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Dhoni & Rohit Lead Trophy March as India Chase T20 WC History vs NZ

India's World Cup-winning captains MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, accompanied by ICC chairman Jay Shah, presented the T20 World Cup trophy at the Narendra Modi Stadium ahead of the final. India enters the final after a thrilling seven-run victory over England, while New Zealand defeated South Africa in the semi-finals. The final presents a clash of history versus form, as New Zealand holds an unbeaten T20 World Cup record against India, having won in 2007, 2016, and 2021. India is chasing historic firsts, including becoming the first team to defend the title and win it as hosts, while New Zealand's key challenge will be containing India's star batting lineup and Jasprit Bumrah.

Key Points: India vs NZ T20 WC Final: Dhoni, Rohit Trophy Walk

  • Trophy walk by legends Dhoni & Rohit
  • India's thrilling semi-final win
  • NZ's unbeaten T20 WC record vs India
  • Historic firsts at stake for India
  • Challenge of containing India's batting & Bumrah
2 min read

MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma walks out with T20 WC Trophy in final

MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma presented the T20 World Cup trophy ahead of the final where India chase historic firsts against a formidable New Zealand.

MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma walks out with T20 WC Trophy in final
"India are chasing a few firsts - first to defend a T20 World Cup title, first host team to win the T20 World Cup, and the first to three T20 World Cup championships."

Ahmedabad, March 8

India's World Cup-winning captains Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni, alongside International Cricket Council chairman Jay Shah, walked out at the Narendra Modi Stadium, in Ahmedabad, with the T20 World Cup trophy on Sunday.

New Zealand entered the finals after defeating South Africa in the semifinal, and India secured a thrilling seven-run win over England in Mumbai to book their finals berth.

In their head-to-head clashes, history may favour New Zealand, but form is with India. The Black Caps have not lost a match to India in the T20 World Cup, having scored victories in 2007, 2016, and 2021.

Going into the final, India are chasing a few firsts - first to defend a T20 World Cup title, first host team to win the T20 World Cup, and the first to three T20 World Cup championships.

For New Zealand, the biggest challenges will be how to keep the star-studded Indian batting line-up relatively quiet and how to deal with Jasprit Bumrah's unerring line and length.

Teams:

India (Playing XI): Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson(w), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah.

New Zealand (Playing XI): Tim Seifert(w), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner(c), Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The history against New Zealand is a bit worrying, ngl. They always seem to have our number in World Cups. But this team looks different. Bumrah is in a league of his own. Fingers crossed!
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Priya S
So many firsts on the line! Defending the title at home would be absolutely historic. The pressure is immense, but I believe in this team. Come on, India! Let's bring the cup home. 🏆
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Vikram M
Respectfully, I think the article focuses too much on the past. This is a new Indian team with fearless players like Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma. The 2007/2016 stats don't matter today.
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Rohit P
The key will be our middle order. SKY, Hardik, and Dube need to fire. New Zealand's bowling, especially Ferguson, can be tricky. But if our top order gives a good start, we should chase anything.
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Michael C
As a neutral fan, this promises to be a cracking final. India at home is a formidable force, but you can never write off New Zealand in knockouts. Rachin Ravindra could be the X-factor.

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