New Delhi, June 29 (HS). India has not won any ICC title since 2013, while South Africa has reached the final of the Men's World Cup for the first time, while it has lost all the last seven World Cup semi-finals in all formats, but tonight both these teams would like to write a new chapter by winning the T20 World Cup title.
The two teams will face each other in the final of the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup here at the Kensington Oval on Saturday.
It will be a battle between two teams who are unbeaten in the tournament so far. India have overcome all the challenges posed by different conditions and great opponents and are confident of having their second T20 World Cup trophy in their hands.
The team has overcome tough challenges from teams like Pakistan, Australia and England with ease. From low-scoring matches in New York to the wind-affected match in St Lucia, India has found a way to get the job done.
As the campaign progressed, new heroes emerged. Hardik batted brilliantly in the Super 8 stage against Bangladesh and emerged as a great finisher. Captain Rohit Sharma smashed the Australian bowlers all over the ground and smashed 92 runs in just 41 balls. He then played a brilliant innings of 57 runs against England in the semi-finals.
When the team travelled from the USA to the West Indies, Kuldeep Yadav was included in the playing eleven, and he has been among the wicket-takers. And then there is Jasprit Bumrah, who has been unstoppable from start to finish. Suryakumar Yadav and Rishabh Pant are other proven performers who make the team unstoppable.
India also have the added advantage of having played a match on this ground, where they defeated Afghanistan by 47 runs. On the other hand, this will be South Africa's first match on the island.
The Proteas team has won many close matches in this journey. The biggest challenge was to win against West Indies in the Super 8, which lasted till the end.
South Africa have excellent options to counter India's three spinners. Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Aiden Markram and Tristan Stubbs can play freely when the slow bowlers come in – a strength that most other teams lack.
Like India, South Africa also have quality players in most positions. Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje offer excellent pace, while Marco Jansen can trouble the Indian batsmen with extra bounce.
Quinton de Kock has been excellent at the top of the order, while Tabraiz Shamsi has done well with his left-arm wrist spin.
There is a possibility that play may be interrupted due to rain. The final has a reserve day, with an additional 190 minutes available on Saturday to extend the playing hours.
Overall, millions of viewers will be praying for a complete and exciting match.