India’s 11-year trophy drought finally over after thrilling T20 World Cup final against South Africa

India has been crowned T20 World Cup champions after a thrilling seven-run victory over South Africa in a classic final at Kensington Oval on Sunday morning AEST.

Virat Kohli’s 76 (59) led India to a strong 7-176, but South Africa looked poised to chase down the target after Heinrich Klaasen blasted 52 from 27 balls.

However, the Proteas limped towards on 8-169 courtesy of some outstanding Indian bowling at the end, with Hardik Pandya taking 3-20 and Jasprit Bumrah 2-18.

Kohli had struggled throughout the tournament, but the Indian superstar delivered his best innings at the perfect moment with his balanced batting.

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“I am so proud to get the runs for the team the day it mattered most,” Kohli after the match, also confirming the game was his last T20 for India.

“The occasion prompted that change for me, I felt like it was now or never. We have wanted to lift a trophy for a long time.

“The occasion made me put my head down, respect the situation and play the innings that the team needed from me.

“I wasn’t feeling myself before today. I wasn’t confident. So I am very grateful and humble right now. It has been difficult, so there are a lot of emotions.”

Earlier, India had slipped to 3-34 in the fifth over after their captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bat.

In what has been a low-scoring tournament, the total looked to be a daunting one for South Africa, but Quinton de Kock (39) and Tristan Stubbs (31) got the Proteas off to a promising start before Klaasen turned the game in their direction in the 15th over, smashing spinner Axar Patel for 24 including two fours and two sixes.

At that stage, South Africa needed 30 runs from 30 balls with six wickets in hand.

Klaasen was removed in the 17th over, caught behind off Pandya, before Bumrah bowled all-rounder Marco Jansen while conceding just two runs in the 18th over.

South Africa needed 20 from the final 12 deliveries, but quick Arshdeep Singh leaked just four in the penultimate over.

With 16 needed to win off the last over, Pandya bowled a full-toss at Miller who smashed it high straight down the ground, but Suryakumar Yadav produced a breathtaking catch on the boundary, throwing the ball back into play before crossing the ropes and then returning to complete the catch.

Kagiso Rabada came in and edged a four and Pandya showed some nerves with a wide, but the seamer kept his cool to ensure silverware for India after they lost in last year’s World Cup final on home soil.

“Gutted for the time being, it’ll take some time to reflect on a really good campaign, hurts quite a bit but incredibly proud,” South African captain Aiden Markram said.

“We bowled well, not a lot to work with, it was a chaseable total, batted well, came down to the wire, gutted not to get over the line.

“Things happen quickly at the back end, but got into a great position to prove we were worthy finalists.

“South Africans are competitive, respectful and will go down with a fight. It’s still a proud moment for us.”

India’s previous ICC triumph was 11 years ago, the 2013 Champions Trophy, while South Africa is still searching for its maiden World Cup victory.

“F*** this is tough,” South African legend Dale Steyn tweeted.

“Heartbreaking.”

India becomes the third nation to win multiple Men’s T20 World Cup titles alongside England and the West Indies.