Sri Lanka postponed its premier league tournament to allow more time to improve venues for the T20 World Cup in February and March, the cricket board said on Wednesday.

The 20 teams at next year's men's T20 World Cup:

🇮🇳 India
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka
🇦🇫 Afghanistan
🇦🇺 Australia
🇧🇩 Bangladesh
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 England
🇿🇦 South Africa
🇺🇸 USA
🏝️ West Indies
☘️ Ireland
🇳🇿 New Zealand
🇵🇰 Pakistan
🇨🇦 Canada
🇮🇹 Italy
🇳🇱 Netherlands
🇳🇦 Namibia
🇿🇼 Zimbabwe
🇳🇵 Nepal
🇴🇲 Oman
🇦🇪… pic.twitter.com/Mmar8uXKKx

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) October 16, 2025

The Lanka Premier League (LPL), scheduled for December, was put off indefinitely to upgrade facilities at three international match venues ahead of the World Cup it is co-hosting with India, the board said.

"Sri Lanka Cricket has decided to shift the 2025 edition of the LPL to a more suitable window, allowing full focus on ensuring comprehensive venue readiness ahead of the World Cup," it added.

The board said Colombo's R. Premadasa Stadium, where renovations were paused to make way for the ongoing Women's World Cup, will resume refurbishment work shortly.

United Arab Emirates captain Muhammed Waseem expects his team to make their mark at the Twenty20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next year after they claimed the last qualifying spot for the showpiece tournament.

Their eight-wicket victory against Japan in Al Amarat on Thursday guaranteed UAE a top-three finish at the Asia/East Asia-Pacific qualifier. They join Nepal and Oman as the last three teams to secure spots at the event.

"It's very proud moment for us as a team, and I'm very happy with the performance of the team," Waseem said in a video posted by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

"We played like a champion team here. I have belief in my team that they will do better in the upcoming games and in the World Cup.

"I'm pretty sure we'll produce some excellent performance in the World Cup."

The win put an end to the qualifying hopes of Japan, Samoa and Qatar.

Former champions England and Australia have qualified automatically alongside five other teams who finished in the top seven at the 2024 World Cup.

With the United States also booking their ticket courtesy of a top-seven finish at the 2024 edition, which they co-hosted with the West Indies, Canada grabbed the lone Americas qualifying spot for the 20-team tournament.

Italy and the Netherlands qualified from Europe, while Namibia and Zimbabwe secured the two spots from the eight-team Africa qualifier.

The ICC is yet to announce the schedule but the tournament is likely to be held in February-March, with India the defending champions.

Zimbabwe opening batter Brian Bennett and Namibia allrounder J.J. Smit played key roles on Thursday as their countries booked their spots at the T20 World Cup with victories in the African qualifying event.

A quickfire 51 from Bennett in Harare set up Zimbabwe for a seven-wicket victory over Kenya with five overs to spare. Earlier, Smit compiled an unbeaten 61 and took three wickets in a 63-run win against Tanzania.

Brian Bennett in the 4th Over
4⃣.4⃣.4⃣.4⃣.4⃣.4⃣ 🥵

Watch LIVE on https://t.co/BA4jRh7ED1#T20WorldCup #RoadTo2026 pic.twitter.com/e2gRg9hiAl

— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) October 2, 2025

The qualifications of Zimbabwe and Namibia raised to 17 the number of nations who have booked places at the 7 February - 8 March tournament, which defending champions India and Sri Lanka will co-host.

The three remaining slots will be decided through the Asia and East Asia-Pacific qualifiers in Oman, which start next week.

Zimbabwe, shock absentees from the 2024 World Cup, will be making a seventh appearance, and Namibia a fourth in a row.

Kenya won the toss and opted to bat, but their 122-6 total was never likely to suffice. Rakep Patel, who came in after openers Pushkar Sharma (11) and Dhiren Gondaria (1) fell cheaply, top-scored with 65 from 47 balls.

Bennett wasted no time putting Zimbabwe on the path to qualification, averaging two runs off each delivery in a knock that included two sixes and eight fours - including six in one over from Lucas Ndandason.

He and Tadiwanashe Marumani (39) put on 76 for the first wicket and Zimbabwe reached 123 for three to win with 30 balls to spare. Vraj Patel was the pick of the Kenyan bowlers with 2 for 29.

Put in to bat by Tanzania, Namibia recovered from losing four wickets with only 41 runs on the board to post 174 for six off 20 overs. Tanzania made 111 for eight in reply.

Smit and captain Gerhard Erasmus, who made 55 from 41 balls, swung the match in favour of the Namibians, adding 88 for the fifth wicket.

Smit struck four sixes and a four in his 43-ball innings while Erasmus, who skippered Namibia in their previous three World Cup appearances, hit six fours.

Apart from opener Abhik Patwa, whose 31 off 31 deliveries included a six and three fours, Tanzania struggled in reply, quickly falling behind the required run rate and never recovering.

Zimbabwe and Namibia will co-host the 2027 ODI World Cup alongside South Africa, who are the third African time to have qualified for February's showpiece in India.

BRIEF SCORES

Namibia 174-6, 20 overs (J.J. Smit 61 not out, G. Erasmus 55; K. Juma 2-29, A. Kimote 2-41) v Tanzania 111-8, 20 overs (A. Patwa 31, M. Suthar 24; Smit 3-16, B. Shikongo 3-21)

Result: Namibia won by 63 runs

Toss: Tanzania

Kenya 122-6, 20 overs (R. Patel 65; B. Muzarabani 2-19) v Zimbabwe 123-3, 15 overs (B. Bennett 51, T. Marumani 39; V. Patal 2-29)

Result: Zimbabwe won by seven wickets

India's T20 World Cup winners returned home to a heroes' welcome Thursday, greeted by huge crowds of euphoric fans and praised by a grinning Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a private reception.

Frenzied crowds shouted "India, India" after the team landed at Delhi airport from the Caribbean, having been delayed for days by Hurricane Beryl.

Happiness All Around 🤗#TeamIndia’s arrival in India bringing joy to the many as they bask in the love and support 💙#T20WorldCup | #Champions pic.twitter.com/F282DWVKTD

— BCCI (@BCCI) July 4, 2024

The team waved to the crowds and danced to drums and live music at their hotel before heading off to meet Modi at his residence.

A memorable occasion as #TeamIndia got the opportunity to meet the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modiji in Delhi 🙌@narendramodi | @JayShah pic.twitter.com/eqJ7iv9yVw

— BCCI (@BCCI) July 4, 2024

Rohit and his team wore Indian jerseys emblazoned with "Champions", as broadcasters showed images of them posing with their trophy and the premier.

"An excellent meeting with our Champions!" Modi wrote on social media platform X afterwards.

An excellent meeting with our Champions!

Hosted the World Cup winning team at 7, LKM and had a memorable conversation on their experiences through the tournament. pic.twitter.com/roqhyQRTnn

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 4, 2024

Evening saw the team paraded in an open-topped bus through the financial capital Mumbai, the birthplace of India's cricket obsession, along a seafront route thronging with jubliant crowds.

This Day. This Celebration. This Reception 💙#TeamIndia | #T20WorldCup | #Champions pic.twitter.com/nhdoqqVUzU

— BCCI (@BCCI) July 4, 2024

They took a victory lap in front of thousands more fans at Wankhede Stadium, the site of India's last World Cup win for the 50-over edition of the tournament in 2011.

वंदे मातरम 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/j5D4nMMdF9

— BCCI (@BCCI) July 4, 2024

"This is surreal, watching my team with the World Cup," emotional fan Rohit Khanna told AFP before the team landed.

"I saw the 2011 triumph, but this is a moment I will never forget."

'DREAM'

Despite monsoon rain, crowds gathered outside New Delhi's airport long before dawn, waiting for a glimpse of their idols, who had beaten South Africa on Saturday in a thrilling final in Barbados.

Whistles and wild cheers greeted the players as they walked out from the arrivals area with gold medals around their necks, some giving a thumbs-up to their fans.

It was vice-captain Hardik Pandya who emerged first, wearing a Caribbean hat, and the crowd erupted when captain Rohit came out carrying the glittering trophy, which he hoisted into the air.

Star batsman Virat Kohli, whose hometown is Delhi, was given some of the loudest cheers as he waved to hundreds of fans.

"It's a dream for me to witness India return home from a World Cup," said a shirtless fan with a Kohli tattoo on his chest.

AN UNFORGETTABLE DAY 💙

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 🏆#TeamIndia | #T20WorldCup | #Champions pic.twitter.com/FeT7VNV5lB

— BCCI (@BCCI) July 4, 2024

Last weekend's victory ended an 11-year global cricket trophy drought for India following their 2013 Champions Trophy win.

The final was the last match in charge for coach Rahul Dravid, 51, who was bounced in the air by the team during the post-match celebrations.

Rohit, Kohli and allrounder Ravindra Jadeja all announced their retirement from T20 international cricket after the final.

Plane tracking website Flightradar24 said the special Air India charter had been the "most tracked flight for much of the last 15 hours", as excited fans followed the team's journey back from the Caribbean.

South Africa finally reached their first men’s World Cup final after seven semifinal defeats over the course of 32-years.

Neil Manthorp reflects back on the 2024 T20 World Cup and rates the players who featured during the campaign which ended in a nail-biting, seven-run defeat to India. 

Quinton de Kock (8) – Struggled to get going on the drop-in pitches in New York but 74 (40 balls) and 65 (38 balls) against the USA and England promised match-winning performances at the back end of the tournament.

Leading by example with the willow 🏏

Quinton de Kock receives the @Aramco POTM after his 65 off 38 balls laid the foundation for a Proteas victory 🏅#ENGvSA #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/VHfUKpxN75

— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) June 21, 2024

His 39 (21) in the final against India was his most determined and passionate innings in recent years.

He appeared so determined to retire from international cricket on a high. Perhaps it’s the reason he has delayed the decision… 

Reeza Hendricks (5) – Wretched tournament for one of the most popular players in the squad. Even when he did score some runs, his 43 against Nepal came from 49 balls.

An unbeaten 29 against Afghanistan in the semifinal might have turned things around but, when you’re struggling, you naturally receive the ‘ball of the tournament’ from the best bowler in the world, Jasprit Bumrah. 

You are watching the "Ball of the Tournament" , so don't go without liking this ❤️

Jasprit Bumrah delivers at most important time when 1.4 billions 🇮🇳 were on verge on heart attack 👏#INDvSA #T20IWorldCupFinal pic.twitter.com/Fww7iYDier

— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) June 29, 2024

Aiden Markram (6) – Horrible tournament with the bat but brilliant as captain. Scored 46 from 32 balls against the USA and 23* freebie runs against Afghanistan in the semi.

Enjoyed a better tournament as a bowler than batsman but his tactical acumen, which is much harder to measure, led to highly unlikely victories against Bangladesh, Nepal and England. Defeat in any might have led to an early exit.

Aiden Markram, we believed because you did 🫡 pic.twitter.com/ffSLccwYBd

— Durban's Super Giants (@DurbansSG) June 29, 2024

Tristan Stubbs (6) – A mixed bag. Runs in almost every innings but…33 from 27 against Netherlands did much to avert disaster but ended with an ill-timed, aerial drive. 

A similar shot on 29 against the West Indies might easily have been fatal for the team, but wasn’t.

His audacious, bowled behind the legs sweep-shot has been seldom mentioned in the aftermath of the final. He may be relieved by that. 

A much needed breakthrough for Team India

Axar Patel gets Tristan Stubbs for 31(21) #T20WorldCup #T20WorldCupFinal pic.twitter.com/Zp8b4jmYm5

— Shumila (@quranics_) June 29, 2024

Heinrich Klaasen (7) – A calm, patient 19* against Sri Lanka in New York confirmed he was in the right, selfless frame of mind.

The 46 (44 balls) against Bangladesh reaffirmed it and 36 from 22 balls against the USA suggested he was casting off the shackles applied by some nasty pitches.

His 52 from 27 balls in the final was comfortably amongst the most dynamic in the tournament’s history of finals.

The edge against a wide, harmless delivery from Hardik Pandya, with the game in his grasp, will stay with him for a while.   

A KLAASY innings comes to an end 🔚

This one is on a knife edge 🍿

📺 Stream #T20WorldCup live: https://t.co/rM90YyR504 pic.twitter.com/1fcIgS63sl

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) June 29, 2024

David Miller (8) – South Africa were 12-4 against the Netherlands in New York. A third consecutive humiliation loomed.

His 59* from 51 balls won’t be remembered amongst his many, match-winning innings but it was a Herculean effort.

Another 43 (28) helped the team to beat England but he was left with too much to do in the final, in the company of tail-enders, against India and Jasprit Bumrah.

Kapil Dev’s catch to out viv Richard’s 1983

Sreesanth’s catch to out Misbah ul haq in 2007

And

Surya’s catch to out David Miller in 2024..

Catches will go down in history as one of the most crucial catches in Indian cricket…!! 🇮🇳🇮🇳 #indiawin

pic.twitter.com/7u0hcHvGQc

— 𝙰𝚖𝚒𝚝 /अमित / અમિત (@Amit_raja12) June 30, 2024

Marco Jansen (6) – It’s not Jansen’s fault he’s batting one place too high but his calm composure against the West Indies, with a straight six to win the match with panic swarming, showed he can still grow into the role.

He may never develop into a ‘tight’ bowler with the new ball because early, Power Play wickets are his currency. Afghanistan were blown away partly by his 3-16. A learning tournament this time.

Man of the Match | #SAvAFG 🇿🇦🇦🇫

A blitzing performance with the ball from Marco Jansen! ⚡

He earned the POTM award in our incredible Semi-Final win this morning.

Credit: ICC / Getty#WozaNawe #BePartOfIt#OutOfThisWorld #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/6mdDiyhaBR

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) June 27, 2024

Keshav Maharaj (8) – Any spinner who can defend 11 runs in the final over with a wide and three full-tosses is either lucky or a genius.

Maharaj may be the genius who got lucky against Bangladesh, or maybe he created his own luck with two early wickets in his 3-27.

⚡️Congratulations to Keshav Maharaj who recorded his career best T20I bowling figures in yesterday’s win over Bangladesh.

Bowling Kesh 🪄 | #SAvBAN #WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #OutOfThisWorld #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/Q1vZlz5vQI

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) June 11, 2024

Consistent and reliable as always, his 2-23 from three overs in the final against India was exemplary.  Could he have bowled a fourth?

Kagiso Rabada (8) – Tournament figures often misrepresent a players’ contribution to winning matches.

Bangladesh needed 20 runs from 18 balls with two set batsmen.

Rabada dismissed the top-scorer and conceded just two runs from the 18^th over. Match winner.

3-18 against USA and 2-32 against England also went a long way to winning those games.

As did his cover-driven four against the West Indies from the final delivery of the penultimate over did so much to win that game.

If only his batting had developed to match its potential over the years.

PUMPED UP! 😤

Credit: ICC/ Getty #WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #OutOfThisWorld #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/LknWthwYmI

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) June 29, 2024

Anrich Nortje (8) – After a torrid IPL in which he conceded over 13.5 run per over, Nortje delighted in the spicy, unpredictable pitches in New York.

He claimed 4-7 against Sri Lanka in the first game and never looked back.

Confidence is a fickle thing, but his surged back and, but for his 2-26 in the final, India might have surged to an insurmountable total.  

Massive shout out to Anrich Nortje who came into this T20 World Cup under a cloud of uncertainty over his form

An impeccable tournament for him

Wickets: 15
Economy Rate: 5.74

He now has now taken 35 wickets in 19 innings in T20 World Cups at an economy rate of 5.55, brilliant pic.twitter.com/g9Yi0O4aau

— Werner (@Werries_) June 30, 2024

Tabraiz Shamsi (8) – Frustrated but acquiescent about his services being unrequired (unneeded) in New York, Shamsi responded with 4-19 against Nepal (preventing certain defeat) and 3-27 against the West Indies.

Another 3-6 against Afghanistan’s tail were a welcome bonus.

Not just a fine cricketer, but a ‘real’ personality with a natural affinity with those who follow the national team.  

Man of the Match. 🇿🇦 | #WIvSA

Another POTM award for the magic man! 🪄

Credit: ICC/ Getty #WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #OutOfThisWorld #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/XkzjYBgH7s

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) June 24, 2024

Ottneil Baartman (7) – Sensational in admittedly extremely helpful conditions in New York, Baartman did everything he could to enhance his reputation and display his skills.

His 4-11 against the Netherlands was boosted by two ‘cheap’ wickets in the final over but a well-deserved return, nonetheless.

Ottneil Baartman was the star with 4-11 as Netherlands end on 103-9#T20WorldCup #SAvNED pic.twitter.com/eLc9tTySM5

— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) June 8, 2024

Honourable Mentions: Ryan Rickelton, Bjorn Fortuin, Gerald Coetzee, Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger: The first three were part of the official squad, the last two travelling reserves.

Their commitment to being ‘ready’ at a moment’s notice was conspicuously obvious.

Not that ‘holidaying’ in New York would have been acceptable, but ‘full intensity’ at training, with playing opportunities diminishing, was admirable.

India's T20 Cricket World Cup winners were finally heading home Wednesday, officials said, after a hurricane in the West Indies delayed their departure.

Favourites India won the title on Saturday after defeating South Africa in a thrilling final, but their travel plans were disrupted by Hurricane Beryl.

"The team has left from Barbados on a special Air India flight," Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president Rajeev Shukla told the Press Trust of India.

Rohit Sharma's men were scheduled to reach the Indian capital New Delhi on Thursday morning, where they will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The special flight was arranged after the players were stranded in a hotel for three days after the victory.

Rohit, who announced his T20 international retirement alongside fellow star Virat Kohli after the final, posted a picture of him holding the T20 trophy with teammate Suryakumar Yadav aboard the flight, with a caption "Coming home".

After their meeting with Modi, the team will fly to Mumbai for a victory parade in the heart of India's financial capital, Shukla said.

Last weekend's win ended an 11-year global cricket trophy drought for India following their 2013 Champions Trophy win.

Their last World Cup victory was at home for the 50-over tournament in 2011 under M.S. Dhoni.

The final was the last match in charge for coach Rahul Dravid, 51, who was bounced in the air by the team during the celebrations.

League Commissioner, Graeme Smith has praised the performance of the Proteas Men’s team after the recently-concluded ICC T20 World Cup and noted the increased positivity around South African cricket, both locally and internationally.

The Proteas lost narrowly to India in a worthy Final. And Smith wished to congratulate the team.

“We at Betway SA20 are proud of the Proteas' achievements at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup,” Smith said.

“From the outset, the League, alongside Cricket South Africa, has wanted to provide South African cricketers with the opportunity to be exposed to a higher level of domestic cricket where the players are able to rub shoulders and learn from some of the best the game has to offer.

“Coupled with a unique fan experience that has brought the cricket-loving public back to our stadiums to support our heroes on the field, there is now a bridge that joins provincial and international cricket.

“Players are exposed to high-pressure and competitive cricket and this experience stood them in good stead in the US and Caribbean.”

He was particularly pleased to see the leading wicket-taker in the history of Betway SA20 Ottniel Baartman having made his debut at a global showpiece and excelling.

“Ottniel is the epitome of a Betway SA20 success story. A relatively unknown player before Betway SA20 that has transformed and grown in confidence due to experiences with the Sunrisers Eastern Cape is phenomenal,” Smith said.

“Despite playing in his very first T20 World Cup, he backed his skills under immense pressure. The four wickets against the Netherlands and the last over against Nepal definitely stands out.”

Smith feels the Proteas’ results in the US and Caribbean plays directly into the hands of Betway SA20’s overall objectives.

“People can be positive about cricket in the country again. These are things that are important to us. Smith said.

“Together with Cricket South Africa, we are committed to continuing to provide opportunities and platforms for our players to excel and inspire the next generation of cricketing talent in South Africa.

“Hopefully we have played a role in benefiting South African cricket through the SA20. It has been encouraging to hear players’ positive comments about the League throughout the T20 World Cup, with players crediting the opportunity it has created to contribute to South Africa’s cricketing talent.”

Smith also wished to congratulate Proteas' Men's T20 captain Aiden Markram on his superb leadership skills for the tournament.

“Aiden was particularly good during the tournament. He was tactically astute, had good plans and was brave enough to make the big calls and then get all his players to commit to it,” said Smith.

“We have of course seen Aiden captain in this manner before over the course of the past two Betway SA20 seasons, leading the Sunrisers Eastern Cape to back-to-back championship titles, but now he has transferred this experience to the international arena.

The entire Proteas T20 Cup squad are due to participate in South Africa’s premier T20 competition Season 3, which will commence on 9th January though until 8th February 2025.

India will name their new coach after the World Cup-winning team makes its triumphant return from the Caribbean – but it is unclear when that will be because of a hurricane.

The frontrunner appears to be Gautam Gambhir, 42, a former batsman who scored over 10 000 international runs across three formats. He most recently coached Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL crown.

Indian media reported Monday the other man in the running to replace Rahul Dravid is W.V. Raman, 59, also an ex-Indian cricketer, and former coach of the national women's team.

Jay Shah, secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), said the two candidates had been "interviewed and shortlisted" by the board's Cricket Advisory Committee, according to the Press Trust of India news agency.

"After reaching Mumbai, whatever they have decided, we will go by that," Shah said.

Shah spoke in Barbados, where he told Indian reporters the team were stranded because flights were delayed by Hurricane Beryl.

"Like you we are also stuck," he told reporters.

India won a thrilling final by seven runs against South Africa in Barbados on Saturday to clinch their first global tournament since the 2013 Champions Trophy.

The T20 World Cup final was the final match in charge for former skipper Dravid, 51, who was bounced in the air by the team during the celebrations.

Former batsman V.V.S. Laxman will coach the team for their tour of Zimbabwe for five T20 internationals from July 6-14, Shah said.

The new coach will take over for India's tour of Sri Lanka, made up of three T20s and three ODIs, which begins on July 27.

World Cup-winning skipper Rohit Sharma said his team's victory was a "dream come true" for India, as he awaited his return home to a hero's welcome.

The T20 triumph ended more than a decade of heartache after India's previous World Cup win came in the 50-over version in 2011.

"The team and I are very proud to be able to bring the cup home and are truly touched by how much happiness it has brought everyone back home," Rohit said in a post on social media on Monday.

He also posted a picture of himself lying flat on his back with his eyes closed, wearing his blue team kit.

"This picture epitomises how I'm feeling right now," he said.

Two cricketing greats call time on their international T20 careers in style 🤩👇#T20WorldCup | #OutOfThisWorld

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) June 30, 2024

"Right now I'm basking in a dream come true for a billion of us."

India won a thrilling final by seven runs in Barbados on Saturday to clinch their first global tournament since the 2013 Champions Trophy.

It was not clear when the Indian team would arrive home, with Indian media on Monday reporting they were stuck in Barbados, delayed by Hurricane Beryl.

Jay Shah, secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, announced around 25 people in the team, coaching and support staff would share nearly $15 million in prize money, a reward for their "talent, determination, and sportsmanship".

The bonus is in addition to a record prize pool of $11.25 million for the tournament, of which India will receive $2.45 million.

The cricket-obsessed country erupted in midnight celebrations as India won, with fans in blue India shirts taking to the streets across cities including the capital New Delhi.

The T20 World Cup concluded with a classic thriller of a final, with India crowned champions on Saturday, but the tournament may also go down as a milestone for a game which is keen to expand its global footprint.

With the decision to increase the size of the tournament to 20 teams and to play part of the group stage in the USA, the International Cricket Council (ICC) saw this World Cup as a vehicle for expansion of the sport's popularity.

More teams from emerging cricket nations were given a chance to perform on the global stage and Americans were offered the opportunity to engage with a sport far from their mainstream.

There were risks to such a strategy – the smaller associate nation teams needed to be competitive and not just cannon fodder and the very limited cricket facilities in the USA needed to be upgraded and in some cases created from scratch.

On both fronts, the tournament can be considered a success, albeit a qualified one.

Certainly, the associate nations made their presence felt right from the opening game at Grand Prairie Stadium near Dallas where the USA beat Canada in a pulsating match.

It is hard to imagine any marketing and promotion campaign that could better the impact of the USA upsetting Pakistan, a result creating a completely new level of awareness of the sport in the country.

No-one who witnessed Nepal's effervescent performances and their large and passionate fans could doubt they were a welcome presence on the big stage.

"I think it has had a huge impact on associate teams. We didn't expect to see the USA in the Super Eights... that win over Pakistan... it showed they weren't here just to make up numbers," said former West Indies captain Chris Gayle, who was an ambassador for the tournament.

"You look at Nepal and Papua New Guinea and you see (a World Cup) can uplift a nation and help develop their cricket," he added.

'PATHWAY'

While Afghanistan have long left behind minnow-status, their run to the last four, including a memorable win over Australia, was a clear sign of where the pathway can lead for emerging teams.

Organisers made it clear before the tournament that they weren't expecting to 'break' the US market and convert NFL fans into cricket lovers but had more modest and achievable goals.

The aim was simply to pique the curiosity in cricket among Americans and certainly the sport raised its profile while remaining very much a small niche sport in the bigger picture.

The ICC also wanted to engage directly with the South Asian immigrant communities who make up the active core of cricket lovers in the USA and offer them a rare chance to see the international game in person.

The sight of 35 000 packed into a temporary stadium near Long Island, New York, to watch rivals India and Pakistan, showed that was a worthwhile strategy.

But there were issues with playing elite cricket at such venues.

The wicket in New York, developed in Florida and 'dropped in' shortly before the tournament, received plenty of criticism for its uneven bounce and unpredictability which led to low-scoring games. Gayle called the transported surface "jet lagged".

All but one game at Lauderhill was washed out by rain – not helped by drainage problems with part of the field while Ireland spent a week in South Florida without access to any practice facilities.

A tournament in the Caribbean is a logistical challenge in itself, with travel between the islands and nations difficult for fans, adding in three States in the USA and the idea of following team throughout the competition was prohibitively expensive for most supporters.

Gayle believes the tournament was a success overall but the co-hosting shouldn't be repeated.

"I'd love it if the World Cup is going to be held in the Caribbean it should be the Caribbean only and if it is going to be in the USA it should be in the USA only," he said.

For cricket in the USA the challenge is now to grow the seeds that have been planted and the hope is that the second season of the T20 franchise competition, Major League Cricket, can maintain the momentum.

The league gets under way on Friday with some new signings such as Australians Pat Cummins and Steve Smith joining South African captain Aiden Markram and batsman David Miller and Bangladesh allrounder Shakib Al Hasan.

India's World Cup-winning cricket team will share prize money of nearly $15 million, the national cricket board said Sunday, as a reward for their "talent, determination, and sportsmanship".

India won a thrilling final by seven runs in Barbados on Saturday to clinch their first major title since the 2013 Champions Trophy.

Jay Shah, secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), announced the hefty reward, which will be shared between around 25 people – the entire team including coaches and support staff.

"I am pleased to announce prize money of 125 crores rupees ($14.9 million) for Team India for winning the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024," Shah said in a statement.

If split equally, that works out to roughly $600 000 each.

"The team has showcased exceptional talent, determination, and sportsmanship throughout the tournament," Shah added.

"Congratulations to all the players, coaches, and support staff for this outstanding achievement".

The title victory comes after over a decade of heartbreaks in knockout matches of International Cricket Council (ICC) tournaments.

The cash prize is in addition to the International Cricket Council record prize pool of $11.25 million for the tournament.

India, as winner of the competition, will share a pot from that of $2.45 million along with bonuses, which the ICC said is "the highest amount in the tournament's history".

South Africa will share $1.28 million for finishing as the runner-up.

After India's win, the cricket-crazy country erupted with midnight celebrations as fans in blue Indian shirts on cars and bikes took to the streets across cities including the capital New Delhi.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on social media Sunday that he had spoken to the team, congratulating them on their "excellent skill and spirit".

South Africa's agonising seven-run loss to India in Saturday's Twenty20 World Cup final has only fired them up for future success as they reflect on a solid campaign in the tournament, says captain Aiden Markram.

Chasing 177 for victory, South Africa needed 30 runs from the final 30 balls with six wickets left and two set batters at the crease, but were restricted to 22 as India showed their experience and bowled with precision to close out the game.

"It is gut-wrenching. That's really what it is," Markram told reporters. "Each player has been on a different individual journey to get to this final. Ultimately, you become really tight as a group and you want good things to happen to this group because you know they're great people.

"When you get really close like that, especially the nature of how the game went, obviously adds to the emotions. It's one of those things but, we can channel it moving forward."

WE ARE BUILT DIFFERENT 🇿🇦🙌 #T20WorldCup #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/e6B46okSrU

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) June 28, 2024

South Africa had lost seven semifinals combined in 50- and 20-over World Cups over a period of 32 years before they demolished Afghanistan by nine wickets to set up the decider with India at the Kensington Oval in Barbados.

Markram hoped that this would be the first of more finals to come, in particular when South Africa host the 50-over Cricket World Cup in 2027.

"To get to our first final, it's something we can be proud of (but) still, in our eyes, not good enough. You're not satisfied with making a final," he said.

"It will take a bit of time for us to reflect back on all the good things that we've done, but obviously for the time being, it just hurts a lot.

"In hindsight, things will still feel really good about this competition. Just for the time being, it stings a bit, but it's good for it to sting. It gives you that little bit of fire in the belly for the next time that you're here."

India's T20 World Cup triumph was hailed by former cricketers on Sunday as inspiring the next generation, after Rohit Sharma and his team ended the country's global trophy drought.

Virat Kohli hit a match-winning 76 to set up India's seven-run win over South Africa in a thrilling final in Barbados on Saturday, before he and Rohit announced their retirement from T20 internationals.

The title victory comes after more than a decade of heartbreaks in knockout matches of International Cricket Council (ICC) tournaments and their last crown at the 2013 Champions Trophy.

The cricket-crazy country erupted with midnight celebrations as fans in blue Indian shirts on cars and bikes took to the streets across cities including the capital New Delhi.

"One Nation, One Joy," blazed the front page of the Times of India newspaper.

"Finally, India's final," said the Indian Express daily.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, India's captain for their first T20 World Cup triumph in 2007, praised the team for holding their nerve in a tense finale.

"Word Cup Champions 2024. My heart rate was up, well done on being calm, having the self-belief and doing what you guys did," Dhoni wrote on social media.

"From all the Indians back home, and everywhere in the world, a big thank you for bringing the World Cup home."

'STARRY-EYED CHILDREN'

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said he had spoken to the team, congratulating them on their "excellent skill and spirit", he wrote on social media.

Rohit was "excellence personified," said Modi, who praised his "aggressive mindset, batting and captaincy", while thanking coach Rahul Dravid's "unwavering dedication (and) strategic insights."

He also offered India's thanks to Kohli, who he said had "shone in all forms of the game".

"T20 cricket will miss you but I am confident you'll continue to motivate the new generation of players."

Rohit's team came close to ending India's title drought last year, losing to Australia the final of the World Test Championship and the 50-over World Cup.

But in a clash of the tournament's two unbeaten sides in Barbados, India held their nerve to defend 176 while South Africa choked when needing 30 off 30 balls to win their first World Cup.

"Every star added to the Team India jersey inspires our nation's starry-eyed children to move one step closer to their dreams," batting great Sachin Tendulkar, who won the 2011 World Cup under Dhoni, wrote on social media.

"Life comes full circle for Indian cricket in the West Indies – from our lows in the 2007 ODI World Cup, to becoming a cricketing powerhouse and winning the T20WC in 2024."

Former captain Sourav Ganguly offered his "heartiest congratulations to Rohit Sharma and his team" on social media.

"What a game to win," he said. "The talent the country has, they will win many more."

Kohli's 59-ball knock, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah's figures of 2-18, Hardik Pandya's last over to defend 16 runs and a stunning catch on the boundary by Suryakumar Yadav were the outstanding memories of a thrilling final.

Michael Vaughan, the former England captain, rated Bumrah as the "greatest ever white ball seam bowler" and India as the "best team".

India greats Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma announced they had played their last Twenty20 internationals after India's thrilling seven-run win over South Africa in the T20 World Cup final in Barbados on Saturday.

Star batsman Kohli put a run of low scores behind him to make 76 as he was named player of the match, with the 35-year-old saying afterwards: "This was my last T20 World Cup, and this is what we wanted to achieve.

"One day you feel you can't get a run, then things happen. God is great, and I got the job done for the team on the day it mattered.

"Now or never (that was my) last T20 for India, wanted to make the most of it. Wanted to respect the situation rather than force it."

Kohli, pressed on whether he had played his last T20 international, added at the presentation ceremony: "This was an open secret, it's time for the next generation to take over, some amazing players will take the team forward and keep the flag waving high."

💬💬 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗺𝘆 𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝟮𝟬 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗖𝘂𝗽: Virat Kohli

King Kohli bids adieu to the T20I format in style and mutual admiration for Captain Rohit Sharma 👏 🫡

Take A Bow on that glorious T20I career! 🙌#T20WorldCup | #TeamIndia | #SAvIND | @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/xqur8qmHDF

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 29, 2024

Former India captain Kohli, one of the outstanding batsmen of his generation, scored more on Saturday than he had in the rest of the tournament.

Prior to the showpiece match at the Kensington Oval, he had managed just 75 runs in seven innings during the competition.

"NO BETTER TIME"

Rohit who opened the innings alongside Kohli, had been the team's form batsman leading into the final with 248 runs, including three fifties, at an average of over 41.

He departs the format as the highest ever scorer in T20 internationals with 4 231 runs – Kohli is second with 4 188 runs.

Rohit's five centuries in T20 internationals are unmatched and he has also won two T20 World Cup titles: winning the first edition as player in 2007 and now as captain in 2024.

BREAKING: Rohit Sharma announces T20I retirement after lifting the #T20WorldCup 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/12xPwiDvrD

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 29, 2024

"This was my last (T20I) game as well. There is no better time to say goodbye to this format," Rohit told the post-game press conference.

"I've loved every moment of this. I started my India career playing this format. This is what I wanted, I wanted to win the Cup," he said.

"I wanted this badly. Very hard to put in words. It was a very emotional moment for me. I was very desperate for this title in my life. I'm happy that we eventually crossed the line," he said.

While Rohit has been the dominant India batsman in this tournament, where Kohli has struggled for runs, it was a case of role reversal on Saturday, with Rohit out for nine as India slumped to 34-3.

Kohli, however, rebuilt the innings during a stand of 72 with Axar Patel (47) that helped take India to 176-7, before a superb bowling and fielding display restricted South Africa to 169-8.

"None of us doubted him, we know his quality," said Rohit of Kohli, who bowed out of T20 internationals with 4 188 runs in 117 innings, including one hundred and 38 fifties, at an average of nearly 49.

"He has been at the top of his game for 15 years now. Big players will step up in big occasions and he played a crucial knock today.

"It was a team effort to get to that total but we knew we needed someone to bat time and he did that perfectly, using all his experience," added Rohit.

The game also marked the final match in charge for India T20 coach and former skipper Rahul Dravid, who was bounced in the air by the team during the celebrations.

"I'm very happy for Rahul, he has done so much for Indian cricket, including when he was playing and now coaching," said Rohit.

"He has worked so hard with this time for three years, supported the team a lot and understood what the boys needed," he added.

India held their collective nerve in the final overs of a pulsating contest to win the T20 World Cup final against South Africa by seven-runs at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on Saturday.

Having posted a highly competitive total of 176-7 the Indians were placed under seemingly intolerable pressure by Heinrich Klaasen who smashed 52 from just 27 balls to leave South Africa requiring just 24 runs from the final 24 balls before fighting their way back in sensational style with seamers Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh conceding just four runs apiece in two match-changing overs.

Klaasen appeared to have changed the match emphatically in his team’s favour with a brutal 24 runs off the 15th over from Axar Patel with a pair of fours and sixes after David Miller had taken 14 runs from the previous over from Kuldeep Yadav to radically transform a position in which India had taken control.

The drought is over for India 🇮🇳🏆

Rohit Sharma's men are the first team to go unbeaten in a #T20WorldCup tournament 👏#OutOfThisWorld pic.twitter.com/YkU4ztUyfb

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) June 29, 2024

With a run-a-ball required from the final four overs, the game was South Africa’s to lose. But instead, India won it and South Africa closed on 169-8.

Klaasen chased a wide ball from Hardik Pandya and edged to ‘keeper Rishabh Pant exposing the vulnerable tail, always likely to be SA’s Achilles’ heel at some point. Miller did his best to keep the strike and required 16 from the final over from Hardik. The first ball, a full toss, was despatched to long on, destined for six, but Suryakumar Yadav effected an extraordinary, step-over boundary catch to effectively end the contest.

Quinton de Kock’s 39 from 31 balls had an air of calm and control, his penultimate delivery heaved over long leg for six. But Rohit Sharma adjusted the field for the next delivery, Arshdeep Singh bowled the same delivery and de Kock played the same shot – into the hands of the fielder, Kuldeep Yadav.

Tristan Stubbs played an equally fine hand with 31 from 21 balls (3x4, 1x6) and may wonder long in the future about his dismissal when he moved so far outside off-stump to sweep Axar that he was bowled behind his legs.

THE WAIT IS OVER, INDIA!

T20 WORLD CUP CHAMPIONS FOR THE SECOND TIME! 🇮🇳🏆 pic.twitter.com/E20ZPi5rqw

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 29, 2024

Earlier Virat Kohli’s anchoring half century and a brilliant cameo of 47 from 31 balls from Axar helped India recover from 34-3 inside the Power Play to reach 176-7 after winning the toss and choosing to bat first.

Marco Jansen conceded 15 runs from the first over but Keshav Maharaj (3-0-23-2) claimed two wickets in the second over of the innings in a dramatic change of direction with captain Rohit Sharma (9) sweeping straight to Klaasen at square leg and Rishabh Pant (0) top edging another sweep into the gloves of de Kock.

When Suryakumar Yadav (3) flicked a Kagiso Rabada delivery to Klaasen on the square leg boundary India reacted to the early pressure by promoting Axar who responded with slog-swept sixes against all three spinners, Maharaj, Aiden Markram (2-0-16-0) and Tabraiz Shamsi whose three overs cost 26.

The fourth-wicket partnership of 72 was broken by an inspirational piece of fielding by de Kock who whipped his right glove off to run out Axar with a direct hit at the non-striker’s end from fully 35 metres. Axar struck a single four and four sixes.

Kohli’s smart, experienced and patient innings finally burst into life with a straight six against Rabada (4-0-36-1) but Rabada had the final word with a catch on the long on boundary in the 19th over as Jansen (4-0-49-1) claimed a consolation wicket. Kohli’s brilliant 76 from 59 balls (6x4, 2x6) was pivotal.

India finally get over the line! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/Dir48G3Hzk

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 29, 2024

Shivam Dube’s brisk and incisive 27 from 16 balls (3x4, 1x6) could also prove to be crucial despite Anrich Nortje (2-26) collecting two wickets in the final over. India’s total is the highest in all T20 WC finals to date.

Reeza Hendricks (4) may have received the ‘ball of the tournament’ from Jasprit Bumrah whose away-swinger clipped the top of off-stump and when Markram (4) edged a wide drive against Arshdeep Singh into Pant’s gloves South Africa were 12-2 after 15 balls.

But a winning position was firmly established thereafter, before being expertly and emphatically snatched away by Rohit and Jasprit Bumrah.

SOUTH AFRICA: Quinton de Kock (wkt), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (captain), Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi.

INDIA: Rohit Sharma (captain), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wkt), Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh.

South Africa’s gut-wrenching 7-run loss to India in the final of the T20 World Cup in Barbados on Saturday was hard to stomach for players and fand alike but Proteas captain, Aiden Markram, was determined to keep things in perspective after a game his team seemed certain to win.

With just 24 runs to win from the final 24 balls with five wickets in hand, South Africa slumped from 151-4 to 169-8 in 22 balls to concede the title.

🟡🟢 RESULT | #SAvIND 🇿🇦🇮🇳

Not meant to be for the Proteas in Barbados but a campaign to be proud of. #WozaNawe #BePartOfIt#OutOfThisWorld #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/IIR3JziGho

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) June 29, 2024

“I’m gutted for the time being, it will take some time for us to reflect on a really good campaign, it hurts at the moment but I’m incredibly proud of this group of players and everyone involved,” Markram said.

“We bowled well to restrict them to what we thought was a manageable total but it’s never over until the last ball is bowled and we saw that again today, we got into a great position to win, which showed we were worthy finalists,” Markram said.

“As we have seen with several of our previous games, it’s never over until the last ball. We never got comfortable and there is always that element of scoreboard pressure, and things can change quickly, but I’m still proud of what we have achieved.

“Hopefully we can draw from this experience in the future and continue to improve,” Markram said.

No DNA, just RSA 🇿🇦🔥

You did South Africa proud @ProteasMenCSA 🙌#T20WorldCup | #OutOfThisWorld pic.twitter.com/zUSihvGan8

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) June 29, 2024

Player-of-the-match, Virat Kohli, who scored 76 from 59 balls to anchor India’s total of 176-7, announced his retirement from international T20 cricket after the final:

“This was my last T20 game for India and this is exactly what we anted to achieve, and I’m just grateful that I was able to get the job done for the team,

“It was now or never, it was my last T20 game playing for India, my last World Cup, so I wanted to make the most of it. It was my desire to win the tournament, to make the most of the occasion and to respect the situation rather than try to force the situation and just to play the game my team wanted me to play,” Kohli said.

South Africa captain Aiden Markram says his team are driven by an "extreme hunger" to win as they search for their first T20 World Cup title against India on Saturday.

One for the books! 🏏🏆

Ready to leave it all on the field tomorrow in the ultimate #T20WorldCup showdown against India. 🇿🇦🏏🇮🇳

Catch all the action LIVE on SuperSport or join us at the Fan Park hosted at DP World Wanderers Stadium 🏟️📺

🎟️ ENTRANCE IS FREE #BePartOfIt… pic.twitter.com/gK63GsQWK7

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) June 28, 2024

Until Wednesday's victory over Afghanistan, the Proteas had suffered seven defeats in World Cup semifinals, in both T20 and 50-over formats, and will be playing in the title game for the first time.

Markram says that far from being consumed by past shortcomings, his team has shown throughout the tournament, where they have been unbeaten, a powerful desire.

"There's a really strong will to win, I don't think it's on the level of desperation though but it's an extreme hunger to win games of cricket," he told a press conference on Friday.

His team may not be conditioned by the defeats of the past but, says Markram, they are certainly motivated by them.

"We haven't achieved ideally on the world stage what we would have liked to and I think that gets the juices going a bit for the boys to finally achieve it and try to achieve it at least," he said.

Aiden Markram gets a first look at the Kensington Oval wicket for the big final 👀🏏#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/THSbMtIWjC

— ICC (@ICC) June 28, 2024

As well as some convincing wins, South Africa have edged victories in close encounters with Bangladesh, Nepal and England and those performances, says Markram showed his team's mental strength.

"I think you've seen it in the close results, we've probably not played some of our best cricket in certain games but that ultimately sort of drives you to go out and get the job done," he said.

"That's probably one thing that's really stood out for me in this group, you win those close games and take a lot of belief moving forward that sort of from any position you feel like you can still win the game," he said.

It has been a real team effort from South Africa with Quinton de Kock their top scorer with 204 runs at an average of 25.50 and David Miller adding 148 at 29.60.

The wickets have also been spread around with Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi all having double figures wicket tallies.

Is Tabraiz Shamsi the key for South Africa in the final? 👀#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/GnUSrOybRi

— ICC (@ICC) June 28, 2024

That hunger of the collective remains, says the Proteas skipper, despite the joy of ending the run of seven semifinal losses.

"We were obviously a happy bunch the other night after qualifying for the final but it's amazing, I'm sure all teams do it, but straight after that game in the changing room, you still reflect and you say, guys we've still got one more step to go," he said.

"It's not driven by coach or by captain, the whole unit sort of feels that and is driven by that. As a general rule, sportsmen are highly competitive people and nobody would want to lose in a situation of a final so I think there's no sense that the guys are satisfied regardless of the result. I think there's still a massive hunger for us to go out and win Saturday's game," he added.

WE ARE BUILT DIFFERENT 🇿🇦🙌 #T20WorldCup #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/e6B46okSrU

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) June 28, 2024

India head into Saturday's T20 World Cup final against South Africa hoping it will be third time lucky as the cricketing powerhouse looks to deliver a world title after successive defeats in finals.

South Africa will play India in the #T20WorldCup final on Saturday 🇿🇦🆚🇮🇳#WozaNawe | #OutOfThisWorld pic.twitter.com/tfc8zg9QR6

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) June 27, 2024

The combination of coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma experienced the double disappointment last year of defeat in the World Test Championship final and the 50-over World Cup – losing both to Australia.

The country which more than any other popularised the shortest form with the hugely successful Indian Premier League now stands on the brink of their second T20 World Cup title and first since the inaugural edition in 2007.

Dravid, who is standing down as coach after this tournament, prefers to view the two runners-up spots as a positive sign of the team's consistency across formats.

"I think it's good that we are consistent and playing good cricket. For many years, especially in the last year, being No 1 in all three formats, playing in the finals, it gives a lot of credit to the boys who are test cricketers, who are our one-day players and also our T20 players.

"Indian cricket has shown a lot of consistency and it is a very happy thing. And if we play well and if we have the rub of the green, then we will win," he said.

The 50-over World Cup defeat was particularly painful with the expectant home crowd in Ahmedabad expecting a celebration but witnessing Australia win with seven overs to spare.

Dravid doesn't believe there is a need to approach Saturday's game at Kensington Oval any differently than for last year's ODI defeat however.

"I thought we were very well prepared in that final in Ahmedabad as well. We had done all the things, we had ticked all the boxes and, on the day, the other team played better and that's part of the sport," he said.

7️⃣ checkmates on the road to glory, 1️⃣ more to go ⏳

Rohit Sharma leads an unbeaten India into the #T20WorldCup Final 🤩 pic.twitter.com/JYCfSx0oXa

— ICC (@ICC) June 28, 2024

'TWO TOP TEAMS'

"The other team that is coming there to play has also obviously reached the final, because they're a good team and they're playing very good cricket as well. So, they have as much right to win it as we do. But we hope that we will play better cricket on the day," he added.

South Africa certainly fit that description – like India they head into the final unbeaten throughout the entire tournament.

South Africa are looking for their first World Cup title having never managed to clinch in either format since their return to international cricket in 1991.

But Dravid doesn't think that pressure of South Africa's long wait, which was punctuated only by a Champions Trophy win in 1998, will add extra pressure.

"It's not that the same players have been playing since 1991. Many players have come and gone. I don't think that really matters. I can't speak for any of them. I don't think players go in keeping the baggage of the past and what has happened in the past," he said.

"Every day is a fresh day. Players are very good at moving on from things, of recognising things. So yes, I think just as we will move on from Ahmedabad, I'm sure they will not be thinking about history and it will be a fresh day," he said.

The surface in Barbados should be one of the more batting-friendly surfaces in what has been a low-scoring tournament and Dravid expects an entertaining spectacle.

"Two good teams, two teams I think that everyone will agree that probably the top two teams in this tournament played the best cricket I think in this tournament, both South Africa and India.

"So, deserving finals for both the teams and hopefully it's a great game of cricket and hopefully we fall on the right side," he said.

History beckons the Proteas 🤩

More about their unbeaten run to the #T20WorldCup 2024 Final ⬇️https://t.co/1Uju4fvbzb

— ICC (@ICC) June 28, 2024

After years of high profile coaches, it is the relatively unknown Rob Walter who stands on the brink of South African cricket history as he prepares his side for their first ever World Cup final.

The Proteas booked their place in the T20 final with a brutal defenestration of Afghanistan and will now face India in Barbados on Saturday.

Walter is the antithesis of that 'high profile' coach – he was never a star player, he stays resolutely grounded in interviews and if he is prone to outbursts of raw emotion he does not put them on public display.

Just one journalist attended his press conference for that semifinal.

The previous 12 South African white-ball coaches include such storied names as Mike Procter, Bob Woolmer and Mark Boucher and yet it is the 48-year-old Walter who has succeeded in shaking off the "choker" tag that dogged a side that could reach semifinals but no further.

Walter said he believed the team had already overcome their biggest psychological hurdle.

“Getting through the semifinal, not having done that before, came with its own pressure," he told AFP.

"Even against the West Indies (in a crucial Super Eight match), that was effectively a quarterfinal.

"Now that they've done that I'm just hoping the guys will go out, play freely and express themselves."

SIGNIFICANT TRIUMPH

If they do that successfully it will be a significant triumph for Walter, whose playing career peaked at schoolboy provincial level and who had only been involved in coaching at age group level before becoming South Africa's strength and conditioning coach in 2009, a position he held in 2013.

The recommendation of previous national coach Gary Kirsten helped Walter land a job as head coach of the Titans, South Africa’s most successful franchise.

The team won three titles in three seasons, leading to head coach positions with Otago and Central Districts in New Zealand.

He was appointed South African white-ball coach in January 2023 and has brought a calm to the dressing room, although he admits that outward appearances do not tell the whole tale.

"I wouldn't say there aren't emotions deep inside but there's a calmness required on the side of the field," he said.

"Our job as coaches is to prepare the guys beforehand and make sure that everything's in place before the first ball is bowled.

"Once that happens we try to stay in communication with the captain but basically it's over to the players.

"I try not to get too emotionally attached to the result, more to concentrate on how we prepare."

'VERY CALM' 

The results, though, have all gone South Africa's way with eight successive wins, several of them nail-bitingly close.

The only truly comprehensive win was against Afghanistan in the semifinal in Trinidad on Wednesday where the Proteas romped to a nine-wicket win after bowling out their opponents for just 56.

Walter has high praise for captain Aiden Markram, who he describes as "very level-headed, very calm," with a tactical astuteness that has enabled him to make crucial decisions under intense pressure.

Given that his team have played on untypical and unpredictable pitches, Walter said they would not have any pre-conceived ideas about what to expect in Barbados.

South Africa have some powerful ball strikers but they have a combined total of only three half-centuries in the tournament, two by Quinton de Kock.

But Walter is confident they will be able to rise to the occasion if conditions in Barbados are more favourable for batsmen, as suggested by earlier results.

"The batters have all contributed at different times. We've had two decent wickets for batsmen which in eight games is not a lot.

"The bowling unit has been unbelievably good but the batters I am sure are looking forward to better conditions."

If South Africa succeed on Saturday, there can be little doubt that Walter's low profile may not stay that way for much longer.

England's title defence at the T20 World Cup wilted following a 68-run hammering in the second semifinal but skipper Jos Buttler would not blame it on his decision to field against India on Thursday.

After rain and a wet outfield delayed the start of the match, Buttler elected to field after winning the toss, probably more comfortable chasing a target than setting one, especially with the prospect of more rain at the Providence Stadium in Guyana.

His decision pleased his counterpart Rohit Sharma, who led with the only half-century of the match as India posted a strong 171-7 on a slow surface where batting got trickier as the match wore on.

Defeat in Guyana.

We exit the 2024 T20 World Cup at the semi-final stage.#EnglandCricket | #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/zR2z7HxH46

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 27, 2024

"With the rain around, we didn't think the conditions would change and they didn't - they just outplayed us and got a very good score," Buttler said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

"I don't think the toss was the difference between us."

The opener felt they conceded 20-25 extra runs on a challenging surface, which eventually allowed India to dictate terms.

A top-order meltdown left England reeling at 49-5, and they capitulated before the Indian spin duo of Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, who claimed three wickets apiece.

Considering the support spinners had from the track, Buttler said he probably should have bowled offspinner Moeen Ali too.

"Our two (spinners) bowled well but in hindsight, probably should have bowled Moeen in our innings with the way spin was playing.

"But with a good score and their brilliant bowling attack it was always going to be a tough chase."

India captain Rohit was pleased how his side altered their batting approach according to the nature of the pitch.

"I thought we adapted to the conditions," Rohit said.

"They were really challenging. If we play according to the conditions, things fall into place.

"At one stage we felt 140 or 150 would be competitive. Then we said 25 runs more."

"I can set a target in my mind, but I don't want to let anyone know it, because all of our batters are instinctive players and I want them to play freely."

"I thought 170 was a very good score and the bowlers were fantastic."

India will play South Africa in Saturday's final in Bridgetown, in a clash between the tournament's two unbeaten sides.