IND win by 96 runs to defend title

Mar 8, 2026 10:57 PM ISTIndia vs New Zealand Live Score, T20 World Cup 2026 Final: IND win by 96 runs to defend titleIndia defeated New Zealand by 97 runs to become the first team to successfully defend the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad tonight.
India posted a massive 255/5, the highest total ever in a T20 World Cup final, thanks to a superb knock from Sanju Samson, who scored 89 runs. He was well supported by Abhishek Sharma (52) and Ishan Kishan (54) as the top order dominated the New Zealand bowlers with aggressive strokeplay.
Samson and Abhishek set the tone early, putting together a quick 98-run opening stand in just 7.1 overs. India crossed the 200-run mark inside 15 overs, putting the Kiwi bowlers under heavy pressure.
New Zealand briefly slowed the scoring when Jimmy Neesham took three wickets in the 16th over, dismissing Samson, Kishan and captain Suryakumar Yadav. However, Shivam Dube finished strongly with 26 not out, helping India add 52 runs in the last five overs.
Chasing the big target, New Zealand lost early wickets as Finn Allen and Glenn Phillips were dismissed cheaply. Only Tim Seifert offered resistance with 52 off 26 balls.
India’s bowlers dominated the chase, with Jasprit Bumrah taking 4/15 and Axar Patel claiming 3/27 to bowl New Zealand out for 159 in 19 overs, sealing a comfortable victory.

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