Unbeaten India wins T20 Cricket World Cup in thrilling final, ending long drought

India is finally again on top of the cricket world.

India defeated South Africa by seven runs to win the 2024 Twenty20 Cricket World Cup in a thrilling final in Bridgetown, Barbados, on Saturday, capping an undefeated tournament and ending a long 12-year international drought.

It's India's second T20 World Cup title and first in 17 years.

India's Virat Kohli saved his best innings for last. He led all batters with 76 runs off 59 balls, with eight boundaries (six fours, two sixes), after struggling all tournament. He was named man of the match, and then announced his retirement from international T20 competition.

"It was a now-or-never situation," Kohli said. "This was my last T20 game playing for India, it's the last World Cup I was going to play, so I wanted to make the most of it."

Jasprit Bumrah was once again exceptional for India, holding South Africa to only 18 runs in his four bowling overs, taking two wickets. He was named player of the tournament.

Skipper Rohit Sharma was limited to only nine runs off five balls in his innings, making Kohli's exploits that much more crucial. Kohli delivered when it mattered most, while under intense pressure. After the match, Sharma also joined Kohli in retiring from T20 international competition. Both are going out on top.

Heinrich Klaasen put on an absolute batting show for South Africa, recording 52 runs off only 27 balls. He smashed five sixes before he was finally caught out.