New Delhi: The legendary MS Dhoni watched with his friends as India defeated South Africa by 7 runs in a nerve-wracking final to lift the T20 World Cup 2024 title in Barbados earlier this year. Dhoni recently shared his experience of watching the epic final and revealed how his friends had nearly given up on India’s chances during the later stages of South Africa’s run-chase.
In their pursuit of the 177-run target, South Africa cruised at 151/4 at the end of the 16th, with David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen in the middle. The Proteas needed only 26 to win off the last 4 overs when Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah combined to pull things back in style. The duo went on to concede only 6 runs in the next two overs and picked up a wicket each to bring India back into the game.
Hardik then went on to defend 16 runs in the final over successfully as India clinched the summit clash by 7 runs. Recalling watching the final, Dhoni revealed while his friends didn’t want to watch after South Africa had gained control in the final, he never gave up and told them “It’s not over until it’s over”.
“We were at home; some friends had come over. The way the second innings was going, zyada tar dost bahar chale gaye the (most of them went out). They said to me, it is done, come join us outside. I said to them that in cricket, it is not over until it is over. None of them believed, even I was questioning but on the inside, I was asking abhi kya hona chahiye (what is supposed to happen now),” Dhoni said at a promotional event of the Rigi app.
Dhoni said he always had the belief that India could spark a turnaround as he felt South Africa didn’t have much depth in their batting line-up once Klaasen and Miller were gone.
“One of the things I firmly believed was that their batters were slightly light on the batting front. There was a time when they were cruising but when the stakes were high and it was very crucial, you get a chance and you want to do the most of it,” Dhoni explained.
India ended 11-year ICC title drought with T20 World Cup 2024 win
India ended their 11-year-long ICC title drought with their memorable triumph in the T20 World Cup 2024. India’s last ICC title came under Dhoni when they won the Champions Trophy in 2013. India also lifted their second T20 World Cup crown after Dhoni-led India won the inaugural edition of the tournament in South Africa in 2007.
Former India captain MS Dhoni recently shared his experience of watching the 2024 T20 World Cup final between India and South Africa. Dhoni revealed how his friends wanted to leave after South Africa started gaining momentum during their run-chase in the summit clash. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
