New Delhi: The stage is set for a blockbuster finale of the T20 World Cup 2024 and no better way to conclude the showpiece event than witnessing the two strongest teams go up against each other in the battle for ultimate glory.
The ninth edition of the T20 World Cup will witness a mouthwatering contest between India and South Africa – the two undefeated teams in the tournament.
While India would feel a sense of Deja Vu heading into the final, South Africa would feel both nerves and excitement in their first-ever World Cup final.
Whoever wins or loses. History beckons either way.
While India aim to break the 13-year-long World Cup and a decade-long ICC curse, the Proteas, in the final after seven semi-final heartbreaks, eye history to shed the ‘chokers tag’.
There is nothing to choose between the two sides but the Indian fans fear the worst for an unusual reason.
Chris Gaffaney (NZ), Richard Illingworth (ENG) and Richard Kettleborough (ENG) will be the three umpires in the India vs South Africa final match. While Gaffaney and Illingworth will perform the duties of on-field umpires, Kettleborough has been selected as the third umpire. As soon as the umpiring line-up was out, Indian fans were left worried, fearing the umpiring curse for their team.
Will the curse of umpire strike again?
Social media users pointed out how Kettleborough has proved to be a bad omen for the Men in Blue in the semi-finals and finals of the knockout events. India have never won a knockout match with Kettleborough as an official (on-field umpire or third umpire). since 2014, he has performed umpiring duties in India’s seven knockout matches and every time, the Asian giants have tasted defeat.
Richard Kettleborough and Indian Cricket Team in Semi Finals or Finals
2014 T20 WC Final – Lost
2015 World Cup Semi Final – Lost
2016 T20 WC Semi Final – Lost
2019 World Cup Semi Final – Lost
2021 World Test Championship(3rd Umpire) – Lost
2023 World Test Championship(3rd Umpire)… pic.twitter.com/fkWDrtLnxm
— Ganesh (@me_ganesh14) November 19, 2023
Fans are hoping that India not only end their ICC jinx but also the umpire curse with a victory against South Africa in the final.
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T20 World Cup 2024: As soon as the umpiring line-up was out, Indian fans were left worried, fearing the umpiring curse for the Men in Blue. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
