Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram took to social media to congratulate the Indian team on their victory in the T20 World Cup 2024 final. India emerged triumphant over South Africa in a nail-biting encounter played in Barbados, winning by a narrow margin of 7 runs. India batted first after winning the toss and managed to put up a competitive total of 176 runs on the board. Virat Kohli's gritty knock of 76 runs and a late cameo from Shivam Dube (27 runs off 16 balls) were instrumental in India's score. In reply, South Africa looked well on their way to victory at one stage. Heinrich Klaasen's explosive 52 off just 27 balls, along with contributions from Tristan Stubbs and Quinton de Kock, kept the Proteas in the hunt. However, India managed to pull off a stunning comeback and restrict South Africa to 169 runs, clinching their maiden T20 World Cup title. Akram, in a video message posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, praised India for their consistent performance throughout the tournament and their resilience in the final.
Wasim Akram congratulates Team India after T20 World Cup title triumph
"Congratulations to India on winning the T20 World Cup 2024 final. Congratulations for the way they have won the match, the way they have won the tournament. I already said it before the World Cup that they are the favorites to win the tournament and they proved it. They have been unbeaten in the whole tournament, be it batting, bowling, fielding, or the bravery with which they played," Akram said in the video.
Akram also singled out Jasprit Bumrah for his exceptional bowling, particularly during a crucial phase in the match when South Africa seemed in control.
Jasprit Bumrah saved his best for last. He conceded a mere 6 runs in his final two overs and picked up the key wicket of Marco Jansen, effectively turning the tide of the match in India's direction.
"At one stage, I thought South Africa will win when they needed run-a-ball and Klaasen and Miller were having a great partnership. But Bumrah proved why he is the best fast bowler in the world right now. Whether it's red-ball cricket or white-ball cricket, he always delivers for his team. He provided the wickets when his team needed it from him," the former fast bowler added.
Wasim Akram saluted Virat Kohli on his remarkable T20I career, expressing that Kohli's retirement will be a loss for the upcoming generation who won't get to witness his brilliance in this format.
Virat Kohli capped off his illustrious T20I career with a winning performance in the World Cup final, even being named Player of the Match. While Wasim Akram acknowledged South Africa's strong showing throughout the tournament, he also extended his congratulations to the passionate Indian fans who traveled internationally to cheer on their team to victory.
It's a sad thing that you've retired from T20Is: Akram to Kohli
"Virat Kohli is a great player because he wins you the match. Today when two wickets fell early, he (Kohli) assessed the pitch and conditions, and decided to bat long. He completed his responsibility and this is called a match-winner. Well done Virat. We're super proud of you. The way you've batted not just in this innings, but in your career. It's a sad thing that you've retired from T20Is and the upcoming generation will miss out (on your batting). But you proved that you're one of the greats of the game. Congrats for your future," Pakistan legend signed off.
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