History repeat kiya! History defeat kiya! India win 3rd T20 WC on a record-breaking night

Friday 13 March 2026

ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Final: India Vs New Zealand

Narendra Modi Stadium, Stadium Road, Motera, Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380005, India

History repeat kiya! History defeat kiya! India win 3rd T20 WC on a record-breaking night

Sanju Samson and Jasprit Bumrah starred as India overhauled New Zealand on a record-breaking night to win their 3rd T20 WC final in Ahmedabad.

Match Preview: 

HERE IT IS! The biggest stage in any international tournament! The ICC T20 World Cup Final, here at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad! It's clash of two teams, with similar form in this world cup. Co-hosts India meet New Zealand in a blockbuster final in a record-packed crowd at the biggest stadium in India. Both teams arrive on the back of winning their respective semi-final opponents of England and South Africa. India were on-song from their league stage, before a humiliating defeat at this ground to South Africa in the first game of the Super 8s, left them reeling for a chance to comeback. Now, with the inclusion of Sanju Samson, who has been impressive with the bat, since re-claiming his second chance from Rinku Singh, India sailed past Zimbabwe at Chepauk, then they successfully chased 197, the highest total ever chased down in T20 WC history, against the West Indies at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, with Samson scoring 97 in what was a thrilling "virtual quarter-final", before edging out England by 7 runs in a high-scoring thriller at the Wankhede Stadium, at the expense of Jacob Bethell's sparkling century, to reach their 2nd successive final. Their opponents, New Zealand, also had a similar route to the final. After coming 2nd in their league group, their first game against Pakistan was washed out in Colombo, before they spun a web on the co-hosts Sri Lanka, after posting 168 and narrowly lost to England but they made it through to the semis, as Pakistan did win by 5 runs, which was nowhere near enough, as the Blackcaps qualified for the semis, and they thrashed South Africa with a stunning century from Finn Allen, after the bowlers wreaked havoc on the Proteas's batting lineup to reach their 2nd final in 5 years. Which one of these teams will claim the big prize? Can India defeat history, or will New Zealand spring a shock to silence the capacity crowd?

Team News: 

The toss was won by Mitchell Santner and he elected to field first on a pitch that looks like a batting paradise.

1 CHANGE for the Blackcaps as Jacob Duffy replaces Cole McConchie. 

New Zealand: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, James Neesham, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy. 

India are UNCHANGED.

India: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah. 

ONES TO WATCH: 

Sanju Samson: Having played only one game this WC, he has truly seized the opportunity after coming in for Rinku Singh. Following impressive scores of 97* and 89 in the "virtual quarter-final" and the semi-final, all eyes are on him after he scored two cameos against Zimbabwe and Namibia. Having shattered 3 records in this WC, is he the man to be India's amazing hero?

Finn Allen: What a tournament he has had up to this final. He's been impressive at the top order, with Tim Seifert, and comes into this final, on the back of a stunning century against South Africa. A BBL winner this year with Perth Scorchers, is he to cause India problems?

Jasprit Bumrah: The trump card for India, whenever they need him. He's been superb with the slower balls and has come in clutch with great economy rates and fantastic wickets. Known for his terrific yorkers and slower balls, particularly the latter in this world cup, can he be the difference maker?

Rachin Ravindra: Despite not showing up with the bat, he has been terrific with the ball, claiming 12 wickets this year. He comes into this final on the back of 9 wickets in his last 3 games, can he and Santner spin a web on this Indian batting lineup?

INDIA INNINGS:

We are set to go, as Matt Henry bowls the first ball of the final to Sanju Samson, and he's on the money straight away, bowling to his CSK teammate ahead of the 2026 IPL season. It's been 4 good balls from Henry so far, as his 5th ball is "CLEARED OVER LONG-ON FOR THE FIRST SIX OF THE FINAL", courtesy of the elegant Sanju Samson. Henry's first over goes for 7 runs, not a bad start for both sides. And interesting change, as it's Glenn Philips who is to bowl the second over of the innings! Interesting call from Santner, and it proves to be a good one, just 5 runs of the over, and no boundaries, India sit at 12-0 after 2 overs. A third bowler enters the attack, and it's the tall Jacob Duffy, who had a great 2025, and now he bowls in the final, as he starts with a wide ball and a single. And he gets taken off by Abhishek for two boundaries and Sanju closes off the over with a third boundary, giving 15 runs for the third over, as India raced to 27-0, now they are picking up speed. A 4th bowler into the mix, with Lockie Ferguson into the attack, and he's been greeted with a 4 & 6 from his first two balls. And the over ends in India's favour as they already post 51/0 after 4 overs!! Stunned by that large over, Santner brought back Henry, who went for 7 in his first over, but he couldn't muster a way through, leaking 21 runs in the process, leaving Samson on 33 & Abhishek on 31 with 8 wides, India were dominant at 72-0 after 5 overs. And the carnage continued, as Abhishek tore Jacob Duffy apart for 20 runs, and in the process, brought up his half-century of just 18 balls. his second of the tournament, after an underwhelming tournament of low scores that included 3 straight duck outs. India ended an overpowering powerplay scoring 92/0 after 6 overs, with a run rate of 15.3 per over. Santner then brought himself on and he went for 6 runs, slowed the carnage down, and the trick worked, when India lost their first wicket. Rachin Ravindra introduced, and he's GOT IT! First wicket down for India, and it's Abhishek Sharma who goes, after edging to Tim Seifert, who takes a good catch, and Ravindra gets another wicket with the ball, he's been good with his spin, and continues to do so. New Zealand can breathe now and boy did they need a wicket! Abhishek Sharma goes for a well-made 52 off 21 balls, India are at 98/1 with Ishan Kishan the new batsman in at the start of the 8th over.

Wicket for Rachin Ravindra as India lose Abhishek Sharma

And eventually, Ishan Kishan gets to 12 off 6 balls, as India continue to motor on at 110/1 after 8 overs. Another quiet over from Santner goes by leaving the bowling options in question. Eventually, it's Neesham who is given the ball, instead of a 2nd over for Rachin Ravindra. Samson moved closer to 50 as he squeezes a yorker beyond Seifert towards third man for 4, and Kishan benefitted from a mis-field to get another boundary, which is another 12 run over, taking India to 127/1 at the half way stage. If you thought this was the beginning, wait until you see this! 

A six for Ishan Kishan on Santner's third ball, and a milestone moment for Samson. It's been a stunning knock from Sanju Samson, as he notches up his third 50 of the tournament. He is the third player to score back-to-back half-centuries in the semi final and final. A well-appreciated performance so far, can he continue the show?

Sanju Samson reached his 3rd 50 in a row in the tournament, this one took 33 balls for him. Well played, Sanju!

The carnage begins, as Samson smashes Ferguson for back-to-back sixes at the start of the 12th over, and Ferguson continues to have a tough time, with his 2nd over going for another 24 runs, with Kishan hitting a six and 4 this time, India sail past 150, and they reach 191/1 at drinks in the 14th over, with Samson smacking Rachin Ravindra for 3 sixes in a row, moving him to 88* off 44 and Ishan Kishan at the other end with 43* off 19 balls. A stunning partnership of 93 runs so far, with 260+ runs looking very likely. 

After the drinks break, Santner returned and gets hammered for 6 by Ishan Kishan who moves to 49 off 21, and he brings up his half-century. His 3rd of this WC, and it's off 23 balls. A serious performance from him, as he continues writing his comeback story. 

A third T20 WC 50 for Ishan Kishan as India move to 203/1 after 15 overs. 

Suddenly, a twist. Sanju Samson on strike, and he's found the man at long-on! A full-toss from James Neesham, who returns after getting hit for 12 runs, and Samson could only find Cole McConchie, the sub fielder at long-on. It won't be a WC hundred and it ends a spectacular innings from Sanju Samson, and what a difference he has made to India! A second wicket falls, India are 203/2 with Hardik Pandya entering instead of SKY. Much-needed breakthrough for New Zealand, as they break the partnership. 

Samson falls for a stunning 89 as Neesham breaks the partnership.

And after that, two more twists! He's found the man in the deep, again! This time, it's Ishan Kishan who has to go back! Two in the over for Jimmy Neesham, and it's the two set batters as well! A low full-toss delivery, a one-handed tame effort to long-on, and this time it's Mark Chapman who takes the catch, but another fine knock from Kishan comes to an end, he goes for 54 off 25 with India at 204/3 with SKY arriving at the crease. Last ball of the over, swept away, AND, has that been taken? YES, HE HAS! THAT'S A GREAT CATCH FROM RACHIN RAVINDRA at deep backward square, and it's the skipper who is gone first ball! All of a sudden, India are 4 down! What an over from Neesham, 3 wickets and 1 run in the 16th over. India are now 204/4 after 16 overs. How will India bring the momentum back in their favour? New Zealand still believe that they can get more wickets at the back end. After a quiet over from Jacob Duffy conceding just 7 runs, the pressure was once again back on India, as Matt Henry struck. Six off the first ball for Hardik Pandya, lovely strike. No timing on this one, and the catch is taken at mid-off. Mitch Santner takes the catch, and once again, Hardik Pandya has not been able to nail his timing, and he goes for 18 (13), India are now 226/5 with Shivam Dube entering the crease with Tilak Varma already there. At this stage, it's still a great over for New Zealand, just 11 runs off the over India are now 231/5 with the last over to be bowled by Neesham.

Final Over by James Neesham, ball by ball detail:

Ball 1: James Neesham to Shivam Dube - 4! It's high in the air from Dube, man at mid-off is Santner, who is underneath it, and he can't get there. It jumps away from him, and it reaches the boundary. Good start for India!

Ball 2: James Neesham to Shivam Dube - 6! SMOKED OVER DEEP MIDWICKET! THAT IS DUBE'S STRENGTH! Bowler is now under pressure with 4 deliveries to go! 

Ball 3: James Neesham to Shivam Dube - 6! IT'S SIX AGAIN, AND A GOOD SHOT FROM SHIVAM DUBE! Up and over the wide long-off boundary for a six! 16 OFF 3 deliveries so far! 

Ball 4: James Neesham to Shivam Dube - 4! Over the short fine fielder and it goes for 4 more! 20 already! Banged in short, and all Dube had to do was help it around the corner for a boundary! 

Ball 5: James Neesham to Shivam Dube - DOT BALL! Misses out that time, Dube, and he sends Tilak Varma back to the non-striker's end for the final ball of the innings. 

Ball 6: James Neesham to Shivam Dube - 4! Pace off and into the surface, Dube didn't quite time it, but enough to beat extra cover and split the two fielders for 4! Massive over for India, 24 off the over, and Dube finishes on 26* (8).

At the end of the 20 overs, India finish on 255-5 after 20 overs. 

India Innings Summary: 

India 255-5 (20 OVERS) RR: 12.75	New Zealand BOWLING
Sanju Samson: 89 (46) = 193.47 S/R	James Neesham: 3-46 (4) 11.5 ECO
Ishan Kishan : 54 (25) = 216 2/R	Matt Henry: 1-49 (4) 12.25 ECO
Abhishek Sharma : 52 (21) = 247.61 S/R	Rachin Ravindra: 1-32 (2) 16 ECO

To win: New Zealand need 256 off 20 overs at a rate of 12.8 an over

New Zealand Batting Innings:

It's a lot of work to do for New Zealand, as they gear up for a big chase. The formidable opening combo of Finn Allen and Tim Seifert are at the crease, Arshdeep Singh to start with the new ball, as Seifert faces off. A bunt ot mid-off to start the first ball of the chase. 

A great over from Arshdeep Singh to start, New Zealand 4-0 after the 1st over as Dube dropped Finn Allen and has gone off the field for treatment. Hardik Pandya to share the new ball with Arshdeep. And Seifert is ON SONG, as he takes down Hardik Pandya for 21 runs off the 2nd over, 2 fours and sixes for Tim Seifert. New Zealand starting to march on, 25-0 after 2 overs. After an expensive start for Hardik, it's Axar Patel, who is thrown the new ball at. Can he provide the breakthrough. On the 4th ball, he did exactly that. No timing from Finn Allen and TAKEN IN THE DEEP by Tilak Varma! Short on length and more straighter, Allen could not middle this, as he toe-ends this down to long-on. India strike first blood! New Zealand are 32-1 after 3 overs.

Axar Patel strikes the first wicket, as Finn Allen goes for 9 runs. 

A better over from India as New Zealand are at 32/1 after 3 overs. Into the attack is the main man, Jasprit Bumrah. Rachin Ravindra on strike, it's high in the air, he hasn't got the timing, he hasn't got the distance, OH AND A BRILLIANT RUNNING CATCH FROM ISHAN KISHAN IN THE DEEP, RUNNING IN FROM DEEP BACKWARD SQUARE LEG, AND HOLDING ON! AS HE DID IN THE SEMI-FINAL AT MUMBAI, JASPRIT BUMRAH HAS STRUCK IN HIS FIRST OVER OF HIS SPELL, WITH A WICKET! It was a pace-off delivery, onto Ravindra's pads, but the batter was through the shot too early, and a fantastic catch from Kishan, who manages to hold on. 2 down for New Zealand, and it's Glenn Phillips who walks out to the middle. 

Ishan Kishan and Bumrah celebrate the 2nd wicket alongside Rinku Singh

What an over, from Jasprit Bumrah! Just 4 runs off the over, and it's 36/2 after 4 overs. Returning back to Axar Patel for his second over. After being tonked for a six by Seifert and a boundary by Phillips, Axar struck back. Bowled 'em! Through the gate, goes Axar Patel, and it's Glenn Phillips who walks back! It's the undercutter from Patel, and it was fuller, onto middle and leg, which goes through the defences of Phillips. New Zealand are in serious trouble now, 47/3 after 5 overs, with Chapman at the crease with Seifert, who is keeping them in the game with 31 off 15 balls. 

Axar Patel picked up his second wicket, as it was Glenn Phillips who was the 3rd wicket that fell. 

India have had a good powerplay, getting 3 crucial wickets, and continuing to restrict New Zealand, as they finish the powerplay on 52/3 after 6 overs. Chakravarthy was the new bowler into the attack, and Seifert ends the 7th over very well for New Zealand at 68/3 with 16 coming off the over, and a half-century from Tim Seifert off just 23 balls. Hardik returned with a breakthrough in the 8th over. Chops on! This is really good bowling from India! Pace on, wide outside off stump, and Chapman has a flirt at it, but ends up getting an inside edge onto the stumps! Hardik Pandya gets his first wicket, and India are all over New Zealand, at 70/4. 

Hardik celebrates after getting Mark Chapman bowled out.

Out comes Daryl Mitchell to accompany Tim Seifert. Only for the set man to be dismissed by the mystery spinner, Varun Chakravarthy. Short from Chakravarthy to Tim Seifert, BUT HE'S FOUND THE FIELDER! AND ONCE AGAIN, IT'S ISHAN KISHAN TAKING THE CATCH! BUT THIS TIME, AT DEEP MIDWICKET, AND HE HAD TO DO A BIT OF JUGGLING TO KEEP THE BALL IN THE FIELD, AND DOES IT BEAUTIFULLY! It's a huge wicket for the hosts, because Tim Seifert looked to be the man that kept New Zealand in the game, but he mis-times a short one. Half the side are back in the shed, Seifert goes for 52 off 26, it's a good innings, but not enough, 72/5 with Mitchell Santner coming to the middle. 

Huge wicket for India as Chakravarthy gets Seifert caught out for 52

And the next set of overs, went wicketless, as New Zealand countered the Indian bowling, with Santner and Mitchell finding the boundary. But once again, the ace on SKY's sleeve, Axar Patel broke the partnership. Oh dear! Straight to Ishan Kishan at deep midwicket, yet again! A full-toss from Axar Patel, and Mitchell caught it high on the bat, but could not clear the fielder. It continues to get deeper trouble for New Zealand, a quick 50 partnership broken. 124/6 with James Neesham the new batter in, Santner is still not out, but the game looks far out of reach for the Kiwis. 

A third wicket for Axar Patel as Mitchell goes for 17 (11)

It looks all but over, New Zealand have been well beaten in this final. India have been superb, as they continue to tighten the grip on New Zealand, but a couple of boundaries from Santner kept the fight going, only for him to lose his partners and himself to the class of Bumrah.

Bumrah to bowl the 16th over, after 4 deliveries, including the wide, he got two in two balls. What a great delivery that is from Bumrah! The master at work again! Pace off, yorker and Neesham had a wild swing at it. The win is coming closer for India, 141/7 as Matt Henry comes on strike. 

Bumrah gets his second wicket as Neesham departs leaving New Zealand 7 down.

He's done it again! Once again, another slower ball yorker, again the pace is taken off by the world's best death bowler from India. And the pace deceives Matt Henry, and the sound of timber once again, Bumrah has 3-11! Henry goes for a first ball duck, 141/8, Bumrah is on a hat-trick! 

Another excellent slower ball yorker from Bumrah sees Matt Henry depart for a duck.

 Here's a fun fact: No Indian bowler has ever picked up a hat-trick in a T20 WC. Could this be his chance? No it's not, and the hat-trick ball from Bumrah is well-defended by Lockie Ferguson, as he picks up a single by stopping the yorker. Still a tremendous over from Bumrah, 4 runs and 2 wickets off the over, 143/8, India are two wickets away from the trophy. After 9 runs of the over in the 17th over by Arshdeep Singh, Bumrah showed his class, once again. Bumrah to Santner, third ball of the over. Got 'em! Just too good! Excellent bowling from Jasprit Bumrah! Once again, it's another pace-off delivery and once again, another yorker. Santner tried to heave it over the leg-side, but misses it completely! India are 1 wicket away from the celebrations.

Superb bowling from Bumrah, as he picks up his 4th wicket.

What an outstanding spell and an excellent over from Jasprit Bumrah. Once again, showing his incredible class at the death. He finishes his spell with 4-15 off his 4 overs. New Zealand are 154/9. With Abhishek Sharma handed the 19th over. The celebrations have already begun for the host nation. And he struck the last blow, as the celebrations begin, with the wicket of Jacob Duffy! Taken in the deep? Yes. IT'S ALL OVER, AND IT'S INDIA, who lift the T20 World Cup on HOME SOIL for the 3RD TIME IN THEIR HISTORY! Tilak Varma takes the catch, and THEY HAVE BECOME the first nation to defend the title on home soil, and lift the title 3 times, the most any other nation has had! Congratulations, Team India! 

Duffy was the last man out, as India started the celebrations

Player of the Match: Jasprit Bumrah

What a world-class bowler he is! Set the tone, and he picked up crucial wickets. All of them, were pace off. 

Player of the Series: Sanju Samson

The kind of comeback story every cricket fan, loves to see! Took over from Rinku Singh, when India needed a win in the Super 8s, and he was the main reason, superb strike rate, 321 runs in just 5 games! What an unreal player!