In a thrilling encounter on February 18, 2025, the Mumbai Indians (MI) clinched a five-wicket victory over the Gujarat Giants (GG) in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) match held at Vadodara.

Gujarat Giants Innings:

Opting to bat first, GG struggled against MI’s disciplined bowling attack, managing to post a total of 120 runs before being bowled out in 20 overs. Harleen Deol emerged as the top scorer for GG with a resilient 32 runs off 31 balls. MI’s bowlers were in fine form, with Hayley Matthews leading the charge by claiming three wickets for just 16 runs.

Mumbai Indians Chase:

Chasing a modest target of 121, MI showcased a composed batting performance. Natalie Sciver-Brunt was the standout performer, scoring a fluent 57 runs off 39 deliveries, anchoring the innings effectively. Despite losing five wickets, MI achieved the target in 16.1 overs, securing their victory with 23 balls to spare.

Player of the Match:

Hayley Matthews was rightfully named the Player of the Match for her all-round contribution, which played a pivotal role in MI’s triumph.

This win marked MI’s first victory in the WPL 2025 season, setting a positive tone for their upcoming fixtures.

For a visual recap of the match highlights, you can watch the following video:

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has declared a monumental prize purse of Rs 125 crore for the senior men’s Indian cricket team following their triumphant victory in the T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa. The match, held in Barbados on Saturday, saw the Indian team clinch the title with a thrilling seven-run win at the Kensington Oval.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah took to social media on Sunday to announce this significant reward. In his statement, he expressed his joy and pride, saying, “I am pleased to announce prize money of INR 125 Crores for Team India for winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. The team has showcased exceptional talent, determination, and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. Congratulations to all the players, coaches, and support staff for this outstanding achievement.”

BCCI’s 125Cr Prize

This victory marks a historic moment for Indian cricket, ending a decade-long drought of ICC titles. It has been 10 years, 11 months, and seven days since the Men in Blue last lifted an ICC trophy, making this win even more special for the team and their millions of fans.

The final match was a nail-biting encounter, with India setting a competitive target that kept the South African team on their toes. The Indian bowlers delivered a stellar performance, maintaining their composure under pressure to seal the victory. This win not only underscores the team’s skill and resilience but also their ability to perform under high-stakes conditions.

The celebration of this victory was bittersweet, however, as senior players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja announced their retirements from T20I cricket shortly after the match. These players have been instrumental in shaping the team’s success over the years and their departure marks the end of an era. Their contributions to Indian cricket have been immense, and they leave behind a legacy that will inspire future generations.

Rohit Sharma, often hailed for his brilliant captaincy and batting prowess, has been a cornerstone of the Indian team. His leadership and strategic acumen have been pivotal in many of India’s memorable victories. Virat Kohli, with his aggressive style and remarkable consistency, has been a prolific run-scorer and a formidable presence on the field. Ravindra Jadeja, known for his all-round capabilities, has delivered crucial performances with both bat and ball, making significant contributions in tight situations.

The announcement of the Rs 125 crore prize is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team. It is not just a reward but also a recognition of their relentless pursuit of excellence. This prize will undoubtedly motivate the players to continue striving for greatness and set new benchmarks in the sport.

The Indian cricket team’s journey to the T20 World Cup 2024 victory has been one of grit, determination, and exceptional teamwork. From the group stages to the knockout rounds, the team has displayed remarkable consistency and an unwavering spirit. Each player has contributed significantly, whether through crucial runs, wickets, or spectacular fielding efforts.

This triumph has reignited the passion of cricket fans across the nation. The celebration of this victory is not confined to the players and the BCCI but extends to every fan who has supported the team through thick and thin. The win has brought joy and pride to millions, reinforcing the sport’s unifying power in India.

As the team basks in the glory of this achievement, the focus will gradually shift to future tournaments and challenges. The young players, inspired by the legends who have retired, will be eager to step up and fill the big shoes left behind. The guidance of experienced players and the support of the coaching staff will be crucial in this transition period.

The Rs 125 crore prize will likely be utilized not just as a reward but also as an investment in the future of Indian cricket. It can be used to enhance training facilities, provide better support systems for players, and nurture young talent. This strategic use of the prize money can help in building a stronger, more competitive team for future international competitions.

In conclusion, the BCCI’s announcement of the Rs 125 crore prize for the Indian cricket team is a fitting celebration of their historic T20 World Cup 2024 victory. It honors the team’s exceptional performance, acknowledges the contributions of the retiring legends, and paves the way for a bright future in Indian cricket. This victory and the subsequent recognition have once again highlighted the passion, dedication, and skill that define Indian cricket, promising an exciting era ahead for the sport.

The T20 World Cup final at Bridgetown, Barbados, saw a thrilling showdown between India and South Africa. India’s exceptional death-over bowling by Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Hardik Pandya helped them snatch victory from South Africa’s grasp. The final moments were nail-biting, with India’s bowlers delivering under pressure to secure a memorable win.

India Wins T20 World Cup

The Turning Point: India’s Death-Over Bowling

Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Hardik Pandya were instrumental in India’s triumph. South Africa, needing 30 runs off the last 30 balls, appeared to be in a comfortable position with Heinrich Klaasen playing a career-defining innings. Klaasen’s 27-ball 52 had set the stage for a South African victory, but once he was dismissed, South Africa’s innings fell apart. The team ended seven runs short, scoring 169 for 8.

Suryakumar Yadav’s Crucial Catch

A significant moment in the match was Suryakumar Yadav’s stunning boundary-edge catch to dismiss David Miller. This catch not only removed a key player but also reminded fans of the iconic catch by Kapil Dev in the 1983 ODI World Cup final against West Indies, which had also turned the tide in India’s favor.

Batting Highlights: Kohli and Axar Patel

India’s batting was anchored by Virat Kohli, who scored a crucial 76 off 59 balls. His innings was characterized by calculated aggression and a display of classic strokes. Kohli’s six off Marco Jansen, which sailed deep into the stands, was one of the highlights of his innings.

Axar Patel played a vital cameo, scoring 47 runs and providing much-needed stability after India found themselves struggling at 34 for 3. Patel’s aggressive batting kept the scoreboard ticking and put pressure on the South African bowlers. Unfortunately, his innings ended due to a run-out following a mix-up with Kohli.

Rohit Sharma’s Tactical Mastery

Rohit Sharma’s captaincy played a significant role in India’s victory. He praised Kohli for saving his best for the final and acknowledged Patel’s crucial contribution. Sharma’s decision-making and field placements were spot-on, particularly in the closing stages of the match.

South Africa’s Strong Start

South Africa’s decision to open with a left-arm spinner paid off initially. The bowler claimed the wickets of Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant in his first over, sending shockwaves through the Indian camp and the packed stadium. However, India’s middle-order resilience and late-over bowling prowess turned the match in their favor.

The Final Over Drama

The final over was a tense affair. South Africa needed 15 runs with three wickets in hand. Bumrah, known for his death-over expertise, bowled a near-perfect over, conceding only eight runs and taking two wickets. His ability to bowl yorkers and slower deliveries under pressure was commendable.

Celebrations and Reflections

India’s victory sparked celebrations among fans and players alike. The triumph was a testament to the team’s all-round performance and their ability to handle pressure situations. Reflecting on the win, Sharma credited the team’s hard work, strategic planning, and the unwavering support of the fans.

Conclusion

India’s T20 World Cup victory was a result of collective brilliance. The final match was a roller-coaster of emotions, with both teams showcasing their skills and determination. In the end, it was India’s composure and tactical acumen that saw them through. The contributions of Kohli, Patel, and the bowlers were instrumental in clinching the title, making this win a memorable chapter in Indian cricket history.