Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, and Ishan Kishan lead India’s explosive batting in Ahmedabad.
India posted a formidable 256-run target for New Zealand in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final at Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, thanks to brilliant innings by Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, and Ishan Kishan.
Fiery Start from India
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner opted to field first, but the decision backfired as his bowlers conceded 255/5 in 20 overs.
India’s innings began with an aggressive partnership between Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, who put on 98 runs in just seven overs. Sharma fell for 52 off 21 balls, featuring six fours and three sixes, when Rachin Ravindra caught him behind on the first ball of the eighth over.
Kishan and Samson Continue Momentum
After Sharma’s dismissal, Ishan Kishan joined Samson, and the pair stitched a 105-run partnership for the second wicket off just 47 deliveries. Both fell to James Neesham in the 16th over. Samson finished as India’s top scorer with 89 runs off 46 balls, hitting eight sixes and five fours, while Kishan scored 54 off just 25 deliveries, including four sixes and four fours.
In the same over, India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav was dismissed for a golden duck, reducing India to 204/4.
Lower Order Adds Valuable Runs
All-rounder Hardik Pandya (18) and Tilak Varma added 22 runs for the fifth wicket before Pandya’s dismissal. Shivam Dube provided a powerful finish with an unbeaten 26 off 8 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes to boost India’s final total.
Key Performances
For New Zealand, James Neesham was the standout bowler, claiming three wickets for 46 runs in his four overs. Ravindra and Matt Henry took one wicket each.
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Playing XIs
India: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (w), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah
New Zealand: Tim Seifert (w), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy
Historical Context
India and New Zealand have faced each other three times in T20 World Cup history, with New Zealand winning all three previous encounters. India are yet to record a victory against the Kiwis in World Cup T20 finals, adding extra anticipation for this clash.
