India Beat New Zealand By 96 Runs To Retain ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Title In Ahmedabad

India produced a commanding performance to retain the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title, defeating New Zealand by 96 runs in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

The victory also secured India’s third men’s T20 world title and marked their first triumph in the tournament on home soil, achieved in front of a crowd of 86,824 spectators.

With the win, captain Suryakumar Yadav became the fourth Indian skipper to lead the national side to a men’s cricket World Cup title.

Since taking over the leadership in July 2024, the team has not lost a single series. The record highlights India’s strong run under the new captain. It also underlines the side’s consistent dominance in the shortest format.

The emphatic result also ended two long-standing setbacks for India.

India had never previously defeated New Zealand in a men’s T20 World Cup encounter.

The Ahmedabad venue had also witnessed two recent ICC white-ball disappointments for India. These included the 2023 ODI World Cup final defeat to Australia and a Super Eights loss to South Africa earlier in this tournament.

India’s victory was built on a powerful batting display led by Sanju Samson. He scored a rapid 89 from 46 deliveries, striking five fours and eight sixes. His innings guided India to 255/5 in 20 overs.

It was the highest total recorded by any team in this edition of the tournament and the second-highest overall.

Abhishek Sharma provided strong support to Samson at the top of the order, smashing 52 off just 21 balls in the final.

The pair put together a 98-run opening stand, setting the tone for the innings. Ishan Kishan then maintained the aggressive approach, scoring 54 from 25 balls.

New Zealand briefly pulled things back when James Neesham claimed three wickets in a single over.

Shivam Dube’s quick unbeaten 26 from eight balls pushed India’s total past the 250 mark.

Defending the formidable total, India’s bowlers quickly seized control. Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel dismantled New Zealand’s top order, reducing the visitors to 52 for three early in the chase.

The early breakthroughs effectively ended hopes of a record pursuit.

India bowled New Zealand out for 159 in 19 overs despite fighting knocks from Tim Seifert (52) and Mitchell Santner (43).

Bumrah led the bowling attack with figures of 4 for 15, while Axar Patel claimed 3 for 27.

Brief Scores:

India 255/5 (20 overs) – Sanju Samson 89, Ishan Kishan 54; James Neesham 3-46.

New Zealand 159 all out (19 overs) – Tim Seifert 52, Mitchell Santner 43; Jasprit Bumrah 4-15, Axar Patel 3-27.

India won by 96 runs.