India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 final on March 8, creating history by becoming the first team to win the tournament three times and retain the title. The final was played in front of 87,000 fans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India also became the first team to lift the T20 World Cup trophy on home soil. Previously, India, England, and the West Indies had each won the tournament twice. Still, India's victory in Ahmedabad made them the first nation to reach three titles and complete a historic hat-trick.
India posted a massive 255 for 5 in 20 overs, thanks to a brilliant innings from Sanju Samson, who smashed 89 runs off 46 balls. His aggressive batting laid the foundation for India's imposing total and kept the scoreboard moving throughout the innings.
The Indian batting line-up maintained a strong run rate, putting New Zealand's bowlers under constant pressure in front of the packed stadium.
Chasing a challenging target, New Zealand were bowled out for 159 in 19 overs. India's bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, restricted the Black Caps despite a quick start.
New Zealand opener Tim Seifert scored a rapid 52 runs off 26 balls, briefly keeping his team in the contest. However, his dismissal in the ninth over by spinner Varun Chakravarthy effectively ended New Zealand's hopes of chasing the massive target.
The rest of the batting line-up struggled to keep up with the required run rate as India's bowlers tightened control over the match.
After the victory, captain Suryakumar Yadav received the trophy from ICC Chairman Jay Shah as the Indian players celebrated the historic triumph in front of a jubilant home crowd.
The win marks a significant milestone for Indian cricket, as the team not only retained the T20 World Cup title but also became the first nation to win the tournament three times, achieving the feat on home soil.
The victory at Ahmedabad further strengthens India's legacy in T20 cricket, as the team delivered a dominant performance in both batting and bowling in the final.
