The final will be at the Kensington Oval in the Caribbean
India and South Africa will play in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 final on June 29. As excitement builds, let’s look back at South Africa’s tough history in knockout matches.
South Africa’s Tough Moments
South Africa has often struggled in important matches. They’ve faced many heartbreaking losses in knockout games since they returned to international cricket in 1992.
1992 ODI World Cup Semifinal vs England: This was a tough loss. South Africa, back in international cricket after 22 years, had a strong team but was unlucky due to rain.
Match Preview
Both India and South Africa have played very well in this tournament. South Africa, led by Aiden Markram, has won all their matches. India, led by Rohit Sharma, has also been unbeaten, with one match against Canada called off because of rain.
Key Points:
- India’s History Against South Africa: India won against South Africa in the 2014 T20 World Cup semifinal, the only knockout game between them.
- Support and Excitement: Indian fans are excited, and there is also a lot of support for South Africa, who have finally reached the final.
Expert Opinions
- Sourav Ganguly: The former Indian captain wishes Rohit Sharma good luck, recalling his own experiences in finals.
- Sarandeep Singh: Thinks India’s spinners, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel, will be key to winning.
- Monty Panesar: Predicts India will win and Virat Kohli will score a century.
Venue
The final will be at the Kensington Oval in the Caribbean, which holds 28,000 people and has hosted international matches since 1895.
Road to the Final
India: Won against Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Australia, and beat England in the semifinal.
South Africa: Won all their matches, including a big win against Afghanistan in the semifinal.
Team Squads
India:
- Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.
South Africa:
- Aiden Markram (c), Ottniel Baartman, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs.
This final will be an exciting match between two unbeaten teams, each aiming to win the T20 World Cup 2024.