Virat Kohli came good in the final of the T20 World Cup on Saturday (June 29) and showcased his class with the bat. Having scored only 75 runs in seven matches so far at the T20 World Cup 2024, the former India skipper amassed 76 runs off 59 deliveries in a difficult situation. His innings was also a timely reminder of why he is a man for the big occasions having also played big knocks in the past.

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Virat comes good in the final

Having faced criticism for his poor form in the tournament, Virat proved both Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid right as they predicted he will come good in the final. After India were down to 34/3 in the fifth over, he constructed his innings well despite having a below-par strike rate. His 76-run knock consisted of 6 fours and 2 sixes and stitched a partnership of 72 runs for the fourth wicket with Axar Patel (47). It was Virat’s 38th fifty in the T20I format as he returned to form for the Men in Blue.  

Virat had scored 77 runs in the final of the 2014 T20 World Cup final where India ended on the losing side. His 35-run innings in the 2011 ODI World Cup was also applauded when he came out to bat in a difficult situation. Virat also scored 54 in the 2023 ODI World Cup final defeat to Australia.

Virat’s big performances in T20 World Cup KO stage 

72* (44) in the 2014 Semi Final

77 (58) in the 2014 Final

89* (47) in the 2016 Semi Final

50 (40) in the 2022 Semi Final

76 (59) in the 2024 Final

What happened in India’s innings?

Batting first, like South Africa, India also suffered blows at the start of the innings with skipper Rohit Sharma (9), Rishabh Pant (0) and Suryakumar Yadav (3) all getting out in the powerplay. India were 34/3 at one stage, however, they recovered well after Virat and Axar Patel helped the 2007 champions recover. Virat scored 76 off 59 while Axar was unfortunate to get run out on 47 off 31 when was caught napping by Quinton de Kock.

Shivam Dube also played a valuable innings of 27 runs off 16 balls which helped India post 176/7 in their 20 overs. Keshav Maharaj (23/2) and Anrich Nortje (26/2) were the pick of the bowlers for South Africa in the final.

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