India finally addressed their demons at global events by lifting the first title since the 2013 Champions Trophy win. The match had plenty of ebbs and flows and went down the wire with Hardik and Rohit in the thick of action.

Rohit tasked Hardik to defend 16 runs in the last over after a brilliant stranglehold spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah got India back in the game as South Africa needed a run-ball 30 in the last five overs. A sensational catch from Suyakumar Yadav to dismiss the dangerous David Miller (21 off 17) off the first ball gave India the advantage. Hardik ended up defending the total by seven runs, picking up 3-20 off his three overs.

While celebrating the momentous occasion, Hardik Pandya was seen in tears as he carried the Indian tri-colour in a victory lap. He would feel relieved, having entered the tournament under tremendous pressure following an underwhelming IPL campaign, in which he had often faced the ire of the public and was subject to boos and abuse.

Hardik was not the only Indian player who was teary-eyed as an emotional Rohit and Virat Kohli, who announced his retirement from the format shortly after the game, were spotted shedding tears of joy while hugging each other.

Watch teary-eyed Hardik, Rohit and Kohli celebrate

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