World Cup Final: India defeats New Zealand to become T20 champions for the third time

India T20 champions for the third time

India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 to become T20 champions for the third time.

In the final match played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, New Zealand won the toss against India and decided to bowl first.

India scored 255 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in the stipulated 20 overs against New Zealand thanks to the brilliant batting of Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma.

Snju Samson scored 89 runs off 46 balls, Ishan Kishan scored 54 runs off 24 balls and Abhishek Sharma scored 52 runs off 21 balls. Shivam Dube remained unbeaten on 26 off 8 balls.

For New Zealand, James Neesham took 3 wickets, Matt Henry and Richan Virendra took one wicket each.

In response to a target of 256 runs, the entire New Zealand team was dismissed for 159 runs in 19 overs.

For New Zealand, Tim Seifert made 52 and captain Mitchell Santner made 43 runs, but could not give the team victory in front of India's mountain-like target.

For India, Bumrah took 4 wickets and Axar Patel took 3 wickets.

It should be noted that India has become the first team to defend the T20 World Cup title. Earlier, India had won the T20 World Cup in 2024 and 2007. Thus, they have also become the team to win the most T20 World Cups.