We are at the end of what has been a brilliant ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 – and we have a final fit for the occasion.
India and South Africa have both played excellent cricket and really deserve their place in Barbados this weekend. It is going to be so hard to call – with two teams who have played clean and aggressive cricket throughout the tournament.
India are going to be so hard to beat. They bat so deep and in Jasprit Bumrah, have a world-class death bowler who can break the hearts of the opponents. In contrast, I picked South Africa as a dark horse before the tournament began, and it is very special to see them finally reach their first final after so many semi-final upsets.
Getting over the hump and winning a World Cup is so special and if they can do it, it will create memories that will last a lifetime for the players and the nation.
I have won the T20 World Cup on two occasions, and they are among the most special experiences I have in life – let alone cricket.
I have so many treasured items from my career but my two rings for winning World Cups are the standouts. They are like Super Bowl rings, almost physical proof that you have climbed to the top of the mountain and become champions of the world.
When she’s older, I will give both of my rings – for being part of the West Indies sides that won the T20 World Cups in 2012 and 2016 – to my daughter and I can’t wait for that moment.
I will tell her to keep one, and then pass the other one down to my future grandchildren, and I’m so proud to keep them in our family for generations.
Barbados is going to be at its regal best for the final and the build-up to the match has brought back so many memories of our special day in 2012. But before I get to that, it’s worth pointing out that it’s the journey to get to a final that truly forms a team and their identity.
We played New Zealand in the final match of the Super 8s, and it went down to a Super Over – with the winner going through to the semi-final. I knew I had to be brave when I went out to bat, and I was lucky enough to thrive in situations where the pressure was most intense.
I smacked the first ball for six, and in that moment I knew we’d go on, win the match and the tournament.
We played against Sri Lanka, the host nation, in the final and we really struggled. But Marlon Samuels played one of the innings of his life and we posted an okay total on a low-scoring pitch. Our bowlers then did the rest.
When that final Sri Lankan wicket fell, and it was an indescribable moment. At first, I think I felt relief more than anything and then just pure joy. I didn’t actually sleep that night, I think I was up for 24 hours after winning it. We went for a photoshoot the next morning and I don’t think I want to see the pictures! We were so tired but so content with life at the same time.
I had a good tournament in 2012 and finished as the fourth-highest run-scorer in six innings.
Four years on, we were lucky enough to do it again and Carlos Brathwaite played that remarkable innings against England. Remember the name? In so many ways, it was more phenomenal to win it again – but I think experience counts for so much in finals. It’s why India will be so confident on Sunday.
Whoever comes out on top, they will join a select group of people who can call themselves a Men’s T20 World Cup champion. I promise the winners, it’s the most amazing feeling in the world.
Rahul Dravid has no interest in making the T20 World Cup final about his farewell, instead urging his side to overcome South Africa for their own reasons.
India coach Dravid stated before the limited-overs tournament that this competition would be his last in charge of the national team.
Rohit Sharma's men have responded by going unbeaten throughout the entire 20-over tournament, dispatching England in the semi-finals to reach Saturday's showpiece.
Much has been made of Dravid's exit, with many India supporters desperate for their veteran coach to leave with silverware, though he just wants his side to grab this opportunity.
"You know, I don't really believe in this 'Do it for somebody'," Dravid said.
"I love that quote about somebody asking somebody else, 'Why do you want to climb Mount Everest?' and he says 'I want to climb Mount Everest because it's there'.
"I want to win this World Cup because it's there. It's not for anyone, it's not for anybody, it's just there to win."
Opponents South Africa are unbeaten also throughout the 2024 edition of this global white-ball tournament.
They obliterated Afghanistan in the last four to breeze into the final at ease, too, with the best two teams deservedly making the showpiece.
Never has this tournament yielded an unbeaten champion, but of course, that will change come close of play in Bridgetown.
South Africa have history to deal with, too, after becoming somewhat perennial underachievers in the final of global competitions.
Captain Aiden Markram believes his team can put the past behind them, however.
Markram said: "It's a game of cricket. Someone has to win, and someone has to lose ultimately. That's the name of the game. You take it in your stride.
"You do get belief, though, from winning close games and potentially winning games that you thought you weren't going to win.
"It does a lot for your changing room and the vibe in the changing room."
Dwayne Bravo’s stock as a coach remains on the up, as Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott once again heaped commendation on the former West Indies all-rounder for his role in the team’s dream run to the semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Though Afghanistan crashed out of the competition following a nine-wicket loss against South Africa at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba on Wednesday night, Trott pointed out that the experience and lessons learnt in this edition of the global showpiece, will go a far way in assisting Afghanistan to compete consistently with the top teams in world cricket.
“We’ve got to find batters who can bat in the middle order in T20 cricket. I have an idea of who they are and the players that are going to be doing that. So, we’ll be working really hard in the next short term to get those players in playing T20 cricket and ODI cricket,” Trott shared.
Beyond that, the former England batsman spoke to the significance of Bravo’s appointment as bowling consultant, the impact he had on the team throughout the tournament.
“I think he’s a cracking coach,” Trott declared of Bravo.
“Dwayne’s been immense and a great guy to have around the dressing room. Always calm, rubs off on the bowlers and always willing to chat to the bowlers and batters as well.
“Very generous with his time and his passion for the side. I love working with him and cricket is in good hands if there are people like Dwayne coaching the game and coaching the skills and sharing their experience,” he added.
In fact, Trott even expressed a desire to possibly work with Bravo on future assignments. Whether it will be with Afghanistan or not, is left to be seen.
“I wish him well wherever he goes and coaches next and I certainly hope our paths cross as soon as possible. He’s been brilliant and it’s been great to have him with his professional attitude, and I think that’s certainly rubbed off on the players and they’ve seen what it takes to be at their best and play the amount of cricket that he has,” Trott ended.
Former Jamaica and West Indies cricketer Mark Neita was returned unopposed as President of the Melbourne Cricket Club for an eleventh consecutive term at the club’s 127th annual general meeting held on Thursday at the club's grounds in Kingston.
Robert Wright was elevated to the role of first vice-president while Carlton Facey was voted in as second vice-president.
Diann Campbell, who was appointed to the CWI Board of Directors in April, will serve as secretary while Richard Gayle was returned unopposed as treasurer.
Former Jamaica and West Indies batsman Robert Samuels was also returned unopposed as club captain.
Special thanks to our outgoing 1st Vice President - Mr. Zachary Harding, 2nd Vice President - Mr. James Stewart, Honorary Secretary - Mr. Neil Reese for their invaluable contribution, Also Mr. Dimario McDowell.
Evon Reid, Christopher Spencer and Paul Stewart will all return as members of the club’s committee alongside new members Tareque White and former Jamaica batsman Jon-Ross Campbell.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank those who served with me in the past,” Neita said on Thursday.
“To my new team, I want to say how proud I am of this group of individuals. I feel really encouraged that we have people who will go forward and do well for us,” he added.
England Test captain Ben Stokes has backed Jos Buttler to stay on as skipper of the country's limited-overs sides after their T20 World Cup semi-final loss to India.
England slumped to a 68-run defeat to India on Thursday as their title defence came crashing to a halt, being skittled out for just 103 in Guyana.
Buttler's team endured an up-and-down tournament, relying on old rivals Australia to beat Scotland in order to save them from a group-stage exit before going through as runners-up again in the Super-8s.
Buttler has promised an in-depth review will take place as the dust settles on a second World Cup failure in as many years, after the ODI side relinquished the 50-over crown in India last year.
While pressure is mounting on Buttler, Stokes is confident he remains the right man to lead England into the future.
"Jos is the man to lead that white-ball team forward," Stokes told BBC Sport. "He is a great leader. He's got the respect of all the team members in the dressing room.
"They have done a great job in getting to another major semi-final. Being part of sport is about growing and progressing your side. It's not shabby to say you got through to a World Cup semi-final."
Stokes, who opted out of playing at the T20 World Cup after playing at the 50-over tournament in 2023, feels the scrutiny faced by Buttler's team is not too dissimilar to that endured by England's footballers.
The Three Lions have been fiercely criticised for their tepid performances at Euro 2024 despite topping their group with the tournament's best defensive record, and Stokes feels sportspeople in England face a unique kind of pressure.
"Unfortunately, it's the way the English mentality is – they have got through and they are getting a load of grief," Stokes said of Gareth Southgate's team.
"I know what it’s like. I guess that comes from expectation and everyone wanting their team to do well."
England captain Jos Buttler promised a thorough review will take place after his side's T20 World Cup semi-final defeat to India on Thursday.
The defending champions, who beat the same opponents at the same stage of the tournament back in 2022, were bowled out for 103 as they crashed to a 68-run loss.
India, who have not won a World Cup for 13 years, will play first-time finalists South Africa - a meeting of the tournament's two unbeaten sides in Barbados.
It is the second world title England have had relinquished in the past eight months following their disappointing defence of the 50-over World Cup last year.
"You take some time to review tournaments and try to plan ahead for the next tournaments," said Buttler following the defeat in Guyana.
"We have to review what we need to do better as a team, if that is the way we play, personnel, style of cricket.
"We will review everything and come up with a plan."
Buttler replaced Eoin Morgan as England's white-ball captain in 2022 and led them to their T20 World Cup success in Australia later that year.
He suggested he wants to stay on as captain until the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, which takes place in February next year.
However, he added: "I am not thinking too far ahead to be honest and reflecting on the loss today, trying to review that. I haven’t thought past today."
England are next in action in a three-match Test series against West Indies, starting on July 10.
The West Indies Women clinched a six-wicket victory in the third T20 International against Sri Lanka Women, securing a come-from-behind 2-1 series win in Hambantota on Friday. The top three of Stafanie Taylor, Hayley Matthews, and Shemaine Campbelle were instrumental in this triumphant end to a challenging tour.
Chasing a target of 142, the West Indies reached 142 for 4 with just one ball to spare, but the margin of victory belies the control they exuded throughout the chase. Campbelle remained unbeaten at the end, scoring a crucial 30-ball 41, guiding the visitors home.
The innings began with Taylor and Matthews putting on a 60-run opening stand in just 48 deliveries. Their partnership set the foundation for the chase, with Matthews then pairing up with Campbelle for a 44-ball 51-run stand. Matthews fell for a well-played 49, trapped leg before attempting to swipe one from Kawya Kavindi across the line, leaving West Indies at 111 for 2.
With the requirement at roughly a run-a-ball, Campbelle expertly navigated the remainder of the chase. Despite the late wickets of Chedean Nation and Aaliyah Alleyne in the 18th and 19th overs, which added some drama, smart running in the final over ensured there were no further blips, sealing the victory for the West Indies.
Earlier, the West Indies bowlers had put in a commendable performance after opting to field first. They got off to an ideal start by dismissing Vishmi Gunaratne off just the second ball of the innings, as the aggressive 18-year-old top-edged an attempted pull off Chinelle Henry.
Sri Lanka's Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama responded well to the early setback with a partnership of 55 off 54 balls. However, Samarawickrama's dismissal, chipping one back to Afy Fletcher, and Athapaththu's departure, caught excellently in the deep by Shamilia Connell, who made up for an earlier drop, came at crucial moments. Athapaththu's 38 and Dilhari's 26 off 22 provided some resistance, but their wickets stunted Sri Lanka's momentum.
Some late blows from Ama Kanchana and Nilakshi de Silva pushed Sri Lanka's total to a competitive 141 for 7. However, Player of the Series Matthews and her teammates ensured that the chase was completed with precision, making light work of what could have been a tricky target.
Virat Kohli's indifferent form is not concerning India captain Rohit Sharma, who quipped his team-mate is "probably saving it for the final".
India hammered England by 68 runs on Thursday to book their place in the T20 World Cup final, in which they will meet South Africa.
Rohit struck 57 to put India on their way to victory, with their bowlers subsequently skittling England all out for 103.
Kohli, however, managed just nine runs, as the former India skipper's struggles continued. He has scored just 75 runs across seven innings at this edition of the tournament, and has been out for a duck twice.
Rohit, though, has few concerns over Kohli's form.
"Virat is a quality player," Rohit said. "Any player can through that. We understand his class.
"When you have played for 15 years, form is never a problem. He's probably saving it for the final."
Indeed, maintaining their composure will be crucial for India heading into Saturday's clash with the Proteas, so says Rohit.
He added: "We've been very calm. We understand the occasion of the final.
"It's important we stay composed, because that helps you make good decisions. We have been very steady, calm, and that has been the key for us.
"We'll try our best. All I can hope is to put in another good show come the final."
Jos Buttler says England must be proud of their efforts at the T20 World Cup, despite a humbling end to their campaign.
England slumped to a 68-run defeat to India on Thursday, as their title defence came to an end.
Buttler's team were skittled out for just 103 in Guyana, as India gained revenge for their 10-wicket loss at the same stage two years ago.
It has been a tournament of ups and downs for England, who scraped through the group stage and had to recover from a loss to South Africa in the Super 8s to reach the last four, but India's quality proved too much to handle.
"India outplayed us, certainly. We let them maybe get 20 or 25 too many on a challenging surface that they played well on. They fully deserved to win," Buttler said.
"With everything that's happened in the tournament, I'm really proud of the group's efforts.
"We can only play who's in front of us. We've had a lot of adversity but we have stuck together really well, we played good cricket in patches but unfortunately came up short when we needed it most."
England won the toss after a rain delay and put India in to bat, though Buttler does not feel that was an error.
"With the rain around, we didn't think the conditions would change and they didn't, they just outplayed us and got a very good score," Buttler said.
" I don't think the toss was the difference between us.
"They've got some fantastic spinners. Our two bowled well but in hindsight, yeah, probably should've bowled Moeen [Ali] in our innings with the way spin was playing.
"But with a good score and their brilliant bowling attack, it was always going to be a tough chase."
India reached the T20 World Cup final in style as they hammered defending champions England by 68 runs on Thursday.
In a rain-delayed semi-final clash at Guayana National Stadium, an England batting collapse, combined with lethal bowling from Kuldeep Yadav (3-19), Axar Patel (3-23) and Jasprit Bumrah (2-13) ensured tournament favourites India will face South Africa in the showpiece match on Saturday.
Captain Rohit Sharma struck 57 and Suryakumar Yadav plundered 47 as India put on 171-7 from their 20 overs.
England's chase started brightly as skipper Jos Buttler reeled off a series of fours in swift succession, yet his stand lasted just 15 deliveries.
And from losing Buttler with the 19th ball of their innings, England's top order capitulated, with Phil Salt, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali and Sam Curran all following their captain in heading for the pavilion within seven overs.
Harry Brook offered more resistance with a spirited 25, but the damage was already done by the time he was sent packing in the 11th over.
Liam Livingstone and Adil Rashid were run out in the space of three deliveries, and though Jofra Archer rallied with a pair of sixes, England's dismal day came to an end when he was pitched leg-before-wicket by Bumrah.
It marked a memorable triumph for India as they gained a measure of revenge for their 10-wicket loss to England at the same stage in 2022, and the Proteas – who thrashed Afghanistan earlier in the day – are all that stand between them and the trophy.
Data Debrief: Recent history means nothing
India had lost their last two T20 World Cup semi-finals, having batted first on each of those occasions too, but they banished those demons in emphatic fashion this time around.
England had won three of their last four such matches, having bowled first in each of those games, but that record did not continue.
Buttler's future is uncertain, though he did at least take a slice of history with him, with his knock of 23 ensuring he became the fourth England player to score 1,000 runs at the T20 World Cup (1,013).
Emerging Ireland are firmly in the driver’s seat at stumps on day three of their second four-day encounter against the West Indies Academy at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast on Thursday.
At stumps on day three, the West Indies Academy were 148-3 off 28 overs, trailing their Irish counterparts by 93 runs in their second innings.
Ackeem Auguste ended the day 70* off 91 balls including 11 fours while opening partner Kadeem Alleyne contributed a run-a-ball 38 including five fours and a six.
Earlier, the hosts were dismissed for 441 in 112.5 overs after starting the day 397-7 off 103 overs.
Fionn Hand, who started day three on 61* ended up being dismissed for 79.
The bulk of the Irish run scoring came from captain Andrew Balbirnie who hit 88 off 134 balls on Wednesday. He was well supported by Andy McBrine who hit 64 and James McCollum who hit 40.
Kelvin Pittman, Nyeem Young, Joshua Bishop and captain Teddy Bishop all took two wickets, each.
The Academy were dismissed for 200 in their first innings after winning the toss and batting first on Tuesday.
Teddy Bishop was the main scorer in that batting effort with 69 while Nyeem Young (29), Jewel Andrew (27) and Ackeem Auguste (26) all got starts.
Full Scores:
West Indies Academy 200 off 56 overs (Teddy Bishop 69, Nyeem Young 29, Jewel Andrew 27, Ackeem Auguste 26, Matthew Humphreys 5-57, Curtis Campher 3-12) & 148-3 off 28 overs (Ackeem Auguste 70*, Kadeem Alleyne 38)
Emerging Ireland 441 all out off 112.5 overs (Andrew Balbirnie 88, Fionn Hand 79, Andy McBrine 64, James McCollum 40, Paul Stirling 32, Teddy Bishop 2-35, Nyeem Young 2-55, Kelvin Pittman 2-65, Joshua Bishop 2-72)
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced an updated 15-member squad for the three-Test Richards Botham series in England, starting on 10 July 2024 at Lord's.
The squad features one significant change: Kemar Roach has been replaced by St. Kitts & Nevis’ fast bowler, Jeremiah Louis due to Roach's ongoing rehabilitation from a knee injury sustained during the County Championship in England.
Lead Selector the Most Honorable Dr. Desmond Haynes remarked, “Kemar’s skill and experience in English conditions will be missed. However, this opportunity has been long in the making for Jeremiah Louis, he certainly has the skill and experience to make an impact in England.”
The Richards Botham series, named after West Indies legend Sir Vivian Richards and England great Lord Ian Botham, is a historic rivalry dating back to 1928 when the West Indies first toured England.
West Indies Test Squad:
19-year-old fast bowler Isai Thorne will join the squad as a development player.
Team Management Unit:
Head Coach: Andre Coley, Team Manager: Rawl Lewis, Assistant Coaches: Jimmy Adams, Rayon Griffith, Shaun Tait, Physiotherapist: Dr. Denis Byam, Strength & Conditioning Coach: Ronald Rogers, Team Masseuse: Fitzbert Alleyne, Team Analyst: Avenesh Seetram.
The squad have been in a training camp at Tonbridge School and will play a 3-day warm-up match against the England Lions at Beckenham starting on 4 July.
Fixtures for England series:
Wednesday 3 July 2024 3-Day Warm-Up Match Beckenham
Wednesday 10 July 2024 1st Test Match Lord’s
Thursday 18 July 2024 2nd Test Match Trent Bridge
Friday 26 July 2024 3rd Test Match Edgbaston
Aiden Markram praised South Africa's bowlers following their nine-wicket victory over Afghanistan to book their place in the T20 World Cup final.
The Proteas were forced to bowl first, having lost the toss, but reduced their opponents to 28-6 in 6.3 overs as Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada starred.
Afghanistan were bowled out for 56 after just 11.5 overs, and despite the early loss of Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks and Markram steered South Africa into their maiden men's world cup final.
"(We were) fortunate to have lost the toss, I guess. We also would have batted, so we got a bit of luck with regards to that," Markram said at the presentation ceremony. "But the bowlers still had to get it in the right areas.
"They got enough balls in the right areas and made life really tough for the Afghanistan batters. So, credit to them.
"They've been incredible throughout this whole competition for us. They've kept things really simple and sort of assessed conditions and adapted their plans accordingly. And they've been incredible for us so far."
It proved to be third time lucky for South Africa, having lost both of their previous semi-final appearances at the tournament.
"Chuffed to have got it over the line. A lot of our games have been really close," Markram said on his side's narrow wins during this year's tournament.
"And I know there (have been) a lot of people back at home in the early hours of the morning, waking up, and we (have been) giving them a lot of grey hairs.
"So, hopefully, this evening was a little bit more comforting for them."
South Africa reached the T20 World Cup final for the first time by thrashing Afghanistan by nine wickets in Wednesday's first semi-final in Trinidad.
The Proteas suffered heartache on both of their previous semi-final appearances at the tournament, but it was a case of third time lucky this year as Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada demolished the Afghanistan top order.
Afghanistan managed just 56 through 11.5 overs on a dreadful pitch, their lowest ever total in T20Is, as Jansen finished with figures of 3-16 and Rabada managed 2-14.
The World Cup's leading run scorer Rahmanullah Gurbaz was removed for a duck just six balls in as he edged Jansen's delivery to Reeza Hendricks, and the score was 28-6 before the end of the seventh over.
No Afghanistan player bettered Azmatullah Omarzai's 10 runs, with spinner Tabraiz Shamsi polishing off the tail with figures of 3-6, trapping both Karim Janat (8) and Noor Ahmad (0) lbw within three 10th-over deliveries.
South Africa's ability to chase down their target was never in doubt, despite Quinton de Kock (5) being bowled full-on by Fazalhaq Farooqi, who took the outright record for most wickets at a single edition of the tournament with his 17th dismissal.
That was the only consolation for Afghanistan, though, as Hendricks (29) and skipper Aiden Markram (23) carried the Proteas home within 8.5 overs.
Data Debrief: Proteas bowlers dominate
Afghanistan entered the semi-finals with the best bowling strike rate (13.5) of any team at the 2024 T20 World Cup, but it was South Africa who excelled with the ball to set up a routine victory.
Afghanistan were skittled for the lowest ever total of any team in a finals match at the tournament, with the Proteas' bowlers combining efficiency with destruction.
They will now face either India or England in Saturday's final, having already beaten the latter once at this tournament.
Rohit Sharma blasted questioning over India's ability to find significant reverse swing as he looked ahead to Thursday's T20 World Cup semi-final against England.
India captain Rohit hit back at former Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq after questioning how Rahul Dravid's side found swing in their Super 8s meeting with Australia.
Inzamam had referenced Arshdeep Singh's ability to move the white ball in the 15th over against Australia, suggesting "some serious work was done on the ball".
Speaking at Wednesday's pre-match press conference, Rohit responded: "Wickets are so dry, all teams are getting reverse [swing].
"[You] need to open your mind sometimes. This is not Australia."
After launching a staunch defence of his India team-mates, Rohit urged his side to play the team and not the situation against England.
England thrashed India by 10 wickets in the 2022 World Cup semi-finals of the same competition the last time this pair met.
"We want to treat this as a normal game," Rohit added. "We don't want to be talking about that it is a semi-final.
"We are enjoying each other's company and we need to carry on. It is a knockout game. If you think too much [about it], it doesn't help.
"Honestly not a lot has changed since 2022. We have tried to play with a free mind, T20 and ODIs as well. It all depends on the conditions which have been challenging throughout the tournament here.
"We want to be a smart cricket team. I have kept things simple personally and for the players as well. We have done well with role clarity and rely on the players making good decisions on the field.
"Everyone knows they need to get the job done. We don't need to change from 2022 to 2024."
As for India's line-up, and the potential of fielding four spin bowlers, Rohit insists the pitch will dictate selection matters.
"We will see, assess the conditions and then take a call on four spinners," he continued. "We will see."
Regardless of that decision, Rohit urged his side to keep their cool when it matters.
"It is important to stay cool and calm," the opening batter said. "Staying calm has worked for me over the years. Sometimes you can lose your cool as well.
"I am happy to let you do what you want but if it is at the cost of the team then I wo'’t let it happen. Indian cricket teams are always under pressure. Most of the guys are used to it."
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