India and South Africa have emerged as the two finalists of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. The Men in Blue secured their spot in the ultimate game with a convincing win over England in the semi-finals. This marks the third consecutive ICC tournament final for the Rohit Sharma-led team.
Throughout the tournament, India has been dominant, winning all eight of their matches. In their latest victory, India overcame the ghosts of the 2022 edition by defeating the Jos Buttler-led England by 68 runs. Key contributions came from Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, who helped India reach a total of 171 runs. The bowling duo of Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav then combined for six wickets, ensuring a comprehensive win. India now sets its sights on reclaiming the T20 World Cup trophy, which they last won in 2007.
The highly-anticipated ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 final will take place at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 29.
South Africa, also unbeaten in this ICC event, secured their place in the final with a dominant nine-wicket win over Afghanistan in the semi-finals. This will be the Proteas’ first-ever appearance in a T20 World Cup final. As they prepare to face the formidable Indian side led by Rohit Sharma, it will be intriguing to see if they can overcome their opponents and claim the ultimate prize.
SA vs IND Head To Head (Past 7 Matches)
2023 – India won by 106 runs
2023 – India won by 5 wickets
2022 – South Africa won by 5 wickets
2022 – South Africa won by 49 runs
2022 – India won by 16 runs
2022 – India won by 8 wickets
SA vs IND record in Kensington Oval, Barbados
India and South Africa will face off against each other for the very first time at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, but the two sides have faced different oppositions at the venue, which has hosted several T20Is so far. Here is a look at the T20I stats from the venue:
| Cricket at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados | |
| STAT | VALUE |
| Matches | 32 |
| Won Batting 1st | 19 |
| Won Batting 2nd | 11 |
| No Results | 2 |
| Highest Total | 224/5 by West Indies vs England in 2022 |
| Lowest Total | 80 All Out by Afghanistan vs South Africa in 2010 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 153 |
| Highest Successful Chase | 172/6 in 18.1 overs by West Indies vs England in 2023 |
| Lowest Total Defended | 139/7 by South Africa vs Afghanistan in 2010 |
| Highest Individual Score | Rovman Powell (West Indies) – 107 off 53 balls vs Zimbabwe in 2010 |
| Best Bowling Figures | Jason Holder (West Indies) – 5 for 27 in 4 overs vs England in 2022 |
| Total Sixes | 411 sixes |
| Total Fours | 643 fours |
| Total Hundreds | 1 hundred |
| Total Fifties | 31 fifties |
India Record in Barbados
| INDIA AT BARBADOS | |
| STAT | VALUE |
| Played | 3 |
| Won | 1 |
| Lost | 2 |
| Won Batting First | 1 |
| Won Chasing | 0 |
| Highest Total | 181 |
| Lowest Total | 135 |
The Indian Cricket Team’s record in Barbados shows a mixed performance over the three matches they have played. Out of these three encounters, India has managed to secure only one victory while facing defeat in the other two matches. Interestingly, their solitary win came while batting first, whereas they have not yet succeeded in chasing a target at this venue. The team’s highest total in Barbados stands at 181 runs, while their lowest total is 135 runs. These figures suggest a variation in their batting performances, reflecting both potential and inconsistency.
Considering this record, it can be concluded that India’s performance in Barbados has not been particularly strong. Winning only one out of three matches, especially without any successful chases, points to challenges the team faces on this ground. The fact that their victories are limited and their ability to chase targets is yet unproven in Barbados highlights areas for improvement. For a team with India’s caliber and global standing, a better win-loss ratio and more consistent performances would be expected. Hence, the current record does not reflect the high standards typically associated with Indian cricket.
South Africa Record in Barbados
| SOUTH AFRICA AT BARBADOS | |
| STAT | VALUE |
| Played | 3 |
| Won | 2 |
| Lost | 1 |
| Won Batting First | 2 |
| Won Chasing | 0 |
| Highest Total | 170 |
| Lowest Total | 129 |
The South African cricket team’s record at Barbados showcases a relatively strong performance over the three matches they have contested. South Africa has won two out of these three encounters, demonstrating their ability to adapt and succeed at this venue. Both of their victories came while batting first, while they have not yet managed to secure a win when chasing a target. The team’s highest total in Barbados is 170 runs, while their lowest total is 129 runs. This indicates a level of consistency in their batting performances, allowing them to post competitive scores.
Assessing this record, it can be concluded that South Africa’s performance in Barbados has been commendable. Winning two out of three matches and consistently performing well while batting first indicates a solid strategy and effective execution. Although they have not yet won a match while chasing, their overall record at this venue is positive and reflects their capability to dominate in challenging conditions. Compared to India’s record, South Africa’s performance in Barbados appears stronger, showcasing their adaptability and resilience on this ground.
Pitch Report
The pitch at Kensington Oval in Barbados is anticipated to provide early seam movement, posing a challenge for batsmen to find their rhythm initially. Fast bowlers should also find extra bounce advantageous on this surface.
South Africa vs India Weather Forecast
Bridgetown, Barbados may experience thunderstorms during the epic final on June 29. There is a 72% chance of precipitation. Temperatures are expected to range between 27 and 30 degrees Celsius, with humidity levels not exceeding 85%. Winds are anticipated to blow at speeds of 30 to 50 km/h.
The fans and fanatics are anticipating a mouth watering contest as India takes on South Africa in the Finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. They also expect to see raining sixes instead of the raining drizzles at the Kensington Oval, Barbados.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
