India Retain ICC T20 World Cup Title with Dominant 96-Run Victory Over New Zealand

AHMEDABAD, March 8, 2026 — India solidified their status as the undisputed kings of the shortest format by crushing New Zealand by 96 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium to successfully defend their ICC T20 World Cup crown. In a high-octane final that showcased India’s immense batting depth, the Men in Blue posted a staggering 255/5 after being asked to bat first.

The charge was led by a masterclass from Sanju Samson, whose explosive 89 off 46 balls—peppered with eight towering sixes—dismantled the Kiwi bowling attack. He found lethal partners in Abhishek Sharma (52 off 21) and Ishan Kishan (54 off 25), both of whom struck half-centuries at a strike rate well above 200, before Shivam Dube’s late cameo of 26* off 8 balls pushed the total into record-breaking territory.

Faced with a mountainous chase of 256, New Zealand’s response never truly gathered steam against a relentless Indian bowling unit. Jasprit Bumrah proved why he is the world’s premier fast bowler, producing a devastating spell of 4/15 that effectively broke the spine of the Black Caps’ batting order.

Supporting him was Axar Patel, whose three-wicket haul stifled the middle order, while the rest of the attack—including Hardik Pandya and Varun Chakravarthy—remained disciplined to keep the pressure mounting.

The Kiwis were eventually bundled out for 159 in the 19th over, sparking wild celebrations in Ahmedabad as India became back-to-back T20 World Cup champions in clinical fashion.