T20 World Cup 2024 final, IND vs SA Prediction, H2H, team news, pitch conditions and who will win?

T20 World Cup 2024, India vs South Africa: With Rahul Dravid set to depart and Rohit Sharma seeking redemption, a formidable Indian team will look to make it count in their third ICC final of the year when they take on a resolute South Africa in Barbados.

Will India end their 17-year wait for the T20 World Cup title? (Courtesy: AP)

Emotions will run high on Saturday when a fearless India, desperate to end the ICC title drought, battle a resolute South Africa, on the cusp of history, in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in Barbados. This high-stakes encounter promises nothing short of thrilling drama and nail-biting excitement as both unbeaten teams aim to lift the coveted trophy.

Rohit Sharma’s Indian team knows better than most that it all comes down to this—the final. They were in the World Test Championship final in 2021 and 2023 and lost both encounters. They reached the ODI World Cup final and lost. The results and performances leading up to the summit clash do not matter as the final is a blank slate. The team aims to erase the painful memory of November 19, 2023, when a crowd of over 100,000 in Ahmedabad was left disappointed by Australia’s triumph under Pat Cummins. A victory would also serve as a perfect send-off for outgoing coach Rahul Dravid, who experienced heartbreak in the Caribbean during the 2007 ODI World Cup as India’s captain but now stands on the brink of a remarkable farewell as coach.

For India, the quest to reclaim the T20 World Cup title they last won during its inaugural edition in 2007 has been a long journey marked by near-misses. Since their last ICC triumph at the Champions Trophy in 2013, India’s passionate fanbase has yearned for new silverware. The Men in Blue came close on several occasions, including finals in 2014 and semi-final finishes in 2016 and 2022. Heartbreak was especially poignant last year when the team reached the final of a home ODI World Cup unbeaten, only to fall short at the ultimate hurdle. Saturday offers them a golden opportunity to heal those wounds and break a barren streak in global events.

Meanwhile, South Africa is scripting its own story. This is the first time the Proteas have advanced to the final of a men’s World Cup, in either the ODI or T20 format. Known for their “chokers” tag due to numerous heartbreaking semi-final exits—five times in ODI World Cups and twice in T20 World Cups—South Africa aims to redefine this narrative. Their sole ICC title triumph came with the inaugural Champions Trophy in 1998, but this year’s resilient performances have edged them closer than ever to a long-awaited World Cup title.

South Africa would want to shed the C-tag and winning their first-ever World Cup final will go a long way in helping them do so. Aiden Markram has not been as flamboyant as a Faf du Plessis or a Graeme Smith, but he has with him one of the most well-rounded Proteas squads that don’t rely on one or two big names. Having seen more heartbreaks than India in the past, it’s South Africa who should be able to play with the ‘nothing-to-lose’ attitude. But it’s easier said than done. If Aiden Markram manages to step on the podium to collect the trophy on Sunday, it will be a seminal moment in South African cricket history – a day that might unlock a serial champion trait.

There is a high chance of rain on Saturday, but the ICC has scheduled a reserve day for this crucial match. It’s a contest of high stakes, storied histories, and soaring aspirations. As the cricketing world watches with bated breath, one thing is certain: Saturday’s match will guarantee a new chapter in the legacy of both teams, and only one will emerge victorious, lifting the much-coveted ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

IND vs SA: T20 WORLD CUP FINAL PLAYER BATTLES

Virat Kohli vs Kagiso Rabada: Kohli’s form has been lackluster, scoring only 75 runs in seven matches at an average of 10.71. He faces a tough challenge in Rabada, who has taken 12 wickets in eight matches with an impressive economy of 5.88. Rabada has dismissed Kohli four times in 13 T20I innings, conceding just 51 runs.

Rishabh Pant vs Keshav Maharaj: Pant has scored 171 runs in seven matches at a strike rate of 129, while Maharaj has taken nine wickets in the same number of matches. Pant, batting at No. 3, may face Maharaj early. Maharaj will need precision to counter Pant’s unconventional shots, especially given Pant’s vulnerability to the reverse sweep.

Jasprit Bumrah vs Quinton de Kock: De Kock, South Africa’s top scorer with 204 runs in eight matches at a strike rate of 143, will confront Bumrah, who has 13 wickets in seven matches with an economy of 4.12. De Kock will need to be at his best to score against Bumrah and avoid losing his wicket.

Axar Patel/Kuldeep Yadav vs Heinrich Klaasen: Klaasen, known for his prowess against spin, has struggled in this World Cup with 138 runs in eight matches at a strike rate of 112. He will face Axar and Kuldeep, who have troubled batsmen with their precise lines and variations. Klaasen must regain his form to boost South Africa’s middle-order performance.

IND vs SA: T20 WORLD CUP FINAL TEAM NEWS

India is set to stick with the same playing eleven, hoping for key contributions from Virat Kohli and Shivam Dube in the final. Kohli has had a quiet tournament, contrasting with his prolific IPL season, while Rohit Sharma has led by example and his innings will be crucial. Dube’s performance against spinners Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi could be key. India’s bowlers, both pacers and spinners, have been in top form heading into the final.

South Africa too might field an unchanged playing XI. They expect strong performances from openers Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks, with de Kock capable of putting serious pressure on the opposition. Captain Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen, known for their destructive hitting, need runs, especially against India’s spin threat. While South Africa’s pace attack has been impressive, its effectiveness in a day game remains to be seen. Shamsi and Maharaj are effective, but Indian batters are unlikely to be intimidated by them.

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/t20-world-cup-final-india-vs-south-africa-preview-prediction-head-to-head-barbados-pitch-report-2559941-2024-06-29