A dominant batting performance by the India national cricket team electrified the final of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup against the New Zealand national cricket team at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Among those present in the stands was Amit Shah, who attended the match with his wife, his son Jay Shah, daughter-in-law and grandson.
India made a sensational start to the innings. The team raced to 92 without loss in the Powerplay. It marked the highest six-over total recorded in the history of the T20 World Cup.
The charge was led by Abhishek Sharma, whose explosive strokeplay saw him hammer 51 runs from just 19 balls. His half-century, the quickest of the 2026 tournament, ended in the seventh over when a mistimed edge was caught by Tim Seifert behind the stumps.
Following his departure, Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson took charge of the innings. Kishan immediately attacked the bowling, clearing the ropes several times against Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry.
At the other end, Samson continued his rich run of form. He registered his third successive half-century in the T20 World Cups. Crisp timing and attacking placement helped him keep the scoring rate high.
By the 13th over, India had surged to 171/1, with Samson unbeaten on 69 from 39 balls and Kishan on 42 not out off 18 deliveries.
The pair targeted loose deliveries, punishing short and wide balls as the New Zealand pace attack struggled to contain the scoring.
Ferguson and Henry both conceded heavily, including a 24-run over from Ferguson.
New Zealand attempted to slow the run rate by introducing variations in spin and pace. However, the changes failed to halt India’s momentum as the hosts continued to score freely.
In the stands, Amit Shah and his family, however, applauded boundaries and reacted enthusiastically as the Indian innings gathered pace.
India’s explosive start in the Powerplay laid the foundation for a formidable total. Aggressive partnerships through the middle overs further strengthened the innings. The hosts maintained control of the match before a full house in Ahmedabad and a prominent VIP gallery.
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