India clinched a record third ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title on Sunday, thrashing New Zealand by 96 runs in front of more than 100,000 jubilant fans at the world’s largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad.
Batting first after losing the toss at the Narendra Modi Stadium, India piled up a formidable 255-5. Opener Sanju Samson led the charge with a dazzling 89 off just 46 balls, smashing eight sixes in a blistering display.
Chasing a daunting target, New Zealand never looked in contention and were bowled out for 159 in 19 overs. Tim Seifert provided the only significant resistance with a quickfire 52 from 26 balls.
The triumph adds to India’s previous T20 World Cup victories in 2007 and 2024, further cementing their dominance in the shortest format of the game.
New Zealand had been chasing its maiden T20 World Cup crown, having previously finished runners-up in the 2021 final where they lost to Australia in Dubai.
India’s total was the third-highest in the history of the tournament, though the defending champions might have felt they left a few runs on the field. At one stage, the hosts were cruising at 203-1 after just 15 overs before a late fightback by James Neesham slowed the scoring.
Neesham claimed three crucial wickets in the 16th over, dismissing Samson and removing Ishan Kishan for 54 off 25 balls, while also sending captain Suryakumar Yadav back for a golden duck.
Earlier, Abhishek Sharma smashed a rapid 52 from just 21 deliveries, while Shivam Dube added late fireworks with an unbeaten 26 off eight balls. Despite his breakthroughs, Neesham endured a costly finish, conceding 24 runs in the final over of India’s innings.
