India defeated South Africa in the final of the T20 World Cup 2024 to become champions.
South Africa, chasing 176 to win their maiden T20 World Cup title, required 16 runs in the final over with David Miller at the crease. Hardik Pandya was tasked to defend the 16 runs. Pandya bowled a wide full-toss and Miller smacked the ball straight towards long-off.
The ball seemed to be sailing over the boundary ropes, but Suryakumar Yadav made some ground and managed to catch it before crossing the ropes. In the process, he had to throw the ball in the air as the momentum took him over the ropes, but he returned to the field of play and completed an astonishing catch.
This helped India win by 7 runs in the end, and their 11-year wait for an ICC trophy also ended.
India wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant had a lighthearted take on Suryakumar Yadav's remarkable catch, which was crucial in clinching India's exciting seven-run victory and preventing South Africa from taking the game. Pant confessed that he thought Miller's shot would result in a six.
"When the ball was in the air, it felt like everything was gone. When it hit the bat, it seemed like a sure-shot six. The ball didn't cross the boundary line because of the Indian fans' prayers," Pant said on a YouTube channel hosted by Tanmay Bhatt.
The catch flipped the momentum back in India's favor, ensuring their triumph. Pant acknowledged his pride in the team's performance, stating that winning the World Cup was a long-held desire. However, Pant emphasized the need to focus on future difficulties.
This was also Rishabh Pant’s comeback to international cricket since recovering from the near-fatal accident in December 2022.
"I am not thinking much about it now because I feel in India, people forget after 10-15 days what you have done. So, it is important for you to forget these things as well. That moment will always be there with me, but now we have to move on and focus on what's next," Pant said.
After being out of Test cricket for nearly 20 months, Pant is set to return for India in the upcoming two-match home Test series against Bangladesh, starting September 19.