sure."India will be looking to win its first ICC World Cup since 2011, and Manjrekar believes that the team has a good chance of doing so."India's journey to the final has been marked by a fearless approach under Rohit Sharma's leadership," Manjrekar said. "This newfound strategy could end India's hiatus from ICC World Cup victories."

Former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu has taken a light-hearted jab at star pacer Arshdeep Singh ahead of the T20 World Cup final against South Africa. Arshdeep, who is India's leading wicket-taker in the tournament with 15 scalps, will have a chance to claim the top spot on Saturday when India takes on the Proteas in the T20 World Cup summit clash.Arshdeep needs two wickets to go past Afghanistan's Fazalhaq Farooqi (16) in the list of the tournament's leading wicket-takers. However, ahead of the final, Sidhu trolled Arshdeep over his batting skills.In a video posted on Instagram, Arshdeep can be seen shuffling across the stumps, trying to aim for a big shot. He left his stumps unguarded in order to oversmart the bowler, but ended up missing his pull. The video of the same was from the match against Pakistan in the group stage of the ongoing tournament.Sidhu shared a video on Instagram, which read: "Confidence 100 per cent, skills 0 per cent".Since Sidhu has been praising Arshdeep for his exploits with the ball throughout the tournament, there wasn't any malice intended at the player in the post shared by him.Arshdeep, who went wicketless in the semi-final against England, will look to return to wicket-taking ways in the all-important final.Arshdeep attributed much of his success to pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. "I guess a lot of credit goes to Jassi bhai (Jasprit Bumrah) because he puts a lot of pressure on the batters - he gives, what, three or four runs in an over - so batters are coming hard against me, and I just have to try and bowl my best ball and there are a lot of chances of getting wickets there," Arshdeep said."On the other end they see the runs are not coming and the asking rate is going high, so they take more risks against me. [There's a] chance always of getting a wicket there. So a lot of credit for my wickets goes to Jassi bhai," he added.