In a major relief for families and fans back home, the flight designated to bring the Indian cricket team back to India has landed in Barbados. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) arranged the flight to repatriate players, coaches, and their families from the hurricane-affected island nation.

Rohit Sharma's squad clinched the T20 World Cup 2024 title by defeating South Africa in the final on Saturday. Originally scheduled to depart for India on Sunday, they were stranded due to the threat of Hurricane. With all airports closed in Barbados as a precautionary measure, BCCI took swift action to ensure the safety of the team and their families.

According to the latest updates, the team is expected to touch down in New Delhi on Thursday.

In the final match of the tournament, India won the toss and opted to bat first. After being reduced to 34/3, a counter-attacking partnership between Virat (76) and Axar Patel (47 in 31 balls, with one four and four sixes) of 72 runs restored India's position in the game. A 57-run stand between Virat and Shivam Dube (27 in 16 balls, with three fours and a six) took India to 176/7 in their 20 overs.

Keshav Maharaj (2/23) and Anrich Nortje (2/26) were the top bowlers for SA. Marco Jansen and Aiden Markram took a wicket each.

In the run chase of 177 runs, Proteas was reduced to 12/2 and then a 58-run partnership between Quinton de Kock (39 in 31 balls, with four boundaries and a six) and Tristan Stubbs (31 in 21 balls, with three fours and a six) brought back SA into the game. A half-century by Heinrich Klaasen (52 in 27 balls, with two fours and five sixes) threatened to take the game away from India. However, Arshdeep Singh (2/18), Jasprit Bumrah (2/20) and Hardik (3/20) made a fine comeback in death overs, keeping SA to 169/8 in their 20 overs.