New Delhi: India ended an 11-year ICC title drought by clinching the T20 World Cup 2024 with a thrilling victory over South Africa in Barbados. The nerve-wracking final at Kensington Oval drew accolades from tech leaders like Satya Nadella and Sundar Pichai.

Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai shared his excitement on X, saying, "What a game! Could barely breathe. Everything that makes sports incredible. Congrats India, so well deserved! SA was amazing."

Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella praised the teams, stating, "What a final. Congrats, India, and well played, South Africa. A superb World Cup." He advocated for more cricket in the West Indies and USA.

Meanwhile, Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra Group, reflected on India's resilience, requesting a graphic showing the Indian cricket team as superheroes. "They were SuperCool till the end," he remarked on X. "This final was a gift to India, showing that being a superhero requires fierce determination and a Never Give In attitude. Jai Ho!"

India's victory was fueled by Hardik Pandya's 3-20 and Jasprit Bumrah's 2-18, which limited South Africa to 169/8, securing India's second T20 World Cup title. Virat Kohli's 59-ball 76 anchored India's innings to 176/7, the highest total in a Men's T20 World Cup final. His partnerships with Axar Patel (47 off 31 balls) and Shivam Dube (27 off 16 balls) propelled India past the challenging 175-run mark, scoring 42 runs in the last three overs.

South Africa, in their pursuit, kept the chase alive but faltered against Hardik Pandya's crucial dismissal of Heinrich Klaasen, swinging momentum back to India.

This victory marked a significant triumph for India, ending their long wait for a global cricket trophy and showcasing their resilience and skill on the international stage. IANS