Team India is on the brink of tasting success as the cricket team gets set to take on South Africa in the finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on Saturday. After a dominant win over England by 68 runs in the semi-final, the team led by Rohit Sharma now has its sights set on overcoming Kensington Oval in Barbados and being crowned champions of the T20 World Cup for the second time after doing so in 2007. Ahead of the final showdown, the Indian captain has given a winning ‘mantra’ to his fellow teammates
While acknowledging the significance of the upcoming clash, Captain Rohit Sharma emphasized the importance of maintaining composure. “We’ve been very calm as a team,” he stated after India’s dominant semi-final performance. “We understand the occasion, but for us, it’s crucial to stay calm and composed. This approach helps us make good decisions throughout the match. We displayed this calmness against England, not succumbing to pressure. That’s been key for us. Yes, the final is a big occasion, but we also need to play good cricket.”
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Rohit himself led from the front in the semi-final, scoring a well-constructed half-century at the top of the order. Suryakumar Yadav provided valuable support with a 47-run knock, propelling India to a commendable total of 171/7 after electing to bat first.
Captain Rohit Sharma playing football with teammates before the big #INDvsSAFinal 🐐🔥
— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) June 29, 2024
England’s chase faltered early, with India’s spin attack proving highly effective. Kuldeep Yadav (3/19), Axar Patel (3/23), and Ravindra Jadeja (0/16) combined to take six wickets and dismantle the English batting line-up, leaving a satisfied Indian skipper.
“They are exceptional spinners,” said Rohit, praising his bowling attack. “When the conditions favor them, it becomes very difficult for batsmen to score. While the pressure is on them to execute their deliveries, they remained calm and knew exactly what to bowl. We strategized after the first innings: our plan was to target the stumps and keep them in play, and they executed flawlessly.”
Given the right balance in the team and having tasted victory all along the final stage lies in India’s grasp. Can they surpass South Africa and write their name in the history of the T20 World Cup again? To this, the cricket world breathlessly waits for an answer.
