India Vs New Zealand Highlights, T20 World Cup 2026 Final: IND Break Ahmedabad Curse To Lift Historic Third Title

That brings us to the end of our blog for tonight. The Indian players will enjoy this win but soon, as is the nature of competitive sports, the attention will turn to the upcoming IPL 2026 season which begins on 28th March. 

Thank you for following our live blog. Stay with us for full match reports, reaction and analysis from the T20 World Cup final. 

And stay tuned for updates on the upcoming IPL season. Till then it's goodbye and goodnight. 

Priceless moments all around as India seal their third #T20WorldCup title 🏆 pic.twitter.com/VXGDCi3Z4v

— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) March 8, 2026

Jay Shah hands over the trophy and the fireworks go off around the Narendra Modi Stadium as Suryakumar Yadav and his team lift a historic third T20 World Cup title. 

India become the first team to defend the title, the first home side to lift the trophy and the first team in history to be crowned champions thrice. 

Suryakumar Yadav (India Captain): "[Has it sunk in?] I think it'll take a little bit of time but definitely very happy. Been a long journey. Started post the 2024 World Cup. Jay Shah, Rohit bhai, they all showed faith in me and gave me opportunity to lead. From there it's been a long journey and coming here and winning it. We have been playing good cricket in the last two years and we just wanted to follow the good cricketing habits that we had in the 2024 World Cup. Boys took it really well.

[On keeping faith in players] I think it's really important to understand what they are capable of. And I knew they had the match winners in them. The timing was perfect. Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma they are top players and we knew they would do something special, and they did it in the final. Bumrah is a once-in a generation bowler. I can call him a national treasure. He knows how it needs to be done, he is the best in the business."

There are loud cheers going around the Narendra Modi Stadium as the Indian players are called up to receive their T20 World Cup 2026 winners medals. 

Mitchell Santner (New Zealand Captain): "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."

The New Zealand players line up to receive their runners-up medals, there are huge cheers going around the stadium as their names are individually announced by Harsha Bhogle. 

VIDEO | Amazing fireworks in Baramati after India successfully defend T20 World Cup title.#T20WorldCup2026final #IndiaVsNewZealand pic.twitter.com/f62G9ViPwe

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 8, 2026

VIDEO | Prayagraj, UP: People break into celebrations as India successfully defend the T20 World Cup title by defeating New Zealand at Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad. #T20WorldCup2026final #IndiaVsNewZealand pic.twitter.com/k05FE9UuNJ

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 8, 2026

Mumbai dazzling, Congratulations India 🇮🇳 #T20WorldCup2026final pic.twitter.com/EWLYXCjh6M

— Dr. Rahul Baxi (@baxirahul) March 8, 2026

India became the first team to win the T20 World Cup three times after they beat New Zealand by 96 runs in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 final played at the Narendra Modi Stadium. 

Asked to bat first after New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner won the toss, India posted a monumental total of 255/5, the highest score in a T20 World Cup final. 

Fifties from Samson, Abhishek and Kishan followed by four wickets from Bumrah set up a big 96-run victory for the Men in Blue.

Read the full match report here - ICC T20 World Cup Final: Champions Again! Sensational India Dominate New Zealand To Win 3rd Title

Player Of The Tournament Goes To Sanju Samson For His 321 Runs: Feels like a dream. Very happy and grateful. Out of words, out of emotions.

[On his three fifties, thought process] To be honest, it started one-two years before. When I was in the 2024 World Cup team where I didn't play, I kept visualising, kept on working and this was exactly what I wanted to do. After the NZ series I was broken, my dreams were completely shattered. And I was thinking what can I do. But God had different plans. And I was rewarded for being brave enough to dream. A lot of former players have reached out to me and tried to help me out.

For the last couple of months, I have been in constant contact with Sachin sir. I reached out to him and had big big conversations with him. Getting a guidance from someone like him, what more can you ask for? I am very grateful for everyone who supported me.

[What more does he want to achieve?] This itself is very big for me, I want to enjoy it right now and then after a few day will figure out what more to do.

A story written in grit rewarded with the @aramco #T20WorldCup Player of the Tournament for Sanju Samson 🌟 pic.twitter.com/tttWV3MJ5B

— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) March 8, 2026

Winning the World Cup twice in a row, the first time any team has done so in the T20 format. Totally deserving and rightful winners of the trophy.

What a fantastic performance by our team and a special brand of cricket on display.

Well done, Team India. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳🏆

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 8, 2026

Champions!

Congratulations to the Indian team on winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup!

This remarkable triumph reflects exceptional skills, determination and teamwork. They have shown outstanding grit through the tournament.

This victory has filled every Indian heart with…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 8, 2026

Congrats India on winning the ICC Men's T20 World Cup! chose the wrong game to go watch:) what a stadium and atmosphere. Well played to the other semi finalists, SA, Eng and Nz!! Also so exciting to see the game expand to so many countries and congrats to ICC for a great…

— Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) March 8, 2026

Congratulations to Team India on a fantastic T20 World Cup win 🇮🇳 Tough luck today, New Zealand. @Jaspritbumrah93, once again a match winner when it mattered most. @IamSanjuSamson, what a tournament and what an impact. Absolutely incredible.

— Satya Nadella (@satyanadella) March 8, 2026

Jasprit Bumrah is the Player of the Match for his match-winning figures of 4/15: [On what the win means] Feels extremely special because I've played one final in my home venue but couldn't win that one, but today I won. I knew wicket was a flat one so had to use all my experience. Before this tournament I was in that zone where I felt I was trying too hard because I was bowling well but felt I was trying too hard. This tournament I just tried to let the game come to me, and that worked really well. My individual assessment has always been my strength and getting MOTM at my home ground in a World Cup final, it doesn't get better than that.

[On his slower balls] Because of the experience, because I've played on belters over here, and I have seen the other teams too, I learned that trying to bowl too fast can make shot-making easier. So just played smart, and tried to think of what the batsmen were trying to do.

[On the bowling group] Whenever we discuss, they always come up with options. And when communication is needed we did that. We never panicked. Kept our heads above the water. Teams that do that win the tournament and I am very happy we did it.

Make it THREEEEEEE! 🏆🏆🏆#TeamIndia have repeated & defeated history by becoming the first team to 👇

▪️ Win back-to-back titles
▪️Three titles
▪️Win the title at home#T20WorldCup #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/bQlm5t0D3k

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 8, 2026

2007 🏆 2024🏆 2026🏆

Let the celebrations begin! #TeamIndia have become the first team to win two consecutive ICC Men's #T20WorldCup editions! 🤩🇮🇳#INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/P2UFL4Lnq5

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 8, 2026

Finally India overcome that painful memory from 2023 as they break their Ahmedabad curse to seal a historic third T20 World Cup title. India become the first team to successfully defend the title and the first home side to win the tournament. 

Sanju Samson (89), Abhishek Sharma (52) and Ishan Kishan (54) all fired in unison for India for the first time in the tournament as they posted 255/5, the highest ever total in a T20 World Cup final. 

Jasprit Bumrah (4/15) stood head and shoulders above the competition in the second innings as he recorded the best-ever figures by a pacer in a T20 World Cup final to help seal a thumping 96 run victory. 

Abhishek Sharma comes into the attack and starts off decently as he gives away just singles off the first 5 balls. 

CAUGHT! India have their hands on a historic third T20 world cup title as Duffy clears his front foot and goes for a big heave but only picks out Tilak in the deep. 

Jacob Duffy c Tilak Varma b Abhishek Sharma 3 (5)

New Zealand 159/all-out after 19 overs. 

Jasprit Bumrah comes in for his final over. He starts off by building pressure with a couple of dot balls to Santner. 

BOWLED! Once again the slower delivery does the trick for Bumrah as Santner gets low to heave but connects with thin air as the ball crashes into the stumps. This is now officially the best figures for a pacer in a T20 World Cup final. 

Mitchell Santner b Jasprit Bumrah 43 (35)

Jacob Duffy walks out to bat and gets off the mark with a single. Bumrah gives away just 4 runs and a grabs a wicket in the over. 

He finishes the evening with figures of 4/15. 

New Zealand 154/9 after 18 overs. 

Arshdeep comes in for his final over. He concedes just 3 runs off the first 4 balls. The 5th delivery is a low full toss and this time Santner makes room and sends it flying through the gap at long-on for FOUR. 

Arshdeep sends the next ball wide outside off. Santner flicks the last ball to deep midwicket for a single. 

For anyone wondering, New Zealand need 104 runs in 18 balls to win. 

New Zealand 152/8 after 17 overs. 

Jasprit Bumrah comes back into the attack and stats off with slower bouncer that is too high and called a wide. Santner flicks the 2nd ball to deep square leg for a single. 

BOWLED! Bumrah sends down a slower full toss at the stumps and Neesham has a swing but misses completely as the bails light up. 

James Neesham b Jasprit Bumrah 8 (7)

BOWLED! Two-In-Two for Bumrah as Matt Henry makes room and goes for the heave but is beaten by another slower yorker that crashes into the stumps. 

Matt Henry b Jasprit Bumrah 0 (1)

Bumrah is on a hat-trick but Lockie Ferguson gets off the mark with a firm punch for a single. It's a dream over from Bumrah as 4 runs and 2 wickets come off it. 

New Zealand 143/8 after 16 overs. 

It's an excellent over from Arshdeep as he concedes just 5 runs despite bowling two wides. The Kiwi batters are struggling to connect with their shots as India continue to exert their dominance. 

New Zealand need 117 runs from 30 balls to win. That means around 24 runs per over in the final five. 

New Zealand 139/6 after 15 overs. 

Hardik Pandya comes back into the attack and does excellently to stifle the Kiwis. He gives away just 6 runs in the form of singles as neither batter can manage to find any boundaries in the over. 

The game seems beyond the Kiwis grasp now with 122 runs needed off the final 36 balls. That's 20.33 runs per over in the final six overs of the game. 

New Zealand 134/6 after 14 overs.  

Axar Patel comes back into the attack. DROPPED! Santner slices the 1st ball straight to Hardik at backward point but the fielder puts down a straightforward chance. 

Santner celebrates by cutting the next ball past Hardik for FOUR. He then flicks the 3rd ball for a single. 

CAUGHT! Axar sends down a low full toss to Mitchell who looks to clear the ropes but only sends it straight towards Kishan who takes his third catch of the night. India are cruising towards the trophy here. 

Daryl Mitchell c Ishan Kishan b Axar Patel 17 (11)

James Neesham walks out to bat and gets off the mark with a smart paddle-scoop for FOUR. 9 runs and a wicket come off the over. 

New Zealand 128/6 after 13 overs. 

Varun Chakravarthy returns to the attack. He starts off well giving away just singles off the first 3 balls. 

The 4th delivery is a tad too full and this time Santner lofts it beautifully straight down the ground for a massive SIX. He then gets low and launches the next ball high over long-on for back-to-back SIXES. 

Santner punches the last ball to long-off for a single. 16 runs come off the over. 

New Zealand need 137 runs in 48 balls to win.  

New Zealand 119/5 after 12 overs. 

Arshdeep Singh comes back into the attack as Santner drives the 1st ball to mid-on for a single. Mitchell meanwhile launches the next ball towards deep midwicket where Kishan takes the catch but sees his leg land beyond the ropes for SIX. 

The next ball is in the slot and this time Mitchell launches it over cow corner for back-to-back SIXES. 

There's a moment of madness on the 5th delivery as Mitchell blocks it back to the bowler and Arshdeep fires a needless throw back to the stumps and ends up hitting Mitchell. 

The Kiwi batter is furious and Suryakumar is quick to come by an offer an apology. Arshdeep shakes hands with Mitchell at the end of the over to bury the hatchet. 15 runs come off the over as New Zealand get past the 100-run mark. 

New Zealand 103/5 after 11 overs. 

Ishan Kishan is having a fine day in the field today! 

Ishan Kishan is everywhere on the field! 🔥

A massive moment in the chase! Is that the World Cup for India? 👀

ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup | FINAL | #INDvNZ | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/Tz1DBSb4nT pic.twitter.com/rzJSp43xMU

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 8, 2026

Hardik Pandya doesn't give away any boundaries as he restricts the batters to just 5 runs in the over. 

The Kiwis are losing the plot currently and need someone to play a blinder before the game truly runs away from them. 

New Zealand now need 168 runs in 60 balls to win. The required run rate has gone up to 17 now. 

New Zealand 88/5 after 10 overs. 

CAUGHT! Chakravarthy lands the 1st delivery short and Seifert goes for the pull but doesn't get enough on it as he sends the ball high towards cow corner. Kishan is the man there and he shows great awareness to take the catch right at the edge of the ropes and throwing it back in before returning to complete the catch. 

Tim Seifert c Ishan Kishan b Varun Chakaravarthy 52 (26)

Mitchell Santner walks out to bat and misses with the flick as the 3rd ball brushes the pads and escapes for FOUR leg byes. He then punches the 5th delivery past cover to get off the mark with FOUR. 

Santner slaps the last ball to deep cover where Tilak does well to keep them down to 3 runs. 11 runs and a wicket come off the over. 

New Zealand 83/5 after 9 overs. 

Hardik Pandya comes back into the attack and gets off to a good start with jus 2 runs coming off the first 3 balls. 

BOWLED! Chopped on! Hardik bangs it short outside off and Chapman looks to cut but only gets a thick inside edge to send the ball flying back into the stumps. 

Mark Chapman b Hardik Pandya 3 (8)

Daryl Mitchell walks out to bat and gets off the mark with a single. It's an excellent over by Hardik as just 4 runs and a wicket come off it. 

New Zealand 72/4 after 8 overs. 

Varun Chakravarthy comes into the attack immediately after the powerplay. He starts well by giving away just 2 runs off the first 3 balls. 

Seifert clears his front foot and launches the 4th ball high over midwicket for SIX. He then pulls the next ball through the same region for 2 more. 

Seifert opens his stance and pulls the last ball over long-on for another SIX to bring up his FIFTY off just 23 balls. 

16 runs come off the over. 

New Zealand 68/3 after 7 overs. 

Seifert punches the 1st delivery from Bumrah to long-on for a single. ALMOST! Chapman gets a big top-edge as the 3rd ball flies towards third man where Tilak comes running in but it lands just short for a single. 

Seifert pulls the 5th delivery to deep midwicket for 2 runs and drives the last ball to long-on for a single. 

Excellent over from Bumrah as just 5 runs come off it. 

New Zealand 52/3 after 6 overs. 

The 1st delivery is a tad too short by Axar and Seifert launches it over long-on for SIX. He then grabs a single to rotate strike. Phillips rocks back and pulls the 3rd ball over long-on for FOUR. 

BOWLED! Excellent response from Axar as he gets the ball to turn back in sharply and beat the inside edge and hit the leg-stump. Phillips looks to drive but plays the wrong line and pays the price. 

Glenn Phillips b Axar Patel 5 (5) 

Mark Chapman walks out to bat and blocks out the last ball. 11 runs and a wicket come off the over. 

New Zealand 47/3 after 5 overs. 

CAUGHT! Bumrah comes in and strikes immediately with a slower delivery onto the pads of Ravindra. The Kiwi no. 3 flicks it high towards fine leg where Ishan Kishan comes running in and puts in a good dive to take a fine catch after a bit of a juggle with the ball. 

Rachin Ravindra c Ishan Kishan b Jasprit Bumrah 1 (2)

Glenn Phillips walks out to bat and gets off the mark with a single. Seifert gets a big leading edge over cover for 2 runs on the 3rd delivery. He then flicks the 5th ball to fine leg for a single. 

Bumrah ends the over with a dot ball. Just 4 runs and a wicket come off the over. Excellent start by the Indian pacer. 

New Zealand 36/2 after 4 overs.  

Axar Patel comes into the attack as India turn to spin to contain the Kiwi openers. Both batters grab singles off the first two balls. 

Allen then makes room and slaps the next ball straight back over Axar for FOUR. 

CAUGHT! This time Allen clears his front foot and looks to launch it over the ropes but doesn't get enough on the shot as Tilak takes a comfortable catch on the ropes at long-on. India get the big wicket they wanted as Allen departs cheaply. 

Finn Allen c Tilak Varma b Axar Patel 9 (7) 

Rachin Ravindra walks out to bat and gets off the mark with a sweep for a single. It's an excellent over from Axar as just 7 runs and a wicket come off it. 

New Zealand 32/1 after 3 overs.

Hardik Pandya comes into the attack as Allen mistimes the lap sweep on the 1st ball for a single. Seifert meanwhile times his shot to perfection as he launches the 2nd ball over long-on for SIX. 

Seifert then steps across and uses the lap scoop to send the 3rd delivery flying over short fine leg for back-to-back SIXES. He then heaves at the 4th delivery but mistimes the shot this time. 

Seifert then reaches out and slaps the 5th delivery past the man at mid-off for FOUR. He then smacks the last ball straight back over Hardik for back-to-back FOURs. 

Excellent start by Seifert as 21 runs come off the over. 

New Zealand 25/0 after 2 overs. 

It's an excellent start by Arshdeep with two consecutive dots to Seifert. The 3rd ball brushes the pads and escapes to short fine leg for a leg bye. 

DROPPED! Allen is early into the shot on the 5th delivery and he sends it high over mid-off. Dube is the man who gets under it and goes for a reverse-cup catch but the ball just slips through his palms. That's a big let off for the Kiwi opener. 

4 runs come off the over. 

New Zealand 4/0 after the first over. 

Finn Allen and Tim Seifert walk out to open what will need to be a record run chase for New Zealand to break their World Cup duck. 

India meanwhile will open with Arshdeep Singh as they look to secure a record third T20 World Cup crown. 

SHIVAM DUBE - THE UNDERRATED HERO. 🇮🇳

- 26* (8) in the T20 World Cup final to take India towards a massive finish. His contributions have been outstanding! 👏 pic.twitter.com/t0NxURSJQp

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 8, 2026

Team India's intent level tonight: 99999 🔥

ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup | FINAL | #INDvNZ | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/Tz1DBSb4nT pic.twitter.com/tKvNPBwFf8

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 8, 2026

Sanju Samson (89) and Abhishek Sharma (52) provided the starts and Ishan Kishan (54) came in to ensure India keep up their early onslaught. 

Shivam Dube (26* off 8 balls) came in to provide a late burst as India posted the highest total in a T20 World Cup Final. 

It's also the third-highest total overall in T20 World Cup history. New Zealand will have to pull off a record chase to grab their maiden World Cup crown. 

Dube smacks the 1st delivery from Neesham high over mid-off and Santner goes running back towards the ropes and puts in a dive but the ball doesn't stick as it escapes for FOUR.

Dube doesn't give anyone a chance with the 2nd ball as he launches the back of a length delivery high over midwicket for SIX. The next ball is an attempted wide yorker and this time Dube deposits it over deep cover for back-to-back SIXES. 

Neesham responds with a short delivery down leg and Dube swivels as he pulls it over short fine leg for a one-bounce FOUR. Dube heaves at the 5th ball which is full but it only rolls to short fine leg as he refuses the single. 

The last ball is short outside off and this time Dube slaps it through cover for another FOUR. 

24 runs come off the final over as India post a mammoth total. 

India 255/5 after 20 overs. 

Matt Henry returns to the attack and starts with a high full-toss that Hardik launches over deep midwicket for SIX. 

CAUGHT! This time Henry bangs it short outside off and Hardik looks to slap it over long-off but it flies off the top-edge towards mid-off where Santner takes an good catch. 

Hardik Pandya c Mitchell Santner b Matt Henry 18 (13)

Shivam Dube walks out to bat and gets off the mark with a single. Henry does really well to give away just 4 runs off the last 3 balls. 

11 runs and a wicket come off the over. 

India 231/5 after 19 overs. 

India captain Suryakumar Yadav is dismissed first ball courtesy of Rachin Ravindra's stunning boundary grab 👊#T20WorldCup Final details 👉 https://t.co/NPykWM7qqY pic.twitter.com/CfOk9jrdGa

— ICC (@ICC) March 8, 2026

Neesham starts the over brilliantly giving away just 4 runs off the first 4 balls. The 5th delivery is banged short and this time Hardik connects with the pull to send it past a diving Glenn Phillips at deep midwicket for FOUR. 

Hardik slaps the last ball to long-off for a single. It's a good over from Neesham with just 9 runs coming off it. 

India 220/4 after 18 overs. 

Jacob Duffy comes back into the attack and does well to contain the flow of boundaries. 

DROPPED! Tilak Varma cuts the first ball he faces and it carries to Finn Allen at backward point but the Kiwi is a bit late to react and the ball doesn't stick. 

It's still a good over by Duffy as just 7 runs come off it. 

India 211/4 after 17 overs.  

What An Over By Neesham!

CAUGHT! The Kiwi pacer returns to the attack and strikes with his very first ball. He sends down a full toss to Samson who can only find the man at long-on. Another brilliant innings comes to an end from the Indian opener. 

Sanju Samson c (sub)Cole McConchie b James Neesham 89 (46)

Hardik Pandya walks out and gets off the mark with a single off the 4th ball. 

CAUGHT! Another big wicket as Kishan looks to launch the low full toss over the ropes but picks out the man at long-on. 

Ishan Kishan c Mark Chapman b James Neesham 54 (25) 

CAUGHT! A Golden-Duck for the Indian captain as Suryakumar walks out and looks to flick the last ball over deep square leg but Rachin Ravindra comes running across and takes an excellent diving catch. 

Suryakumar Yadav c Rachin Ravindra b James Neesham 0 (1)

It's a stunning over from Neesham as just 1 run and 3 wickets come off it. Could this turn the momentum in the Kiwis favour? 

India 204/4 after 16 overs. 

Pressure? WHAT PRESSURE!? 💪

Third consecutive fifty for Sanju Samson, all on the biggest stage! 😍

🚨 Only Indians with fifties in semi-final & final of an ICC Men's T20 WC:

👉 Virat Kohli | 2014
👉 Sanju Samson | 2026

ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup | FINAL | #INDvNZ | LIVE NOW 👉… pic.twitter.com/dHtwpFQet2

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 8, 2026

Santner returns to bowl his final over. Kishan can't find the gap on the 1st delivery. He solves that problem by taking the aerial route on the 2nd ball, sending it flying over midwicket for SIX. 

Kishan then whips the 4rd ball to long-on for a single to bring up his FIFTY off 23 balls. He isn't done yet as he smacks the last ball straight down the ground for FOUR. 

12 runs come off the over as India get past the 200-run mark. 

203/1 after 15 overs. 

Rachin Ravindra returns to the attack and starts off really well by giving away just 2 runs off the first 3 balls. It all then unravels for the Kiwi's leading wicket-taker in the tournament as Samson tears into him. 

The 4th ball is right in the slot and Samson smokes it straight down the ground for SIX. He then rocks back and pulls the next ball over the ropes for back-to-back SIXES. Samson isn't satisfied yet as he makes room and lifts the last ball over long-off for a third consecutive SIX. 

20 runs off the over as Samson gets to 88* off 44 balls. 

India 191/1 after 14 overs. 

Matt Henry returns to the attack. He starts off with a dot but then sees the 2nd ball sent flying into the stands over long-on by Kishan for SIX. 

Henry responds well by restricting the batters to just singles off the next 4 balls. 

10 runs come off the over as India are scoring at a rate of 13 per over now. 

India 171/1 after 13 overs. 

Lockie Ferguson comes back into the attack but it's not a happy return as he's welcomed by an in-form Sanju Samson. The Indian opener celebrates his half-century by launching the 1st ball over backward square leg for SIX. He then gets onto the back foot and smacks the 2nd ball straight down the ground for back-to-back SIXES. 

Samson grabs a single off the 3rd ball to rotate strike. Kishan meanwhile smacks the 4th delivery high over long on for a third SIX of the over. He then mistimes a pull to long-on for a single. Ferguson bangs the last ball short and Samson slaps it over mid-off for another FOUR. 

India are racing away here with 24 runs coming off the over. 

India 161/1 after 12 overs.  

The Indian opener, Abhishek Sharma roared back to form in the Finals of the tournament. 

Cometh the hour, cometh the man! 😍

Abhishek Sharma brings up his fifty in just 18 balls, fastest of the tournament! 💪

ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup | FINAL | #INDvNZ | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/Tz1DBSb4nT pic.twitter.com/mcmGhlxJxe

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 8, 2026

Santner continues into the third over of his spell. He starts well by restricting the batters to singles off the first to balls. 

The 3rd ball is in the slot and Kishan connects with the slog sweep to send it flying for SIX. Samson meanwhile grabs a single off the last ball to bring up his FIFTY off 33 balls. 

10 runs come off the over. 

India 137/1 after 11 overs. 

Neesham comes back into the attack and once again the Indian batters make the most of the over. Samson backs away and uses the pace to guide the 2nd ball past short third man for FOUR. 

Kishan makes room and cuts the 5th ball past a diving backward point for another FOUR. 12 runs come off the over.

India 127/1 after 10 overs.

The Indian opener roared back to form on the grandest stage, setting the record for fastest fifty at the 2026 T20 World Cup in the final. 

Abhishek Sharma saves his best for the last 💫

He has struck the fastest fifty of this T20 World Cup 🚀#INDvNZ #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/AMxUcJb9F8

— Sport360° (@Sport360) March 8, 2026

The New Zealand captain is leading by example as he gives away just 5 singles in the over. The Indian batters aren't taking too many risks against him as Santner keeps them guessing with smart variations in length and line. 

India should be happy with this start though as they're scoring at an excellent rate of 12 per over. 

India 115/1 after 9 overs.

CAUGHT BEHIND! Rachin Ravindra comes into the attack and strikes with his first delivery. Abhishek reaches out and looks to cut but loses balance as he only gets a faint edge onto the ball. The Indian opener departs after giving his team an excellent start. 

Abhishek Sharma c Tim Seifert b Rachin Ravindra 52 (21) 

Kishan walks out and gets off the mark with a drive to long-on for 2 runs. He then slices the next ball past point for 2 more. Kishan then steps on the accelerator immediately as he makes room and flicks the 5th ball for FOUR over mid-on. He then slices the last ball past short third man for back-to-back FOURs. 

12 runs and a wicket come off the over. 

India 110/1 after 8 overs.  

The New Zealand captain takes responsibility and starts well with three dots in a row to Samson. The 4th ball is short and wide outside off which allows Samson to cut it past point for FOUR. 

Both batters grab singles off the last two balls. It's a good quiet over from Santner as just 6 runs come off it. 

India 98/0 after 7 overs. 

Launched into the stands! 🙌6️⃣

Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson have got Team India off to a strong start! 🔥

ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup | FINAL | #INDvNZ | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/Tz1DBSb4nT pic.twitter.com/pyALmdt7fQ

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 8, 2026

Duffy comes back into the attack and is welcomed by a belligerent Abhishek who gets a thick outside edge on the 1st ball to send it flying for FOUR. 

The 2nd delivery is another low full toss and this time Abhishek lifts it high down the ground for SIX. Abhishek lifts the 3rd ball high over midwicket and it lands just beyond a diving Chapman who can't prevent another FOUR. 

Abhishek pulls the 4th ball behind square for 2 runs. He then pulls the 5th ball over midwicket for FOUR which also brings up a 18-ball FIFTY! The Indian opener is repaying the faith put in him by the team management in some style. 

20 runs come off the over as India post 92/0 in the powerplay. The highest powerplay total of this World Cup!

India 92/0 after 6 overs.

Matt Henry returns to the attack and seems to have completely lost his radar starting with back-to-back wides outside off. He bowls two more wides in the over before delivering the 3rd ball full outside off and this time Abhishek lifts it powerfully over long-off for a flat SIX. 

The last delivery is banged short and this time it's Samson who pulls it high into the Ahmedabad night sky for another SIX. 21 runs come off the over as India get off to a flyer. 

India 72/0 after 5 overs. 

A fourth bowling change for New Zealand in as many overs with Lockie Ferguson coming into the attack. Abhishek meanwhile welcomes the change as gets a big top-edge that flies over the keeper for FOUR on the 1st ball. 

Abhishek then makes room and lifts the 2nd ball superbly over long-off for the first SIX of his innings. He then taps the next ball to point for a mindful single. 

Samson isn't going to be left behind as he swings hard at the 4th ball and gets lucky with a big leading edge carrying all the way for SIX over third man. Ferguson loses his radar a bit and bowls two back-to-back wides down leg. 

The 5th ball is full outside off and Samson can only drive it straight to the man at cover. The last delivery is a poor one into the pads and Samson flicks it past short fine leg for FOUR. 

Excellent over for India with 24 runs coming off it. 

India 51/0 after 4 overs. 

The Kiwis bring in a third bowler for the third over as Jacob Duffy comes into the attack. Samson flicks the 1st delivery for a single. The next ball is pitched outside off but is called wide. Duffy bowls a bit too close to the pads on the next ball and Abhishek lofts it over mid-on for FOUR. 

Abhishek then lifts the next ball beautifully over mid-off for a one-bounce FOUR. He flicks the next ball to deep midwicket and it lands just short of the man as they grab a single. 

The last delivery is right in the slot and Samson smashes it over mid-off for FOUR. That's a big over for India with 15 runs coming off it. 

India 27/0 after 3 overs. 

The Kiwis immediately turn to spin as Glenn Phillips comes into the attack. Samson knocks the 1st ball to long on for a quick single. Abhishek blocks out the next two balls and gets off the mark with a single on the 4th delivery. 

Samson drives to long-on for another run and Abhishek drives the last ball through cover but excellent fielding by Daryl Mitchell in the deep keeps them down to just 2 runs. 

5 runs come off the over. b

India 12/0 after 2 overs. 

It's a really good start by Henry who sticks to a disciplined line and length to start the over with four back-to-back dots to Samson. 

The Indian opener isn't going to be contained for too long through as the 5th delivery is smacked back over Henry's head for a flat SIX down the ground. He then grabs a single to keep strike. A confident start by Samson. 

7 runs come off the over. 

India 7/0 after the first over.

Mahi 🤝 RO!

The first captain to win this trophy along with the last captain to win this trophy! 🤩🏆

ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup | FINAL | #INDvNZ | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/Tz1DBSb4nT pic.twitter.com/Ig0jrpthux

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 8, 2026

Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma walk out to the middle. Samson has been in blistering form but Sharma is yet to get going. He started the tournament with three back-to-back ducks and Abhishek will be hoping to make a statement in the Final. 

Matt Henry has the new ball in hand to open the attack for New Zealand. 

The players are out on the field for the national anthems. We have special invitees to lead the anthems for their respective countries to mark International Women's Day. 

For New Zealand, Jaedyn Randell leads the rendition of "God Defend New Zealand". She is a New Zealand Maori singer who voiced the character Moana in the Maori version of the Disney film Moana. 

For India, playback and classical singer, Kavita Krishnamurthy, leads the nation into the "Jana Gana Mana". 

Classic Ravi Shastri energy at the toss! 😍

🚨 The coin toss goes Mitchell Santner's way & New Zealand will bowl first in the final! ✌️

ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup | FINAL | #INDvNZ | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/Tz1DBSb4nT pic.twitter.com/g8UkcXpNKo

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 8, 2026

Suryakumar Yadav (India Captain): No, no, we're good (to bat first). We're happy to bat first. We were looking to bat. It's been working for us in the last game also. We played a similar kind of cricket. Red soil, so we're happy to bat first. I mean, always when you play a semi-final or a World Cup final, always it's good to have runs on board and you come out and defend. And the bowlers are doing a wonderful job as well. It feels good (to be defending champions). But at the same time, it's history now. It's a new World Cup. But same venue from 2023 (World Cup final), but then yeah, we are very excited for it. It's special. You know, a game like this in front of 120,000. I mean, absolutely amazing. The game has not even started. It was just toss time and it looks full already. Hopefully we give them a good show tonight. Going with the same team.

Mitchell Santner (New Zealand Captain): We are going to bowl first. Looks a good surface, a tinge of grass on it. So, I guess we'll see if it does anything at the top. And we know obviously India have a lot of power to try to restrict them to, I guess, a chaseable score. Boys are good (talking about the mood in the camp). I mean, this is what we play the game for. In front of obviously this many people, it's going to be awesome. It's going to be a great night and hopefully we can put in a good show. I mean, we knew that, you know, making the semis obviously a great occasion and then we had to put in a good performance against a very good team. And we did that, which was very pleasing. So guys can take a lot of, I guess, confidence from that. And we know we've got a massive challenge tonight, but we're looking forward to it. Yeah, I think so (If the team has peaked at the right time). I think it's, I guess every team wants to kind of peak at the right time. And we've started to do that. I mean, you kind of look at the stages of the competition. You want to just kind of get through each stage and I guess this is the biggest stage and we're here now. So everyone's ready to go. We're going with another seamer tonight, so no McConchie. And Jacob Duffy comes back in. It looks like a very good surface, to be fair, so see if it does anything first up. But I think there'll be a lot of runs in it.

No surprises for India as they name an unchanged Playing XI. The Kiwis meanwhile have decided to drop the spinner and bring in an extra seamer as Jacob Duffy comes in for Cole McConchie. 

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

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

Mitchell Santner calls tails and decisively announces that his team will bowl first! 

Ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 decider, for the first time at the Narendra Modi Stadium, holding areas have been created near Gates 1 and 2 as a precautionary measure to avoid any risk of a stampede. 

The Ahmedabad police have also already arrested two persons for allegedly black-marketing tickets for the match.

Read more about the additional security measures here: India Vs New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026: Police Roll Out Massive Security For Final Clash In Ahmedabad

Sukhbir had the Narendra Modi Stadium rocking ahead of the Toss.

Catch a glimpse of the closing ceremony while the stage is now being prepared for the decisive Toss with Suyakumar Yadav and Mitchell Santner walking out to the middle. 

The crowd in Ahmedabad grooves to Sukhbir's 𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘲 𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢 𝘵𝘢𝘥𝘱𝘢𝘷𝘦 ahead of the #T20WorldCup Final 🎵🕺

Catch the performances LIVE, broadcast details ▶️ https://t.co/NPykWM7qqY pic.twitter.com/MfOeNqzajR

— ICC (@ICC) March 8, 2026

While the focus is currently on Ricky Martin at the Narendra Modi Stadium, it will soon shift to the centre pitch, which will decide the final of the T20 World Cup 2026. Today's surface is set to feature a mixed-soil surface when India or New Zealand take guard in a few moments from now. 

With lessons learnt from the 2023 ODI World Cup final, when India were bowled out for 240, on a surface later rated “average” by the ICC, this time the curators have prepared a surface combining red and black soil to offer better pace and bounce, conditions expected to encourage a more balanced contest between bat and ball.

Read more about the pitch on offer at the Narendra Modi Stadium here - Ind Vs NZ: Why Ahmedabad Will Feature A Mixed-Soil Pitch For T20 World Cup Final

The pre-match celebrations at the Narendra Modi Stadium have gone up another notch as global pop star Ricky Martin takes the stage, performing his hit Maria along with other famous tracks, bringing some latin flavour to the T20 World Cup final. 

Ricky Martin performs at the Narendra Modi Stadium. pic.twitter.com/XZjEIZQyEC

— Cricket News 🏏 (@I_am_Unkar_006) March 8, 2026

The atmosphere at the Narendra Modi Stadium has taken on an intense festive tone with Punjabi pop icon Sukhbir Singh belting out his iconic track Ishq Tera Tadpave during the pre-match closing ceremony.

Sukhbir treating the sea of blue at Ahmedabad.#INDvNZ #T20WorldCup #Ahmedabad pic.twitter.com/P68hp0vkDC

— lightningspeed (@lightningspeedk) March 8, 2026

India and New Zealand are here for the big showdown📍

Watch the two teams compete for the #T20WorldCup 🏆, broadcast details 👉 https://t.co/Wf4VaE4pSJ pic.twitter.com/nFrNuKejIC

— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) March 8, 2026

On paper, it may just be another game of cricket. But for the 22 players taking the field today, the Narendra Modi Stadium will transform into a 132,000-seat cauldron of pressure.

At elite levels of sport, where physical skill is rarely in short supply, the mental fortitude to truly let those skills shine in high-pressure moments is what sets the great players apart. Today's final will feature some of the most gifted players in the format, however, the outcome may ultimately depend on who can withstand the weight of expectation and execute when the margins are smallest.

With match-winners across both line-ups, here's our pick of six players who could tilt the balance in Ahmedabad. 

Read the full story here - India vs New Zealand T20 World Cup Final: Six Players Who Could Decide The Title In Ahmedabad

Ricky Martin was seen jamming to some punjabi beats in the rehearsal for the T20 World Cup 2026 closing ceremony. 

When Ricky Martin meets Sukhbir’s Punjabi beats… and suddenly it’s Oh Ho Ho Ho all the way! 🕺🔥

See you guys at the mega Closing Ceremony of the Final Showdown !

Gates Open: 3.30 PM
Performances Begin: 5:30 PM

See you there !#T20WorldCup #FeelTheThrill pic.twitter.com/AquxbTSG9E

— ICC (@ICC) March 8, 2026

Indian fans en route to the stadium are in high spirits as they expect to see the team lift a record third T20 World Cup trophy. 

Metro Ride to Motera, Cricket Fans all Around! #T20WorldCup #INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/cRoa4kS0sg

— Ankan Kar (@AnkanKar) March 8, 2026

While today's final does have a reserve day set aside, rain doesn't appear to be a factor, with scorching heat expected in the afternoon that should bake the pitch, followed by a humid, dew-heavy night. 

For players arriving at the venue and fans filling the stands early, the conditions that are forecast will be punishing.

Read our full weather update here - T20 World Cup Final Weather Update: What The Forecast Says For India Vs New Zealand In Ahmedabad

After 28 days of intense, high-octane action, the field has been reduced from 20 to just two teams who will battle it out for the T20 World Cup crown inside the modern-day cricketing colosseum of the Narendra Modi Stadium. 

In the blue corner, stand the defending champions India, who are looking to do what no team has done before: defend the crown, win at home and become the first-ever three-time T20 world champions. 

In the black corner, are the team looking to break their World Cup duck after falling agonisingly short at the final hurdle in the recent past. New Zealand saw the ODI World Cup taken away from them on the basis of boundary count in 2019 and lost to Australia in the finals of the 2021 T20 World Cup. 

Read our full T20 World Cup 2026 final preview here - India vs New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026 Final: IND Chase Historic Third Title As NZ Target Maiden Crown

For India, tonight is more than just a final; it is a chance to become the first host nation to lift the T20 World Cup trophy and also secure a historic unprecedented third title.

Standing in their way is a resilient New Zealand side who have consistently punched above their weight, chasing a maiden T20 world title after falling short at this stage once before, finishing runners-up to Australia in 2021. 

Stay tuned to our page as we'll bring you all the action live as it unfolds at the Narendra Modi, Stadium in Ahmedabad.