Sanju Samson’s explosive 89 and Jasprit Bumrah’s devastating spell powered India to a crushing 96-run victory over New Zealand as the hosts sealed a record third T20 World Cup title in front of a roaring Ahmedabad crowd.
India delivered a commanding performance to defeat New Zealand by 96 runs in the T20 World Cup final on Sunday, becoming the first team to successfully defend the title while also lifting the trophy on home soil.
More than 86,000 fans packed the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad to watch India secure their third crown in the tournament’s history, moving clear of England and the West Indies, who have each won the title twice.
India’s triumph was built on a powerful batting display led by Sanju Samson, whose blistering 89 from 46 balls helped the hosts post an imposing 255-5.
The opener continued a remarkable run of form after returning to the side midway through the tournament, following earlier match-winning knocks of 97 not out and 89 in India’s previous games.
“I am very grateful for everyone who supported me,” Samson said after the match. “This means a lot for me. I just want to enjoy this moment.”
Samson and Abhishek Sharma laid the foundation with a 98-run opening stand that set the tone for India’s assault. Abhishek smashed 52 from just 21 balls, launching a brutal powerplay attack that sent the New Zealand bowlers searching for answers.
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Ishan Kishan then kept the momentum going with a rapid 54 from 25 balls, striking four fours and four sixes to push India beyond the 200 mark.
New Zealand briefly fought back when Jimmy Neesham claimed three wickets in one over, dismissing Samson, Kishan and captain Suryakumar Yadav. But Shivam Dube delivered a late flourish, blasting an unbeaten 26 from eight balls to ensure India finished with a daunting total.
New Zealand’s reply never seriously threatened the target.
Axar Patel struck early with two wickets, including the dangerous Finn Allen for nine, while Jasprit Bumrah produced another outstanding performance with the ball.
The pace spearhead claimed 4-15 with a series of precise yorkers and slower deliveries that dismantled the Black Caps’ middle order.
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Tim Seifert provided early resistance with 52 from 26 balls, but his dismissal in the ninth over effectively ended New Zealand’s slim hopes of a comeback.
Captain Mitchell Santner scored 43, yet wickets continued to fall as New Zealand were bowled out for 159 in 19 overs.
The victory also erased memories of India’s defeat to Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup final at the same venue, with the hosts now celebrating a historic moment in front of their home supporters.
– AFP
Photo: Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images
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