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Axar Patel and Virat Kohli (Source: X)
India registered the highest-ever first-innings score in a T20 World Cup final. The record was achieved during their clash against South Africa at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados on Sunday (June 29). Batting first, the Men in Blue posted 176 for the loss of seven wickets, courtesy of Virat Kohli’s half-century and Axar Patel’s scintillating knock.
The South African bowlers did well to reduce the opposition to 34/3 in the Powerplay on a pitch that was not easy to bat on. Kohli got India off to a flying start, but Keshav Maharaj’s double strike in the second over to dismiss the in-form Rohit Sharma and keeper-batter Rishabh Pant gave South Africa the upper hand.
Suryakumar Yadav fell cheaply and that brought Axar into the middle. Kohli dropped anchor and it was Axar (47 off 31) who took charge after being promoted to number four. The two rescued India from dire straits. Later, Kohli (75 off 59) and Shivam Dube (27 off 16) ensured India reached a comfortable score.
Also Read: Quinton De Kock pulls off smart run-out to dismiss Axar Patel for 47
Here's the top 5 list of highest 1st innings total in T20 WC final
176/7 - IND vs SA, Bridgetown, 2024*
173/2 - AUS vs NZ, Dubai, 2021
172/4 - NZ vs AUS, Dubai, 2021
161/6 - WI vs ENG, Kolkata, 2016
157/5 - IND vs PAK, Jo'burg, 2007
Bumrah, Arshdeep strike early to restrict South Africa from strong start
South Africa got off to a poor start in their chase as Jasprit Bumrah struck in his very first over. The right-arm pacer clean-bowled Reeza Hendriks with a cracking delivery and gave India an early breakthrough. The very next over, Arshdeep Singh removed the Proteas skipper Aiden Markram for just five runs.
India got the desired start but Quinton de Kock and Tristan Stubbs brought South Africa back into the game. The duo added a 50-plus partnership for the third wicket. But Axar Patel did the magic with the ball to get rid of dangerous Stubbs.