India emerged victorious over South Africa in a nail-biting finish during the last over to secure the 2024 T20 World Cup championship with a seven-run victory in the final on Saturday. Spearheaded by the exceptional Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, the Indian bowlers successfully defended a total of 177 in Bridgetown, following Virat Kohli's resilient 76 off 59 deliveries. South Africa, chasing 177, appeared to be in control at 151 for four in 16 overs with Heinrich Klaasen (52 off 27 balls) and David Miller (21 off 17 balls) at the crease, needing only 26 runs from 24 balls. However, Pandya (3-0-20-3) swung the momentum back in India's favor by dismissing Klaasen with the first ball of the next over. Bumrah (4-0-18-2), the tournament's best player, then delivered a masterful over, followed by a remarkable penultimate over from Arshdeep Singh (4-0-20-2). With South Africa requiring 16 runs in the final over, Pandya took the ball and secured the crucial wicket of Miller with the first delivery, caught brilliantly by Suryakumar Yadav at long-on. Pandya then maintained his composure in the thrilling final over to limit South Africa to 169 for eight, thereby ending India's 11-year drought for an ICC trophy. This marks India's second T20 World Cup win, having previously won the inaugural edition in 2007. India's last victory in an ICC event was in 2013 when they won the Champions Trophy in England. The win also provided a fitting send-off for outgoing coach Rahul Dravid, who finally achieved success in an ICC tournament final after previous losses to Australia in the World Cup Championship and the ODI World Cup deciders last year. It was a heart-wrenching moment for South Africa, whose quest for a maiden World Cup title continues. Klaasen's outstanding performance against both pace and spin on Saturday proved futile as the Indian bowlers snatched victory from the brink of defeat. Earlier, Kohli's fighting half-century (76 off 59 balls, 6 fours, 2 sixes) helped India recover from early setbacks to post 176 for seven. After winning the toss and choosing to bat, India slumped to 34 for three in the fifth over with early dismissals of skipper Rohit Sharma (9), Rishabh Pant (0), and Suryakumar (3). However, Kohli and Axar Patel (47 off 31 balls) revived India's prospects with their excellent partnership, while Shivam Dube (27 off 16 balls) also contributed a vital cameo. For South Africa, Keshav Maharaj (3-0-23-2) and Anrich Nortje (4-0-26-2) each claimed two wickets. The 35-year-old Kohli, who had been struggling for significant scores throughout the tournament leading up to the final, delivered a superbly paced knock when it mattered most. The batting icon announced that Saturday's final was his last T20 match for India, expressing, "God is great, and I got the job done for the team on the day it mattered. Now or never, last T20 for India, wanted to make the most of it, wanted to lift the cup." Kohli was elated after finally aiding India in ending their 13-year wait for an ICC trophy with his first substantial score in the tournament, stating, "It was an amazing game. One day you feel like you can't get a run but one day, things just click. I am so proud to get the runs for the team the day it mattered most. The occasion prompted that change for me, I felt like it was now-or-never. We have wanted to lift a trophy for a long time. The occasion made me put my head down, respect the situation and play the innings that the team needed from me."