India crush New Zealand to win third T20 World Cup title

India produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat New Zealand by 96 runs and lift their third ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.

Roared on by a packed crowd of more than 100,000 fans, the hosts piled up a daunting 255-5, the highest total in a T20 World Cup final, before bowling New Zealand out for 159 in 19 overs, successfully defending their crown and becoming the first team to win the tournament three times. India had earlier made 253 against England in the semifinal and surpassed that with 255 in the final, marking the highest total in a T20 World Cup knockout match.

India’s explosive batting display was led by Sanju Samson, who smashed 89 off 46 balls with eight sixes and five fours. He received strong support from Abhishek Sharma (52 off 21) and Ishan Kishan (54 off 25), the trio taking India to 203-1 after 15 overs, putting the final firmly in the hosts’ control.

Earlier in the innings, India began with a six as Sanju Samson hit Matt Henry for a maximum in the first over. Samson and Abhishek Sharma added 98 in 7.1 overs for the opening stand. After Sharma’s dismissal, Samson and Ishan Kishan added 105 off 48 balls, keeping India on course for a massive total. Hardik Pandya contributed 18 off 13 balls, while Shivam Dube finished unbeaten on 26 off eight balls, hitting three fours and two sixes.

New Zealand briefly fought back when James Neesham claimed three wickets in the 16th over, removing Samson, Kishan, and captain Suryakumar Yadav in quick succession. However, a late cameo from Shivam Dube ensured India finished with a massive total.

Chasing 256, New Zealand never fully recovered from early blows. Tim Seifert provided a spark with 52 off 26 balls, and Mitchell Santner made 43, but no other batter reached 20, with only Daryl Mitchell scoring 17. The visitors collapsed, eventually being bowled out for 159.

India’s bowlers delivered a clinical performance to seal the victory. Jasprit Bumrah took 4-15, Axar Patel claimed 3-27, while Hardik Pandya, Varun Chakravarthy, and Abhishek Sharma contributed one wicket each.

This victory marked a historic milestone for India, as they not only defended their title but also became the first nation to win the T20 World Cup three times, surpassing West Indies and England, who have won twice each. For New Zealand, it was another painful defeat in a major white-ball final despite a spirited effort, having played their second T20 World Cup final after losing to Australia in 2021.

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