T20 World Cup: Captains reflect on final after India clinch victory
Aiden Markram probably can't believe that South Africa had let that great a chance slip by. PHOTO: ESPNCRICINFO
The ICC Men's T20 World Cup concluded with a thrilling final, where India emerged victorious against South Africa by 7 runs.
Captains Rohit Sharma and Aiden Markram shared their thoughts after the intense battle on the pitch.
India's captain, Rohit Sharma, expressed immense pride in his team's journey leading up to their triumph. "It's hard to sum up what we've been through in the last three-four years," said Sharma. He credited the team's resilience in high-pressure situations, emphasising the importance of their collective effort throughout the tournament. "Today was a perfect example of sticking together with our backs to the wall," he added, highlighting the crucial role of team management and the trust they instilled in the players.
Speaking on the contributions of key players, Sharma praised Virat Kohli's exceptional form over the years, describing his innings in the final as crucial to India's success. "Big players stand up on such occasions," Sharma noted, underscoring Kohli's ability to anchor the innings under pressure. He also commended Jasprit Bumrah's "masterclass" performance, highlighting the bowler's confidence and skill that proved decisive in the final moments.
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Summing up the victory, Sharma acknowledged the support from fans worldwide, expressing gratitude for their unwavering backing throughout the tournament. "Very proud of what we've achieved today," he concluded, reflecting on India's hard-fought journey to reclaim the T20 World Cup title.
Meanwhile, South Africa's captain, Aiden Markram, reflected on his team's efforts despite falling short in the final. "Gutted for the time being," Markram admitted, as he praised his team's performance throughout the tournament. He highlighted South Africa's competitive spirit and resilience, noting their commendable display in restricting India and nearly chasing down the target.
"We bowled well and batted well," Markram noted, acknowledging the tight contest that went down to the wire. Despite the disappointment of losing, Markram emphasised the pride in reaching the final and the competitive spirit shown by his team. "South Africans will always fight till the end," he affirmed, recognising the valuable experience gained from their campaign.
In conclusion, Markram expressed gratitude to the supporters and reflected on the pride of representing South Africa on the world stage, promising to build on this experience for future tournaments.