India scripted history on Sunday by becoming the first team to win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on home soil, defeating New Zealand by a commanding 96 runs in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. In front of a packed crowd at the world’s largest cricket stadium, Suryakumar Yadav’s side produced a clinical all-round performance to secure a record third T20 World Cup title.
The triumph carried extra emotional weight for Indian fans. Just two years earlier, India had suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the ODI World Cup final at the same venue despite an unbeaten run through the tournament. This time, however, there were celebrations rather than silence in the stands as the defending champions delivered a performance worthy of the occasion.
India posted a formidable total of 255 for 5 in their 20 overs, powered by explosive knocks from Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan. The massive score proved far beyond New Zealand’s reach as India’s bowlers dismantled the chase, dismissing the Blackcaps for 159.
Sanju Samson continued his remarkable form throughout the tournament with a brilliant 89 off 46 balls. The wicketkeeper-batter anchored the innings while maintaining an aggressive scoring rate, punishing New Zealand’s bowlers with a mix of powerful sixes and crisp boundaries. Abhishek Sharma provided the perfect start at the other end, blasting 52 runs from just 21 deliveries in a rapid innings that included six fours and three sixes.
The pair laid a strong foundation with a blistering opening stand, racing to 50 in just four overs. Their aggressive intent ensured India maintained momentum in the powerplay, piling up 65 runs between the fourth and sixth overs and putting immediate pressure on the Kiwi bowling attack.
Even after Abhishek’s dismissal, India’s batting lineup continued the assault. Ishan Kishan contributed a quickfire 54 from 25 balls, keeping the scoreboard ticking and ensuring the hosts remained on track for a huge total. Samson later accelerated further, bringing up his half-century off 33 deliveries before launching a fierce attack on Lockie Ferguson, striking three sixes and a four in one over.
India crossed the 200-run mark in the 15th over and looked set to approach the 300-run milestone. However, New Zealand briefly fought back when James Neesham claimed three wickets in a single over, removing Samson, Kishan and captain Suryakumar Yadav in quick succession. Despite the setback, Shivam Dube finished the innings strongly with an explosive final over that yielded 24 runs, pushing India to the highest total ever recorded in a T20 World Cup final.
Chasing a daunting target of 256, New Zealand needed a strong start but quickly found themselves in trouble. The Indian bowlers struck early, reducing the visitors to 47 for 3 by the end of the powerplay.
Axar Patel made an immediate impact, dismissing dangerous opener Finn Allen for 9 and Glenn Phillips for 5. Jasprit Bumrah then produced a moment of brilliance by removing Rachin Ravindra for just one run, with Ishan Kishan completing a spectacular diving catch in the deep.
New Zealand opener Tim Seifert attempted to counterattack, hitting several boundaries against India’s spin attack to keep his team in the contest. However, his dismissal by Varun Chakravarthy in the ninth over dealt another blow to the chase.
Captain Mitchell Santner and Daryl Mitchell briefly revived New Zealand’s hopes with a 52-run partnership. The stand provided some resistance, but once Axar Patel dismissed Mitchell in the 13th over, the momentum shifted decisively in India’s favour.
From that point onward, India’s bowlers tightened their grip on the match. Bumrah led the charge with a sensational spell, finishing with remarkable figures of 4 for 15 in his four overs. Axar Patel supported him effectively with three wickets for 27 runs.
The final wicket fell when Abhishek Sharma’s part-time spin accounted for Jacob Duffy, sealing India’s emphatic victory and confirming their place in history.
Bumrah was named Player of the Final for his match-winning spell, while Samson received the Player of the Tournament award for his consistent performances throughout the competition.
With this triumph, India not only defended their title but also became the first team to lift the T20 World Cup trophy on home soil, turning past disappointment into a moment of unforgettable glory.