India defeat New Zealand by 96 runs to clinch ICC Men's T20 World Cup title

Ahmedabad (Web Desk): India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 final played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, becoming the first side to secure the title three times in the tournament’s history.

Chasing a huge target of 256 runs, New Zealand struggled to build momentum against a disciplined Indian bowling attack and were dismissed for 159 in 19 overs. The only substantial resistance came from opening batter Tim Seifert, who fought hard with a brisk 52 off 26 deliveries that included five sixes and two boundaries.

Apart from Seifert, only Mitchell Santner and Daryl Mitchell were able to reach double figures, contributing 43 and 17 respectively.

India’s bowling effort was led brilliantly by Jasprit Bumrah, who claimed four wickets while conceding just 15 runs from his four overs. Axar Patel also played a key role with three wickets, while Varun Chakravarthy, Hardik Pandya and Abhishek Sharma took one wicket each.

Earlier, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner opted to bowl after winning the toss, but the decision proved costly as India piled up 255 for five in their 20 overs.

India began their innings in explosive fashion, with openers Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson putting together a rapid 98-run partnership inside the first seven overs. The stand ended at the start of the eighth over when Rachin Ravindra had Sharma caught behind after he had smashed 52 off 21 balls, striking six fours and three sixes.

Following his departure, Ishan Kishan joined Samson at the crease and the pair continued the aggressive approach, adding 105 runs for the second wicket from only 47 deliveries before both were dismissed by James Neesham in the 16th over.

Samson was the highest scorer for India with an impressive 89 off 46 balls, hitting eight sixes and five fours, while Kishan contributed a quick 54 from 25 deliveries that featured eight boundaries, including four sixes.

Neesham struck again in the same over to remove India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav for a golden duck, leaving the hosts at 204 for four after 16 overs.

After that brief setback, Hardik Pandya scored 18 runs during a 22-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Tilak Varma before he was dismissed in the second-to-last over. His wicket brought Shivam Dube to the crease, who finished the innings strongly with an unbeaten 26 from just eight deliveries, striking three fours and two sixes.

For New Zealand, James Neesham was the most successful bowler, finishing with figures of three for 46 in four overs, while Rachin Ravindra and Matt Henry managed to take one wicket each.