The Indian fans have started dreaming of an ICC trophy yet again. Rohit Sharma-led Indian Cricket Team has marched into the finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 by beating former Champions, England by 68 runs.
Axar Patel, the lead destroyer with the ball, broke the back of England’s batting with three wickets. Bappu, as he is fondly called, went on to dismiss Jos Buttler (23 off 15), Jonny Bairstow for a duck (0 off 3) and Moeen Ali (8 off 10).
Later Liam Livingstone getting run out almost halfway down the track by Kuldeep Yadav on Axar Patel’s bowling summed up England’s day at the office.
The Indian Cricket Team is now all set to take on South Africa in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
Before that, let’s relive the Indian Cricket Team’s performances since they lifted their last ICC trophy back in 2013.
| INDIA’S QUEST FOR GLORY IN ICC FINALS OVER THE YEARS | |||
| TOURNAMENT | FIXTURE | RESULT | VENUE |
| ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2014 | IND vs SL | SL won by 6 wickets | Dhaka |
| ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2017 | IND VS PAK | PAK won by 180 runs | London |
| ICC Men’s World Test Championship 2021 | IND vs NZ | NZ won by 8 wickets | Southampton |
| ICC Men’s World Test Championship 2023 | IND vs AUS | AUS won by 209 runs | London |
| ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 | IND vs AUS | AUS won by 6 wickets | Ahmedabad |
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2014
In the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2014, India faced Sri Lanka at Dhaka. Despite Virat Kohli’s valiant effort, scoring 77 runs off 58 balls, India could only manage 130/4 in their 20 overs. Sri Lanka chased down the target with ease, winning by 6 wickets with 13 balls to spare. This victory marked Sri Lanka’s first T20 World Cup win, while India’s quest for another ICC trophy was thwarted despite their strong performance throughout the tournament.
ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2017
India squared off against arch-rivals Pakistan in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2017 final in London. Pakistan set a daunting total of 338/4, thanks to Fakhar Zaman’s scintillating century. India’s batting line-up crumbled under pressure, with only Hardik Pandya showing resistance with a quickfire 76. Pakistan won convincingly by 180 runs, delivering a stunning performance and claiming their first Champions Trophy title.
ICC Men’s World Test Championship 2021
In the inaugural ICC Men’s World Test Championship final in 2021, India took on New Zealand in Southampton. After a rain-affected match, New Zealand chased down a target of 139 with relative ease, securing an 8-wicket victory. Kyle Jamieson was the standout player, taking seven wickets in the match, including crucial dismissals of Indian skipper Virat Kohli in both innings. This victory marked New Zealand’s first ICC tournament win since the 2000 ICC Knock-Out Trophy.
ICC Men’s World Test Championship 2023
The ICC Men’s World Test Championship 2023 final saw India facing Australia at The Oval in London. Australia set a challenging total and won by 209 runs. Travis Head and Steve Smith’s brilliant centuries in the first innings laid the foundation for Australia. India’s batting faltered in both innings, with only Ajinkya Rahane showing some fight in the second innings. Australia’s disciplined bowling attack, led by Pat Cummins, ensured their comprehensive victory.
ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023
In the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 final held in Ahmedabad, India met Australia. Australia, chasing 241 set by India, won by 6 wickets. Travis Head was once again a key player, scoring a match-winning century. Despite Rohit Sharma’s half-century in the first innings, India struggled to build significant partnerships, and Australia’s bowlers, led by Mitchell Starc, kept the pressure on. This win added another World Cup trophy to Australia’s illustrious cabinet.
The Indian Cricket Team once again has made it to an ICC event final. This time the men in blue are up against South Africa.
Fans and players alike are hoping to finally break the jinx and add another prestigious ICC trophy to their cabinet. With a mix of experienced and young talent, the Indian Cricket Team aims to overcome past setbacks and emerge victorious on the grand stage.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
