The stage is set for a historic showdown as India and South Africa prepare to face off in the final of the T20 World Cup 2024.
This will be the first time the two teams meet in the final of a men's ICC tournament. Previously, India defeated South Africa in the semi-final of the 2014 T20 World Cup.
Unbeaten Streaks
Both India and South Africa have been the most in-form teams of the tournament, remaining unbeaten and topping their respective groups in both the group stage and the Super Eight. South Africa holds an extra win due to India's washout against Canada.
Aiming for a Perfect Record
The winner of the final will be the first team to win a men's T20 World Cup without losing a match.
Routes to the Final
South Africa's journey to the final included victories over Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Netherlands, and Nepal in the group stage, followed by wins against the USA and England in the Super Eight.
They secured a tense three-wicket victory against the West Indies in a rain-shortened match to advance to the semi-final, where they convincingly defeated Afghanistan by nine wickets.
India began their campaign with wins over Ireland, Pakistan, and the USA, with their game against Canada being washed out.
In the Super Eight, they secured wins against Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Australia. India continued their dominant performance by defeating England by 68 runs in the semi-final.
Strength of Opposition
While India faced tougher opponents, including Pakistan, Australia, and England, South Africa was seriously tested in most of their games but managed to prevail.
Significance for South Africa
This final marks a historic moment for South Africa, as it is their first appearance in the final of a men's World Cup, either ODI or T20.
Apart from winning the inaugural Champions Trophy in 1998, they have not reached the final of any ICC men's tournament.
South Africa has come close in the past, reaching the semi-finals in five ODI World Cups (1992, 1999, 2007, 2015, 2023) and two T20 World Cups (2009, 2014).
Importance for India
India, on the other hand, is seeking to end a drought of ICC trophies since their Champions Trophy win in 2013.
While they won the first T20 World Cup in 2007, they reached the final of the T20 World Cup in 2014 and the semi-finals in 2016 and 2022, as well as the semi-finals of the ODI World Cups in 2015 and 2019.
After a heartbreaking loss in the final of the home ODI World Cup last year, India has a chance to redeem themselves and end their barren run in global events.
Read the full story at the express tribune website.
