India has won the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup, defeating New Zealand by 96 runs in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad The victory marks a series of historic firsts, establishing India as the first men’s team to successfully defend a T20 World Cup title, the first to win the tournament on home soil, and the winner of a record third championship overall
In front of a home crowd of more than 100,000, India's batters set a formidable total of 255 for five after being put in to bat Sanju Samson, who was named Player of the Tournament, anchored the innings with 89 runs from 46 balls He was supported by aggressive half-centuries from openers Abhishek Sharma, who scored 52 from 21 balls, and Ishan Kishan, who made 54 from 25 deliveries A mid-innings surge from New Zealand bowler Jimmy Neesham, who took three wickets in the 16th over, provided some resistance but failed to halt India's momentum
New Zealand's chase for 256 began promisingly but faltered against India's bowling attack, and they were ultimately bowled out for 159 Wicketkeeper Tim Seifert was the top scorer for the Black Caps with 52 from 26 balls Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah proved decisive for India, taking two wickets in two balls to dismantle the lower order The result is New Zealand’s fourth loss in a World Cup final since 2015
ISN MEDIA