The stage is set for a monumental T20 World Cup 2024 final in Barbados on Saturday, June 29, as South Africa and India lock horns. Both teams are undefeated throughout the tournament, making this a historic encounter with a unique prize at stake: becoming the first team to win a T20 World Cup without a single loss.
South Africa’s maiden voyage
South Africa reached their first-ever T20 World Cup final after two previous heartbreaks in the semi-finals (2009 and 2014). Led by young captain Aiden Markram, the Proteas have shown resilience, overcoming close calls against the Netherlands, Nepal and USA. Narrow wins against England and West Indies in the Super 8 stage displayed their fighting spirit, followed by a convincing nine-wicket victory over Afghanistan that sealed their final berth.
India’s redemption path
India, captained by the experienced Rohit Sharma, seeks to reclaim their T20 World Cup glory after their inaugural win in 2007. Their journey to the finals has been dominant, with convincing victories over arch-rivals Pakistan, Bangladesh and Australia in the group and Super 8 stages. A dominant 68-run win against England in the semi-final cemented their place in the finals.
AB de Villiers’ prediction for the T20 World Cup 2024 final
Legendary South African batter AB de Villiers expressed his excitement for the final, acknowledging India’s strength but firmly backing his home team. He highlighted South Africa’s powerful batting lineup and their potent bowling attack. While acknowledging they haven’t played their absolute best cricket, their undefeated record speaks volumes, according to de Villiers.
“The moment of truth has arrived. South Africans have been waiting for 33 years to see the Proteas play in an ICC World Cup final. After so many heartbreaks, we know all about them. South Africa will play India in the T20 World Cup final in Barbados on Saturday and I am backing the Proteas to win. It will be close as we all know India are a team of superstars but I believe South Africa’s time has come,” ABD said in his social media post.
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“This Proteas team brings power. Power at the top order with De Kock, Hendricks, and Markram, power in the middle with Miller, Klaasen, and Stubbs, and power in the pace attack of Jansen, Rabada, and Nortje. Now add the skills of Shamsi and Maharaj, and you’ve all the bases covered. Some will say that they have not produced their best cricket in the tournament so far but they have won eight from eight and that’s not bad,” he added.
“India have their own match-winners of course and they also bring the power of more than a billion people urging them to go out there and win another World Cup. Maybe my heart is ruling my head but I just think it’s South Africa’s time.”
India’s star power vs South Africa’s determination
This final promises to be a thrilling battle. India boasts a plethora of match-winners like Rohit, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah, while South Africa is driven by the hunger for their first T20 World Cup title. With passionate fans behind both teams, the weather in Barbados will be the only factor that could potentially disrupt this historic encounter.
