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During a crucial phase of the T20 World Cup 2024 final, former India head coach Ravi Shastri’s commentary gained widespread attention. He remarked that India were employing every tactic to disrupt the flow of the game when Rishabh Pant received medical attention from the physio. At that point, India were facing the prospect of another devastating defeat.
The match saw South Africa poised on the brink of a historic victory, needing 30 runs from 30 balls with two well-set batsmen, David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen, at the crease. Jasprit Bumrah, entering the attack, conceded just 4 runs in the pivotal 16th over.
With 26 runs required from 24 balls, South Africa maintained a commanding position. However, the match took a decisive turn when Rishabh Pant, the Indian wicketkeeper, required physiotherapy, prompting a brief interruption in play.
“India doing everything possible” – Ravi Shastri while ongoing match
During his commentary stint as Hardik Pandya commenced the 17th over, Ravi Shastri observed that despite Rishabh Pant receiving physiotherapy, India seemed intent on disrupting the game’s pace and momentum.
“India doing everything possible, even slow down the game so that they can break the rhythm of these two explosive batters,” Shastri said on commentary.
The pause in play proved advantageous for India, as immediately after the interruption, Heinrich Klaasen, who had been batting brilliantly until then, was dismissed by Hardik Pandya off the very next delivery. Interestingly, Rishabh Pant was the one who took the catch behind the stumps. Whether this strategic pause was a deliberate attempt by India to disrupt the rhythm of the two dangerous batsmen remains uncertain, but it undeniably turned out to be beneficial for India.
Indian seamers concluded the match emphatically. Jasprit Bumrah struck in the following over, dismissing Marco Jansen and conceding just 2 runs, increasing the pressure on South Africa. Arshdeep Singh then delivered a superb penultimate over, allowing only 4 runs, leaving South Africa needing 16 to win from the last over.
Hardik Pandya took the ball for the final over with David Miller facing. However, Miller was caught spectacularly by Suryakumar Yadav at the long-off boundary off the first ball. Despite Miller’s commendable 21 off 17 balls, his dismissal marked a crucial setback for South Africa.
Although Kagiso Rabada managed a boundary off the subsequent delivery, it was too late for South Africa’s lower order. Ultimately, India sealed victory by 7 runs, ending their 11-year wait for an ICC trophy.
This triumph marked India’s second T20 World Cup title, following their inaugural win in 2007. They had previously reached the finals in 2014 but fell short against Sri Lanka.
