The mega star soon after announced his retirement from T20I format at the presentation ceremony. Kohli's substantial knock of 76 off 59 balls was pivotal in guiding India to a competitive total of 176/7 in their 20 overs. South Africa, despite a valiant effort, fell short by 7 runs, finishing at 169/8. Kohli's innings was a masterclass in pacing and strategy. His progression throughout the innings was noteworthy: he scored 21 runs off his first 15 balls (strike rate: 140.0), 16 runs off the next 15 balls (strike rate: 106.7), 11 runs off the following 15 balls (strike rate: 73.3), and finished strongly with 28 runs off his last 14 balls (strike rate: 200.0). His fifty came off 48 balls, making it the second slowest fifty for India in T20 World Cup history. Highest Scores in T20 World Cup Finals:

• 85 - Kane Williamson vs AUS, 2021
• 85 - Marlon Samuels vs ENG, 2016
• 78 - Marlon Samuels vs SL, 2012
• 77 - Mitchell Marsh vs NZ, 2021
• 77 - Virat Kohli vs SL, 2014
• 76 - Virat Kohli vs SA, 2024*
• 75 - Gautam Gambhir vs PAK, 2007

Virat Kohli in This Tournament: Before today: 75 runs (7 innings) Today: 76 runs off 59 balls Virat Kohli's Scores in T20 World Cup Finals:

• 77 (58) vs SL, Mirpur, 2014
• 76 (59) vs SA, Bridgetown, 2024

Kohli's consistency in T20 World Cup finals is remarkable, adding another significant innings to his record. His performance in this final also included hitting 4 sixes, tying him for the most sixes hit in a T20 World Cup final by an Indian, matching his own record set in 2014 against Sri Lanka. Slowest Fifties for India in T20 World Cups (balls):

• 49 - Suryakumar Yadav vs USA, New York, 2024
• 48 - Virat Kohli vs SA, Bridgetown, 2024 Final*
• 45 - Virat Kohli vs PAK, Dubai, 2021
• 44 - Gautam Gambhir vs BAN, Nottingham, 2009
• 44 - Rohit Sharma vs WI, Mirpur, 2014

Kohli vs South Africa in T20 World Cup Knockouts:

• 72* (44), 2014 SF
• 50* (48), 2024 Final

Most Sixes Hit in a T20 World Cup Final:

• 6 - Marlon Samuels vs SL, Colombo, 2012
• 4 - Misbah-ul-Haq vs IND, Jo'burg, 2007
• 4 - Virat Kohli vs SL, Mirpur, 2014
• 4 - Carlos Brathwaite vs ENG, Kolkata, 2016
• 4 - Mitchell Marsh vs NZ, Dubai, 2021
• 4 - Axar Patel vs SA, Bridgetown, 2024*

Kohli's performance not only secured the victory for India but also reaffirmed his status as a legend in T20 cricket. His ability to deliver under pressure and his knack for big-game performances make him an invaluable asset to the team.