Georgetown (Guyana), Jun 28: Can Team India overcome the final hurdle? Can they win another World Cup after 13 long years?
Will the ghosts of 2023 Ahmedabad ODI final haunt them? Can they forget the agony of losing badly to Australia in the ODI World Cup final before their home crowd and raise their game? Will they be better than formidable South Africa in the summit clash?
These questions would continue to pop up as India, who mauled reigning champions England in the rain-interrupted semifinal of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, here on Thursday, get ready to face South Africa in the final.
The Proteas, are no more the 'chokers', who in the last three decades could never go beyond the semi-finals, after their return to international cricket in 1991. But the current bunch of South African players, seem to be confident, more focused and determined to win their first World Cup title.
After their convincing victory against Jos Buttler led England in the semis, India captain Rohit Sharma lauded his side for remaining calm under pressure in the tournament so far.
Rohit also hailed his men for not getting distracted with repeated rain interventions and the pressure of the semi-final against a well charged up English side.
In the semi battle, Rohit was the highest scorer for India with a well-compiled half-century at the top of the order. He was supported by T20 specialist Suryakymar Yadav, who hit 47 that helped the India post a total of 171/7 in the allotted 20 overs.
Replying to India's competitive batting performance in trying situations, England failed to negotiate Indian spinners. For the winners Kuldeep Yadav (3/19), Axar Patel (3/23) and Ravindra Jadeja (0/16) combined to take six wickets. The reigning champions were bundled out for 103.
Speaking about what he expects his team to do in the final, Indian skipper Rohit added he wants to see his teammates maintain the same mindset in the summit clash against South Africa on Saturday.
The final would be played at Kensington Oval in Barbados. Interestingly, both India and South Africa are yet to lose a match in the ongoing T20 World Cup.
South Africa have never been to a World Cup final and India have three World titles in their kitty. Besides, Team India have more World Cup Final playing experience too.
After winning their maiden ODI World Cup in 1983 under Kapil Dev, MS Dhoni also led India to two World Cup titles too. Maverick Dhonl and his men lifted the maiden ICC T20 World Cup in 2007 and four years after clinched the 2011 ODI World Cup title as well at home.
But it would be interesting to see, whether it would be India, or South Africa, who would have the last laugh in T20 World Cup 2024?
