Ahmedabad, March 8, 2026 — Team India delivered a stunning performance to defend their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup crown, thrashing New Zealand by a massive 96 runs in a high-voltage final at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Batting first after losing the toss, India unleashed an explosive batting display. Sanju Samson led the charge with a blazing 89, while Abhishek Sharma provided a fiery start and Ishan Kishan added a quick half-century. Shivam Dube’s powerful finishing touches helped India post a mammoth 255/5 — the highest total ever in a T20 World Cup final.
Chasing the daunting target, New Zealand never found momentum. Jasprit Bumrah tore through the top order with a match-winning four-wicket spell, while Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy tightened the grip in the middle overs. The Black Caps were eventually bowled out for 159 in 19 overs.
With this emphatic victory, India created history by becoming the first team to successfully defend the T20 World Cup title and lifting a record third trophy. The triumph also erased memories of the 2023 ODI World Cup heartbreak and sparked massive celebrations across the country.
From Ahmedabad’s packed stadium to cities across India, fans erupted in joy as the Men in Blue once again proved why they are the kings of T20 cricket.
