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Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram extended congratulations to the Indian team for their victory in the T20 World Cup 2024. India triumphed over South Africa by 7 runs in a thrilling final held in Barbados to claim the prestigious title.
India opted to bat first after winning the toss, posting a total of 176-7. Virat Kohli played a crucial innings, scoring 76 off 59 balls, supported by Shivam Dube’s quickfire 27 off 16 balls towards the end. In response, South Africa mounted a spirited chase but fell short, managing 169-8 despite Heinrich Klaasen’s aggressive 52 off 27 balls. Contributions from Tristan Stubbs and Quinton de Kock also played pivotal roles for the Proteas in the match.
Wasim Akram extended his congratulations to India through a video shared on his social media platform. He praised India for their outstanding performance throughout the tournament and commended their thrilling victory in the final.
“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 commended Jasprit Bumrah for his exceptional performance under pressure, highlighting how he rose to the occasion when his team needed him the most.
“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.
The upcoming generation will miss out on your batting – Wasim Akram on Virat Kohli
Wasim Akram conveyed his congratulations to Virat Kohli for his remarkable T20I career, expressing that the younger generation will feel the absence of his batting prowess in this format.
“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,” Akram stated.
Virat Kohli announced his retirement from T20Is following India’s victory in the T20 World Cup final, where he was named Player of the Match.
The renowned left-arm fast bowler praised South Africa for their consistent performance throughout the tournament. He also shared his delight for the Indian supporters who had traveled from various corners of the globe to cheer for their team.
“I feel for South Africa. I thought that this was their chance. They reached the final, played good cricket, they had the game in their control but when they lost the wickets in the end, Indian bowlers took the game away from them. When you win a World Cup, you win by a team effort and not the performance of just one individual. So, the whole Indian team needs to be credited for the way they have won the World Cup. I’m so happy for Indian team and the Indian fans who travel the world to support their team,” Akram concluded.
