Kochi: India repeated 2007 beating South Africa by seven runs in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados.
All credits to captain Rohit Sharma for his outstanding leadership abilities that saw India lifting the cup for the second time.
Braving constant criticism, Rohit retained Shivam Dube and former skipper Virat Kohli who turned out decisive in India’s win.
Earlier, India won the toss and batted first to post a target of 177 before the Proteas.
India lost quick wickets painting a gloomy picture ahead.
After failing in earlier matches, Kohli silenced his critics by hitting a massive 76. Allrounder Axar Patel’s 47 and Shivam Dube’s 27 further reinforced the total.
South Africa’s K Maharaj and A Nortje bowled well to take 2 wickets, while Jansen and Rabada got one each.
For South Africa Klaasen hit 52, Q De Kock 39, T Stubbs 31 and D Miller 21.
Hardik Pandya took 3 wickets, Arshdeep and Bumrah 2 two each while Axar Patel 1.
It was in 2007 India won the first T20 beating Pakistan under the captaincy of M S Dhoni who also led the country to victory in 2011 ODI.
The country won ODI first in 1983 under the leadership of Kapil Dev.
Last year, captain Rohit Sharma led India to the finals of the ODI but lost it in the finals.