The T20 Men’s World Cup 2024, hosted by South Africa, brought together the finest cricketing nations. The T20 World Cup 2024 was a thrilling event filled with incredible performances, This edition of the tournament, the ninth in its history, unfolded over four weeks of adrenaline-fueled action from October to November, captivating fans worldwide.
The T20 Men’s World Cup 2024 will be remembered not only for its high-octane action and dramatic moments but also for the unity and joy it brought to cricket fans around the globe. This tournament once again proved why T20 cricket remains the most exciting and accessible format of the game. For fans and players alike, the memories forged in South Africa will resonate for years, adding a new chapter to the rich history of cricket’s shortest format.
1. Virat Kohli (India)
Virat Kohli once again proved why he is a modern-day legend. Leading India’s charge in the T20 World Cup 2024, Kohli amassed 320 runs at an average of 64. His consistency under pressure was instrumental in India clinching their second T20 World Cup title.
Kohli’s defining moment came in the final against South Africa. Kohli walked in at a critical juncture and played an unbeaten knock of 73 off 49 balls. The innings was a masterclass in pacing the innings; he struck boundaries at crucial intervals and rotated the strike effectively. His six off Kagiso Rabada in the penultimate over eased the pressure on India, turning the tide decisively .
Throughout the tournament, Kohli’s ability to perform under pressure was unmatched. In the semi-final against England, his 45-run partnership with Surya Kumar Yadav steadied the ship after early setbacks. Kohli’s adaptability, temperament, and skill made him the linchpin of India’s batting lineup .
2. Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)
Rashid Khan was the backbone of Afghanistan’s fairy-tale run to the semi-finals. He ended the tournament with 16 wickets, the most for any spinner, at an economy rate of 6.2 runs per over. Rashid’s ability to control the middle overs and pick crucial wickets made him Afghanistan’s game-changer.
In a crucial group-stage match against Bangladesh, Rashid delivered a spell of 4/22, dismantling the opposition’s middle order and securing Afghanistan’s spot in the knockouts. His variations in flight and length baffled even experienced batsmen, highlighting his exceptional skills.
Against Australia, Rashid once again delivered under pressure, dismissing David Warner and Mitchell Marsh in the same over. His performance inspired Afghanistan to their first-ever win against the Aussies in a T20 World Cup. Rashid’s leadership, combined with his game-changing abilities, made him a standout performer.
3. David Miller (South Africa)
David Miller’s ability to deliver under pressure earned him the nickname “Killer Miller,” and he lived up to it in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Scoring 290 runs at a strike rate of 148, Miller was South Africa’s go-to finisher in crunch situations.
The semi-final against England showcased Miller’s prowess. Chasing a daunting target of 195, South Africa were reeling at 98/4 when Miller walked in. His unbeaten 89 off 46 balls, featuring six towering sixes, turned the match on its head. Miller’s calculated aggression against England’s bowlers, including Jofra Archer and Sam Curran, was a masterclass in finishing.
Throughout the tournament, Miller played several such impactful innings, including a quickfire 60* against New Zealand in the Super 12s. His calm demeanor and ability to clear the boundary under pressure made him an indispensable part of South Africa’s batting lineup.
4. Jasprit Bumrah (India)
Jasprit Bumrah’s return from injury was one of the biggest positives for India in the T20 World Cup 2024. With 15 wickets at an economy rate of just 6.4, Bumrah was India’s spearhead with the ball. His ability to deliver in the powerplay and at the death made him a nightmare for batsmen.
Bumrah’s 3/20 against England in the semi-final was one of his standout performances. He dismissed England’s openers in quick succession, derailing their plans for a strong start. His pinpoint Yorkers in the death overs ensured that England fell short of a competitive total.
In the group-stage match against Australia, Bumrah’s spell of 2/18 included the crucial wicket of Glenn Maxwell. His ability to deliver under pressure, coupled with his unorthodox action, made him India’s most reliable bowler throughout the tournament.
India posted 176/7 in the final against South Africa in Bridgetown, Bumrah went to work in the second over of India’s bowling effort, and arguably saved his best for last with a dream dismissal of Reeza Hendricks with his third delivery. Belying his bowling action – which points to moving the ball into the right hander – Bumrah managed to swing the ball away from Hendricks at pace, squaring the opener up before hitting the top of his off-stump.
Then, with South Africa needing 21 from the final 15 balls, Bumrah nipped one back between Marco Jansen’s bat and pad to leave the Proteas six down and ultimately too far behind in the contest. He finished with 2/18 (4) and lead to victory.
5. Jos Buttler (England)
England’s captain Jos Buttler combined tactical brilliance with exceptional batting performances. Scoring 270 runs at a strike rate of 150, Buttler was instrumental in England’s campaign.
One of Buttler’s standout moments was his unbeaten century (101*) against Australia in the Super 12s. Opening the innings, he took the attack to Australia’s bowlers, dismantling the likes of Pat Cummins and Adam Zampa. His aggressive approach in the powerplay ensured England consistently posted or chased challenging totals.
Despite England’s semi-final exit, Buttler’s leadership and consistency were commendable. His ability to lead from the front, whether with the bat or as a tactician, solidified his status as one of the best T20 players in the world.
