T20 World Cup final: India v South Africa – live

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Over number six: India's score is 45 runs for the loss of three wickets, with Kohli scoring 25 runs and Axar scoring 8. They have successfully navigated through the power play. What comes next for them?

Hey Tanya, what a beginning to the game! India started off strong but South Africa managed to take some early wickets. India's middle order was tested early on. The fielding was great and the pressure is now on with billions of fans watching. The question now is what would be a competitive total - maybe 140? 150? India just needs to stay calm and focused, no need to rush. The game is definitely on!

In the 5th over, India is at 39 runs with 3 wickets down. Kohli is at 22 runs and Axar is at 5. India's key players have been dismissed early in the game. There was a small cheer from the crowd as Axar hit his first boundary, but it lacked the usual excitement. It was like a sudden dampening of spirits in the stands.

Suryakumar Caught By Klaasen Off Rabada

Klassen is on the ground and moves his arms up and down, up and down, after catching Suryakumar at fine leg. Sky made a typical shot in the air, but this time he hit the fielder. Rabada celebrates loudly.

In the fourth over of the match, India's score is 32-2 with Kohli on 21 runs and Suryakumar on 2. Everyone is watching Kohli closely, as he has not performed well in the World Cup so far. Maharaj is focused and attentive, but he makes a few mistakes and Kohli takes advantage by hitting four runs through the covers.

3rd over: India's score is 26-2, with Kohli on 15 runs and Suryakumar on 2. Suryakumar takes a risk by hitting the ball just over mid-on to score his first run.

Second over: India's score is 23 with the loss of one wicket (Kohli has scored 14 runs, while Suryakumar has scored 0). Maharaj's first two deliveries are hit for boundaries as Rohit is playing aggressively. It seems like India is in control of the game. However, there is a twist of fate as Rohit misjudges a sweep shot and gets caught by a fielder. Shortly after, Pant falls victim to the same shot.

Pant Caught By De Kock Off Maharaj, Out For 0

The sweep shot catches Pant out as he hits the ball high into the air and it falls neatly into de Kock's gloves.

Rohit Out Caught By Klaasen Off Maharaj For 9

Flicked – but directly to the fielder at square leg! A significant moment.

First over: India at 15-0 (Rohit scored 1, Kohli scored 14). Rohit takes a quick single from the first ball, then Kohli hits a four off the second ball from Jansen. Another four, this time off his hip as Jansen struggles with his line. And one more four down the ground, perfectly placed between the fielders and reaching the boundary.

Neither team has made any changes, with Kohli and Sharma at the crease, and the pitch looking smooth like honey over 22 yards. Marco Jansen prepares for his delivery at the beginning of his run-up. Are you ready? Let the game begin...

There are a few great songs playing, but one is getting more love from the crowd, especially from the majority of fans wearing blue shirts who are supporting India.

The prime minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, proudly holds the trophy, dressed in a bright yellow shirt, while Chris Gayle stands beside her wearing a stylish black beret. The national anthems are now being played to celebrate this momentous occasion!

South Africa: Quinton de Kock is the wicketkeeper, Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram is the captain, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, and Tabraiz Shamsi.

In the team from India, the captain is Rohit Sharma, along with players like Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant as the wicketkeeper, Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah.

Just a friendly reminder that both teams have not been defeated in this tournament. Nasser Hussain examines the pitch, which is unlike the bumpy surface in the South Africa-Afghanistan match, but rather a smooth, firm playing field that resembles hard honey. There is no grass visible on this pitch.

India Wins Toss, Will Bat First

Ravi Shastri, wearing a large shirt and green hat, confidently introduces Aiden Markram and Rohit Sharma. Rohit, with his arms crossed, appears unimpressed by the showy introduction.

He is pleased to have won the toss. He thinks the pitch looks good. South Africa and India have both played well in this tournament. It's going to be a good match. Different players have performed well for us, which is important in a team sport. India's lineup remains the same.

Looking for expert advice? Mark Ramprakash believes that India, with Jasprit Bumrah leading the pace attack, is the team to watch. Ramprakash explained that Bumrah's skill in the final overs of a match makes him a difficult bowler to face. His unique slower-ball variations and fast deliveries make it challenging for batsmen to strategize against him. Ramprakash also highlighted that Bumrah's presence strengthens India's bowling lineup and makes him a key player for the team.

A list of previous champions:

An excellent article about the man who represents the "S" in cricket's DLS system.

A beautiful collection of photos to appreciate while sipping your morning coffee:

Hey there! After nearly a month of intense cricket matches, including some unexpected twists, we have finally arrived in Barbados for the highly anticipated final showdown. The defending champions were surprisingly eliminated in the semi-finals, while the 2022 finalists were sent packing in the first round. In their place, we have powerhouse team India, who are looking to reclaim the title they last won in 2007, and perennial semi-finalists South Africa, who have finally broken through to the final stage.

India easily defeated England in the semi-final, while South Africa showed even more superiority against Afghanistan, although the pitch was unpredictable. Both teams have their challenges to overcome - India may be hesitant to dwell on their loss to Australia in the recent 50-over World Cup final, while South Africa has suffered seven previous defeats in ICC competition semi-finals.

Rohit Sharma’s squad is the top pick to win, however, South Africa’s strong bowling lineup could potentially lead them to victory. Additionally, they have the most stylish jerseys. The weather forecast predicts that tropical storm Beryl will strengthen into a hurricane before reaching Barbados on Monday, but currently, the conditions are peaceful. The coin toss is scheduled for 3 o’clock BST, with the match starting at 3:30. Make sure you tune in!