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After 26 days of thrilling, nerve-wracking, and grueling cricket, the T20 World Cup 2024 has reached its climax. The two best teams of the tournament, India and South Africa, are set to face off in the final. Both teams have remained unbeaten throughout the competition, making this a highly anticipated showdown. For South Africa, this marks their first appearance in a World Cup final, offering a chance for rare glory. India, on the other hand, has experienced setbacks in the knockout stages of ICC tournaments over the past decade and is eager to prove its mettle. We have a riveting contest on our hands.
Teams Preview
South Africa Preview
South Africa’s dominant performance in the semi-final saw their fast bowlers dismantle Afghanistan, bowling them out for just 56 runs. Although Quinton de Kock was dismissed early in the chase, Aiden Markram and Reeza Hendricks guided South Africa to a comfortable nine-wicket victory with 67 deliveries remaining. This win secured South Africa’s historic first appearance in a men’s World Cup final and extended their undefeated run in the tournament to eight matches.
South Africa’s campaign has been a total team effort. De Kock has been their standout batter, scoring 204 runs in 8 innings at a strike rate of 144. He has a strong record against India, with 312 runs in 9 innings at an average of 44 and a strike rate of 140. Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller have also been crucial, scoring 138 and 148 runs, respectively.
South Africa’s bowling attack is formidable, with Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, and Anrich Nortje combining for 31 wickets in this World Cup. The spin duo of Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi will be key during the middle overs, especially against India’s aggressive batters.
South Africa Predicted Playing XI: Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (c), Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi
India Preview
India stormed into the finals with a dominant display against England, securing a 68-run victory in Guyana. Unbeaten in this World Cup, India has looked like the most balanced side in the tournament. Captain Rohit Sharma has led from the front, scoring 248 runs at a strike rate of almost 156. Suryakumar Yadav has also been exceptional, with 196 runs at a strike rate of 137. Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant have been in good hitting form, making India’s batting lineup formidable.
India’s bowling department, led by Jasprit Bumrah, has been stellar. Bumrah has taken 13 wickets at an economy of 4.12, and his overs at the start and death will be crucial. The spin attack, featuring Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel, will play a significant role, especially against South Africa’s batters who have traditionally struggled against spin.
India Predicted Playing XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah
Pitch and Weather Conditions
The Kensington Oval pitch in Barbados offers a balanced surface, although it tends to favor batters slightly more. As the match progresses, the wicket is expected to slow down, aiding spinners in the middle overs. Seam bowlers can exploit the bounce and lateral movement, especially with the prevailing breeze. Batters will need to show patience and sound technique initially to adapt to the conditions.
Light rain showers are expected on the morning of the match, and the weather will be cloudy and breezy. There might be interruptions, potentially leading to a shortened game due to rain.
Average First Innings Score: 153
Highest Total Posted: 224-5 by West Indies against England in 2022
Highest Successful Chase: 172-6 by West Indies against England in 2023
Toss Prediction
In a final, both teams are likely to prefer batting first if they win the toss. Setting a healthy total on the board can be advantageous in controlling the second innings.
Winning Prediction
This final is difficult to call, with both India and South Africa having played outstanding cricket to reach this stage. South Africa’s bowling attack has been exceptional, while India’s all-round squad looks more balanced. South Africa has won three of the last four T20Is against India and will draw confidence from that. However, India’s recent form and overall strength make them the slight favorites.
India’s bowlers, especially their spinners, are expected to be the deciding factor. If India’s batters can set a solid foundation, their bowlers should be able to put South Africa’s batters under pressure. We are backing Team India to win the T20 World Cup 2024 final.