Bridgetown (Barbados), June 28: AS the two unbeaten teams in the tournament fget ready to face each other in the summit clash on Saturday, that speaks volumes about the intensity and success with which both India and South Africa have played their cricket so far in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024.
It is natural that the cricketing world is thrilled with anticipation and expectations that both the formidable forces would come charging at each other with full might for the coveted trophy.
South Africa topped Group 2 in the Super Eight stages and then mauled Afghanistan in the first semifinal by 9 wickets to book their maiden berth in a World Cup Final.
Earlier, the Proteas could never cross the semi-final hurdle and fans across the globe did feel for their misfortune. Even stronger South African teams in the past, just could not go beyond the semifinal for one reason or the other.
But this time, they appear to be a different bunch, bubbling with determination, courage, confidence and self belief to win their maiden World Cup.
However, their opponents - India also appear to be a very convincing and a well balanced unit. They too have been invincible so far. They topped Group A in the first round, then in Super Eight, they were the best team with three wins.
Team India silenced the critics with a convincing 68 runs victory against England to earn a place in the final. Many of their players have been playing together for long and have the experience of playing ICC multi-nation tournament finals earlier.
Though both sides appear to be very well balanced, but India may weigh bit more with their experience of playing ICC World Cup finals.
For India, their only and major worry is star batter Virat Kohli's inability to do well at the top as an opener. He appears to be a pale shadow of his high records and reputations.
On the day of the final, the team that holds their nerves better, executes their plans more efficiently, is likely to emerge victorious.
If India lift the trophy, it would be their second ICC T20 World Cup title and the fourth World Cup final win. Because India have easier lifted the 1983 ODI World Cup, 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup.
But if the Proteas win the World Cup final on Saturday, it would be their first ever World Cup title
