A spectacular batting display followed by clinical bowling earned India a crushing 96-run victory over New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final, as the hosts became the first team in men’s cricket history to retain the prestigious trophy. The match, played in front of 100,000 roaring supporters, was never a contest after India’s openers demolished the New Zealand bowling attack in the powerplay overs. History was well and truly made on a memorable evening.
Sanju Samson was the star with the bat, stroking his way to 89 off 46 balls before being dismissed attempting to go even bigger. Abhishek Sharma set the tone with a rapid half-century off 18 deliveries, and Ishan Kishan continued the carnage with 54 off 25 balls. Together, the trio put on a batting exhibition that left New Zealand’s bowlers searching for answers they simply did not have.
India posted a mammoth 255, their third score above 250 in the tournament, and New Zealand’s chase was effectively over before it started. The visitors lost their first two wickets within the opening three overs, and the required run rate quickly moved to an impossible figure. Tim Seifert’s spirited fifty was a lone highlight in an otherwise forgettable innings.
Jasprit Bumrah was extraordinary with the ball, producing three wickets through his trademark slow yorkers that consistently defeated the New Zealand batters. His accuracy and variation have been the hallmarks of this World Cup campaign, and he delivered again when it mattered most. New Zealand never truly recovered from his opening spell.
India’s achievement in retaining the World Cup at home is one for the ages. They have now won two consecutive T20 World Cups and shown the cricketing world what a complete team looks like. The celebration that followed was as memorable as the match itself.