AB de Villiers predicts winner of 2024 T20 World Cup final between South Africa and India

The field has been prepared for the memorial T20 World Cup 2024 final in Barbados on Saturday, June 29, as South Africa again India close the horns. Both teams are unbeaten throughout the tournament, making this a historic encounter with a unique prize at stake: becoming the first team to win the T20 World Cup without a single loss.

First trip to South Africa

South Africa reached the final of the T20 World Cup for the first time after two previous defeats in the semi finals (in 2009 and 2014). It is led by a young captain Aiden Markram, the Proteas showed resilience, winning close calls against the Netherlands, Nepal and the USA. Narrow wins against England and West Indies in the Super 8 stage showed their fighting spirit, followed by a convincing nine-wicket victory over Afghanistan which saw them reach their final stage.

India’s rescue method

India, an experienced captain Rohit Sharma, is looking to regain its T20 World Cup glory after its first triumph in 2007. Their journey to the finals was high, as they defeated arch-rivals Pakistan, Bangladesh and Australia in the group and Super 8 stages. A massive 68-run win against England in the semi-final sealed their place in the final.

AB de Villiers prediction for 2024 T20 World Cup final

A legendary South African batsman AB de Villiers expressed his delight at the final, appreciating India’s strength but firmly backing his home team. He highlighted South Africa’s strong batting line-up and their powerful bowling attack. While they admit they haven’t played their best cricket yet, their unbeaten record speaks volumes, according to de Villiers.

“The moment of truth has come. South Africans have been waiting 33 years to see the Proteas play in the ICC World Cup final. After so much heartache, we know all about them. South Africa will play India in the T20 World Cup final in Barbados on Saturday and I am backing the Proteas to win. It will be close as we all know that India is a team of stars but I believe that South Africa’s time has come,” ABD said this on social media.

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“This Proteas team brings energy. Strength at the top with De Kock, Hendricks, and Markram, strength in the middle with Miller, Klaasen, and Stubbs, and strength in the pace attack of Jansen, Rabada, and Nortje. Now add the skills of Shamsi and Maharaj, and you have all the bases covered. Some will say they have not produced the best cricket in the tournament so far but they have won eight out of eight and that is not bad,” he added.

“India has its own winners and they bring the power of over a billion people urging them to go out and win another World Cup. Maybe my heart rules my head but I think it’s time for South Africa.”

India’s star vs South Africa’s determination

The latter promises to be an exciting battle. India boasts of many winners like Rohit, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav again Jasprit Bumrah, while South Africa are motivated to hunt for their first T20 World Cup title. With passionate fans following both teams, the weather in Barbados will be the only factor that could detract from this historic summit.

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