With a dramatic victory over South Africa on Saturday, Suryakumar produced a moment of pure brilliance in the final over of the match to secure the T20 World Cup 2024 title for India. India had to stop South Africa from scoring 16 runs in the last over, but they still had the explosive In the center is David Miller. Miller quickly heaved the first ball of the over straight down the ground after Hardik Pandya bowled a full-toss just outside off-stump. The ball appeared to be heading over the boundary rope, when Surya suddenly materialized to collect it. But even though his momentum carried him over the boundary rope, he was prepared for it and steadily threw it back.
In the grand decider, Suryakumar was removed off three deliveries for four, putting him under tremendous pressure. He more than made up for it with this catch that brought India back into the game when his lap shot over long leg against Kagiso Rabada was caught in the deep during the powerplay.
India won the match by a score of 7 runs and secured their first T20 World Cup championship in 17 years, therefore the catch turned out to be significant in the overall scheme of things. For a team that lost on home soil in the ODI World Cup 2023 final less than a year ago, it was an emotional occasion.
“It means a lot. Very emotional, we’ve been working very hard and something was not clicking. But today we got what the whole nation wanted. More special for me, how my last 6 months were, I haven’t spoken a word. I knew that if I kept working hard I could shine and do what I could do.”
“Getting an opportunity like this makes it more special. We always believed, it was just about executing our plans and staying calm and letting the pressure come to them. Credit to Jassi (Bumrah) and the other bowlers for those last 5 overs. Knew it would not help me if I wasn’t calm, wanted to commit 100% to every ball I’ve bowled. I’ve always enjoyed pressure.”
“Very happy for him (Dravid), he’s been a wonderful man, really enjoyed working with him, to give him a farewell like this is wonderful, have had a very good relationship with him and became friends. Very happy for all the support staff,” Hardik said after the match.
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