'India would've lost if...' - Ahmed Shehzad's colossal take on Rohit Sharma's leadership in T20 World Cup final

Updated - 02 Jul 2024, 05:03 PM

Ahmed Shehzad, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma
Ahmed Shehzad, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma. Image Credits: X

Pakistan batter Ahmed Shehzad has lauded India for winning the T20 World Cup 2024 title. Shehzad praised the way India won the final match against South Africa despite struggling at one point.

South Africa needed 30 runs off 30 balls at one point with Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller in blistering form. But Jasprit Bumrah bowled a sensational over and gave away just 4 runs. In the next over, Hardik Pandya dismissed the dangerous Heinrich Klaasen to start the panic in the South African dressing room.

Bumrah bowled another brilliant over and gave away just 2 runs while picking up a wicket as well. When the situation was down to 16 off 6 balls, Suryakumar Yadav pulled off a stunner at long-off to dismiss David Miller and almost end South Africa's hopes. India went on to win the game by 7 runs to end a long ICC trophy drought for them.

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Ahmed Shehzad hails India for pulling off a sensational win

While speaking with the reporters, Ahmed Shehzad hailed the Indian team for pulling off a heist despite looking out of the game at one point. Shehzad hailed the Indian domestic structure that makes them favorites going into any tournament.

"India is a phenomenal team. They work on merit, on infrastructure, they have the right people for the right places. They work according to a specific plan. A lot of people were saying that India haven't won a title since 2013. But the kind of cricket they produce, they are always the favourites going into a tournament. In this tournament as well, they went unbeaten right till the end," Shehzad said.

Ahmed Shehzad lauds Rohit Sharma's captaincy

The right-handed opener also praised Indian fast bowlers Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah for producing magical spells against South Africa and said that it was a perfect farewell to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in T20 cricket.

"It didn't look like they will win the final. But the kind of leadership Rohit Sharma showed was commendable. If there was any other captain, India would have lost the game. But credit to (Jasprit) Bumrah, Arshdeep (Singh), Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma's leadership that they pulled off that game and they got a well-deserved send-off with a title win," Shehzad stated.

India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament and became the first team to win the ICC T20 World Cup title without losing a single game. Virat Kohli was adjudged the Player of the Match for his vital innings of 76 off 59 balls in the final. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah had a sensational tournament and was adjudged the Player of the Series.

On the other hand, it was a tough pill to swallow for South Africa who were way ahead in the game when they required 30 runs off the last 5 overs. But Heinrich Klaasen's wicket gave India a big chance to make a comeback and the Men in Blue grabbed the chance gleefully.

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ICC T20 World Cup Ahmed Shehzad Indian National Cricket Team South Africa national cricket team IND vs SA India vs South Africa