In a spectacular display of power hitting at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, India amassed a formidable total of 255-5 against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final on Sunday. Despite the imposing score, the tournament co-hosts might have felt they missed an opportunity for an even larger total after a dominant batting performance that saw them reach 203-1 in just 15 overs.
The Indian innings was highlighted by several extraordinary performances. Opening batsman Sanju Samson delivered a spectacular 46-ball 89, smashing eight sixes and five boundaries in his explosive knock. Ishan Kishan contributed a rapid 54 from just 25 deliveries, while Abhishek Sharma blasted a 21-ball 52. Shivam Dube provided a finishing flourish with an unbeaten 26 from merely eight balls.
New Zealand’s James Neesham emerged as the most successful bowler for the Black Caps, claiming three crucial wickets in the decisive 16th over. Neesham’s triple breakthrough included the vital dismissals of Samson, Kishan, and Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav, who departed for a golden duck.
The final, played before a capacity crowd exceeding 100,000 spectators at the world’s largest cricket stadium, saw New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner win the toss and elect to bowl first against the defending champions. New Zealand entered the match seeking their first T20 World Cup title after finishing as runners-up to Australia in the 2021 tournament. India, meanwhile, stood poised to become the first team to claim the T20 World Cup trophy for a record third time.