India clinch third T20 World Cup after 96-run victory over New Zealand

Ahmedabad: India national cricket team defeated New Zealand national cricket team by 96 runs in the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 to become T20 world champions for the third time.

Chasing a target of 256 runs set by India, New Zealand were bowled out for 159 runs in 19 overs.

For New Zealand, Tim Seifert scored 52 runs while captain Mitchell Santner added 43 runs in an attempt to resist, but they could not lead their team to victory against India’s massive total.

For India, Jasprit Bumrah took 4 wickets while Axar Patel claimed 3 wickets.

Earlier, in the final match of the mega event held in Ahmedabad, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and invited Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav to bat first.

Batting first, India scored 255 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in the allotted 20 overs. Sanju Samson was the top scorer with 89 runs.

For India, Ishan Kishan scored 54, Abhishek Sharma made 52, Hardik Pandya scored 18, while captain Suryakumar Yadav was dismissed for 0. Shivam Dube remained not out on 26 and Tilak Varma remained unbeaten on 8 runs.

For New Zealand, James Neesham took 3 wickets, while Rachin Ravindra claimed 1 wicket.

It is worth mentioning that India national cricket team has become the first team to successfully defend the T20 World Cup title. India had previously won the tournament in ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 and the inaugural ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2007, making it the team with the most T20 World Cup titles.