India delivered a dominant performance to defeat New Zealand by 96 runs and win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
After New Zealand asked them to bat first, India piled up a massive 255 for 5. Sanju Samson led the charge with 89, while Ishan Kishan scored 54 and Abhishek Sharma smashed a quick 52. The Indian top order attacked from the start, with Abhishek reaching a rapid half-century and helping India post 92 runs in the powerplay.
Samson continued his brilliant form and punished the New Zealand bowlers with aggressive strokeplay. Kishan also impressed with a 23-ball fifty. Jimmy Neesham briefly slowed India with three quick wickets and finished with 3 for 46, but Shivam Dube struck late boundaries to push India past 250.
Chasing 256, New Zealand never found momentum against India’s disciplined bowling attack. Tim Seifert scored a fighting 52 and Mitchell Santner added 43, but the rest of the batting lineup struggled.
Jasprit Bumrah produced a match-winning spell of 4 for 15, using his offcutters effectively to break the New Zealand chase. Axar Patel also impressed with 3 for 27 as New Zealand were bowled out for 159.
With the victory, India secured their third T20 World Cup title and became the first team to successfully defend the trophy. For New Zealand, it marked another heartbreaking defeat in an ICC final.
