India cemented their status as the preeminent power in world cricket on Sunday, becoming the first nation to claim three T20 World Cup titles after a commanding 96-run victory over New Zealand in the final at Ahmedabad. The win marks a historic "triple crown" for the Men in Blue, who became the first team to successfully defend a T20 World Cup trophy and the first to triumph in the format on home soil. The defeat marks New Zealand's fifth consecutive loss in an ICC white-ball world event final over the last 11 years. This result also offered a clinical exorcism of the ghosts of 2023, when India suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Australia in the 50-over World Cup final at the same venue.
CLINICAL BATTING DISPLAY Sent in to bat, India’s top order dismantled the New Zealand attack to post a staggering 255-5—the highest total ever recorded in a T20 World Cup final. The charge was led by Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, who shared a 92-run opening stand in the first six overs, equaling the highest powerplay score in the tournament’s history. A late flourish from Shivam Dube, who struck 24 runs in the final over, ensured India crossed the 250-run threshold.
BOWLING DOMINANCE New Zealand’s pursuit of the record target never found its rhythm against a disciplined Indian bowling unit. It was the first time a bowler has claimed a four-wicket haul in a T20 World Cup final. Despite a resilient 52 from Tim Seifert and a 52-run partnership between Mitchell Santner and Daryl Mitchell, the "Black Caps" were eventually bowled out for 159 in 19 overs.