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India Retains T20 World Cup, Beats NZ in Final as Samson Stars

India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs to win the T20 World Cup 2026 final and retain the title. Sanju Samson's blistering 89 powered India to a record final total of 255/5. Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel then ripped through New Zealand's batting lineup, dismissing them for 159. The victory marks India's first T20 World Cup win over New Zealand and their third overall title.

Key Points: India Wins T20 World Cup Final, Beats New Zealand

  • India wins record third T20 World Cup title
  • Sanju Samson scores 89 in final
  • Jasprit Bumrah takes 4-15
  • New Zealand defeated by 96 runs
2 min read

T20 WC: Proud of the boys to make it this far, says NZ captain Santner after defeat in final

India retains the T20 World Cup, defeating New Zealand in the final. Sanju Samson's 89 and Jasprit Bumrah's 4-15 seal a record third title.

"Proud of the boys to make it this far... Today, we got outplayed by a great team. - Mitchell Santner"

Ahmedabad, March 9

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner expressed pride in his team's journey in the tournament despite their defeat in the final of the T20 World Cup 2026 against co-hosts India, acknowledging that they were outplayed by a strong side in front of a passionate home crowd.

Reflecting on the campaign, Santner praised his players for overcoming challenges and fighting hard at every stage, while also crediting India for their performance and composure under the pressure of playing a home World Cup.

Fast bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah picked 4-15 as India became the first team to retain the Men's T20 World Cup title and win the crown for a record three times after beating New Zealand by 96 runs in front of 86,824 fans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

"Proud of the boys to make it this far. Obviously, we had some challenges throughout, but at each stage we put up a good fight. Today, we got outplayed by a great team in front of a great crowd. To see a big sea of blue, obviously India were home favourites. Playing a home World Cup comes with a lot of pressure. But yeah, SKY and the boys should be very, very proud. Different guys stood up at different stages. In the Super Eight and semi-finals, we put up a good fight, but tonight we were obviously outplayed," said Mitchell Santner after the match

Sanju Samson's blistering 89 off 46 balls, laced with five fours and eight sixes, powered India to 255/5, the highest total in a T20 World Cup final, before Jasprit and Axar Patel (3-27) ripped through New Zealand's top order to seal victory. The visitors were dismissed for 159 in 19 overs, with only Tim Seifert offering resistance through a fighting 52.

Samson, in prime form after scores of 97 not out and 89 in his previous innings, shared a 98-run opening stand with Abhishek Sharma (52 off 21 balls) while Ishan Kishan added 54 off 25 deliveries. James Neesham briefly checked the charge with three wickets in an over, but Shivam Dube's unbeaten 26 off eight balls pushed India past 250.

India's bowlers then ensured there was no repeat of the semi-final scare against England, reducing New Zealand to 52/3 inside the powerplay. The win broke two hoodoos - India's first victory over New Zealand in a T20 World Cup and their first ICC white-ball triumph in Ahmedabad after defeats in the 2023 ODI final and earlier in this tournament.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Classy statement from Santner. New Zealand played with great spirit throughout the tournament. They are always such tough opponents and gracious in defeat. Respect to the Black Caps.
A
Ananya R
Finally we broke the Ahmedabad jinx! That too in such a dominant fashion. 255 runs in a final is just insane batting. Abhishek Sharma's start was crucial. The future looks bright with these youngsters.
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Vikram M
A respectful point: while the victory is sweet, I hope the team management doesn't get carried away. The middle order still looked a bit shaky when Neesham took those wickets. Need to work on that for the next big tournament.
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Karthik V
Santner is right about the pressure of a home World Cup. The boys handled it like champions. That sea of blue at the stadium gave me goosebumps! Jai Hind!
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Michael C
As a neutral fan, that was one of the most explosive T20 innings I've ever seen from Samson. To do that in a final takes special talent. New Zealand never stood a chance after that total.

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