“I feel sorry for the Proteas but India will win the World Cup,” said legendary Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar ahead of the ICC World Cup final between Team India and South Africa as he strongly predicted Rohit Sharma and Co. to lift the famous trophy. From the Rawalpindi Express to Shahid Afridi, several big names in Pakistan cricket congratulated the Indian team after Rohit and Co. dominated Aiden Markram’s South Africa in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 final on Saturday.
With Virat Kohli saving his best at the end, India beat the Proteas by seven runs in a hard-fought final over at Kensington Oval, ending their long wait for an ICC title. Jasprit Bumrah orchestrated India’s epic comeback before Hardik Pandya delivered a winning delivery in the deciding over. After India’s historic win in the World Cup final, Pakistan fast bowler Akhtar was particularly complimentary of Indian captain Rohit.
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The legendary Pakistan bowler also recalled Rohit’s emotional moment in a recent post on X (formerly Twitter): “Rohit Sharma has won. Emotions are really running high. India deserved to win. Heartiest congratulations. They lost in Ahmedabad (ODI World Cup final). I said then too that India deserved to win. And this time they won. Rohit Sharma falling on the ground and crying says it all. What this win means to him,” Akhtar said.
Former Pakistan captain Afridi also praised Rohit for being an exceptional leader for the Men in Blue. “Congratulations India on a monumental win. @ImRo45 totally deserved it. Exceptional leadership. @imVkohli a big match player as always and Bumrah arguably the best bowler in the world right now. Unlucky for @OfficialProteas. The team played well and fought brilliantly in the tournament,” Afridi added.
When Indian batting icons Kohli and Rohit announced their retirement from T20Is after the ICC World Cup final, it marked the end of an era. For over a decade, Rohit and Kohli carried the dreams of a cricket-mad nation and played key roles in India’s second World Cup victory. Team India remains the only unbeaten team in the 2024 edition of the ICC World T20. Kohli played a brilliant knock of 76 to help India defeat South Africa in the summit showdown.
