March 9, 2026
NEW DELHI – India has done it again! Posting a massive 255/5, delivering a spectacular batting display to set the highest total ever in a T20 World Cup final.
Openers Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson smashed a record 92-run opening stand in just six overs, the highest powerplay score in T20 World Cup history. Sharma’s scintillating 18-ball fifty and Samson’s unbeaten 89 off 46 balls laid a perfect platform, with boundaries and sixes flowing freely.
C.H.A.M.P.I.O.N.S
India makes history with back-to-back #T20WorldCup victories, their third overall, and becomes the first team to win at home.#INDvsNZ #INDvNZ #INDvsNZFinal #T20WorldCup #T20WorldCupFinals #FinalMatch #Finals #WorldCup #Champions #TheStatesman
[IND vs… pic.twitter.com/mgKGfZUVle
— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) March 8, 2026
In the middle overs, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan kept the momentum going, launching a six-and-four show that toyed with the New Zealand bowling attack and helped India cross the 200-run mark. After Samson fell for 89, Ishan departed in the 16th over, followed by Surya Kumar Yadav for a duck, briefly slowing the scoring. But India’s lower middle order, led by Shivam Dube, unleashed a furious counterattack in the final overs, smashing multiple sixes and fours to finish with a record 255/5, putting New Zealand under immense pressure.
Chasing a daunting 256, New Zealand never really got going. Axar Patel struck early with three crucial wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah wreaked havoc with a sensational four-wicket haul. Varun Chakaravarthy and Hardik Pandya also contributed with key breakthroughs, leaving New Zealand reeling at 52/3. Despite brief resistance from Mitchell Santner and Lockie Ferguson, wickets continued to fall, and the Kiwis were eventually bowled out for 159, handing India a commanding 96-run victory.
Sanju Samson was named Player of the Tournament for his stellar performances throughout the T20 World Cup. His explosive batting at the top of the order played a key role in India’s historic back-to-back and third title.
Sanju Samson was awarded the Player of the Tournament medal in the #ICCT20WORLDCUP2026.#INDvsNZ #INDvNZ #INDvsNZFinal #T20WorldCup #T20WorldCupFinals #FinalMatch #Finals #WorldCup #Champions #TheStatesman pic.twitter.com/y6hWO2fcAs
— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) March 8, 2026
With this win, India not only lift the T20 World Cup trophy again but also become the first team ever to win back-to-back T20 World Cups, and the first to do so on home soil. This triumph also marks India’s third T20 World Cup title, making them the most successful team in the tournament’s history. From record-breaking powerplays to clinical death bowling, India stamped their authority on the global stage once more.
India vs New Zealand T20 World Cup Final: Playing XI
India:
India have named an unchanged XI for the final: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah.
New Zealand:
New Zealand have made one change, bringing in Jacob Duffy for Cole McConchie. Their XI reads: Mitchell Santner (c), Tim Seifert (wk), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy.