India’s on top, South Africa’s latest ‘choke’ headline global reactions – Times of India

NEW DELHI: The global press lauded India’s remarkable victory in the T20 World Cup final on Sunday. The match, which saw South Africa requiring a mere 30 runs from the final 30 deliveries with six wickets remaining, ended in a heart-wrenching defeat for the Proteas.


In a stunning turn of events, South Africa’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure, managing only 169/8 in their allotted 20 overs. The Indian team, showcasing their exceptional skills and composure, successfully defended their total, clinching the title by a narrow margin of seven runs.

“Gut-wrenching: South Africa’s choke puts India on top of T20 World”, read the headline of Sydney Morning Herald.

“In a Twenty20 World Cup where cricket’s global behemoth India had all the advantages, it still took an extraordinary collapse by South Africa and a marginal umpiring decision to hand Rohit Sharma’s team the trophy in Barbados,” it read further.

South Africa’s reputation for faltering in crucial moments of major tournaments was solidified during the 1999 World Cup semifinal against Australia. The team’s hopes were dashed by a tense run-out in the final over, resulting in a heartbreaking defeat.

The Proteas have encountered comparable circumstances in subsequent World Cup campaigns in 2007 and 2015, as well as in the Champions Trophy, further reinforcing the notion of their tendency to “choke” under pressure.

“Kohli goes up gear to lead India to title”, reported The Sunday Times, London, while also emphasizing South Africa’s unfortunate propensity to underperform in high-stakes situations.

“South Africa left in tears after handing India World Cup in latest choke,” headlined The Telegraph, London.

“Clutch India down Proteas in thrilling World Cup final,” Australia’s cricket.com.au headlined their match report

“South Africa’s history of heartbreak was extended as India clinched a drought-breaking World Cup title, thanks to Virat Kohli in his T20 International swansong and his side’s nerveless pacemen, following a dramatic final in Barbados,” read the report.

Fox Cricket highlighted Kohli’s rise to the occasion in the biggest stage.

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

Pakistan newspaper Dawn published the photo of India’s celebration with the silverware on its front page and hailed Kohli’s rise to the occasion.

“Kohli had struggled in the tournament but he delivered his best innings at the perfect moment with his balanced batting,” wrote Dawn.

Congratulatory greetings also poured in from former cricketers across the world.

“Congratulations India on a memorable win. @ImRo45 fully deserves it, he has been an exceptional leader,” Pakistani legendary allrounder Shahid Afridi posted on X.

“Congratulations India on a courageous final. And of course to SA, of course you’ll be disappointed but to produce a great final commands respect. Cricket reminds us all of our own trials, our successes and failures but most all cricket brings us together,” wrote former Australian batter Matthew Hayden.

Former England skipper Michael Vaughan was all praise for Suryakumar Yadav’s catch to dismiss David Miller in the thrilling final over.

“Incredible catch to win India the World Cup .. Absolutely fantastic final .. India have been the best team so throughly deserve the win .. SA have not been far behind though .. Brilliant World Cup,” wrote Vaughan.

He also lauded Indian speedster Jasprit Bumrah as the “greatest ever” white ball bowler.

“I think Bumrah is the greatest ever White ball seam bowler.”

“Congratulations to you @ImRo45 (Rohit Sharma) and team India on winning the #T20WorldCup,” posted the Afghanistan skipper who led them to a historic semifinal finish.

“Congratulations to India on winning T20 Worldcup 2024 unbeaten throughout the tournament really deserving team, Well played South Africa as well. What a player Rohit Sharma,” wrote Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz.