Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Twenty20 International cricket after India beat South Africa by seven runs in the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup at the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados on Saturday.

“This was my last T20 game playing for India,” player-of-the-match Kohli said following India’s seven-run victory at Kensington Oval.

“Time for the next generation to take the T20 game forward,” he said.

India edged past South Africa by 7 runs in the final match of T20 World Cup 2024 at Kensington Oval, Barbados.

Chasing 177 in the game, South Africa were restricted to 169/8 in 20 overs.

Earlier, Virat Kohli anchored with a gritty 76 off 59 as India posted a total of 176 for 7 in 20 overs, which is the highest total by any team in the final of a men's T20 World Cup.

India were reduced to 34 for 3 in 4.3 overs but a crucial 72-run stand between Kohli and Axar Patel bailed the team out of trouble.

Axar fell for 47 off 31 while Kohli hit 76 off 59. Keshav Maharaj and Anrich Nortje picked two wickets apiece for 23 and 26 runs, respectively.