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“This trophy is all for the nation. It was an honour to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the team. We all know how passionate he is about sports. When it comes to winning trophies, Mumbai never disappoints. I am very proud of this team. I am very happy to have this team. The entire player and support staff run started three-four years ago. It was the effort of what we have done for the last 3-4 years,” Rohit added.

Hardik Pandya’s heroics in the last over in the T20 World Cup final

India’s star all-rounder and vice-captain Hardik Pandya emerged as a true champion in the T20 World Cup final. The pressure was immense as he had the responsibility of defending 16 runs in the last over. Yet, Pandya held his nerve and threw a masterful spell to secure a thrilling seven-run win for India. The raw emotion on his face after the final wicket fell spoke volumes about what this victory meant to him. Pandya’s impact went beyond the final over. Earlier in the match, when South Africa were cruising towards victory, his dismissal of Heinrich Klaasen in the 17th over proved to be a crucial turning point. That wicket provided a dramatic shift in momentum, paving the way for one of the most incredible comebacks in T20 World Cup final history. Pandya really stepped up when his team needed him most.

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With just 16 runs needed from the last six balls, South Africa looked set for victory. David Miller, known for his hard-hitting ability, drove a full toss from Hardik Pandya high towards long-off. However, despite a good connection, Miller failed to clear the boundary. Suryakumar Yadav, stationed at long-off, raced back to the ropes, momentum carrying him over the boundary. In a remarkable display of presence of mind, Suryakumar threw the ball back into the air just as it cleared the ropes, regained control by jumping back into the field and completed a sensational catch. The acrobatic performance saw Miller bag 21 runs, leaving South Africa needing an improbable 16 runs from the last five balls. Hardik Pandya, unfazed by the pressure, held his nerve and successfully defended the remaining runs to secure a thrilling seven-run win for India and etch their names in T20 World Cup history.

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