India have won the T20 World Cup 2026 for their third time in the tournament’s history after defeating New Zealand by a commanding 96 runs in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
After setting a massive 256-run target, the Indian bowlers produced a clinical performance to restrict New Zealand to 159 runs, sealing a comprehensive victory and securing the prestigious T20 crown.
New Zealand struggled to keep pace with the steep chase despite a fighting knock from Tim Seifert, who top-scored with 52 runs.
Captain Mitchell Santner contributed 43, while Daryl Mitchell managed 17.
Other batters failed to build significant partnerships, with Finn Allen scoring 9, James Neesham adding 8, and Glenn Phillips dismissed for 5.
Meanwhile, Mark Chapman scored 3, while Rachin Ravindra and Matt Henry were dismissed without scoring.
Lockie Ferguson remained not out on 5, while Jacob Duffy finished unbeaten on 3.
India’s bowling unit ensured the result never slipped away.
Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah led the attack with four wickets, while spinner Axar Patel picked up three crucial scalps.
With the emphatic victory, India not only captured their third T20 World Cup title—having previously won the tournament in 2007 and 2024—but also became the first team to successfully defend the T20 World Cup crown.
Earlier, New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl first in the highly anticipated title clash, hoping to take advantage of early conditions.
However, the Indian batting lineup turned the contest into a run-fest with an aggressive display from the top order.
Opening batters Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma led the charge with a sensational partnership, dismantling the New Zealand bowling attack and laying a solid foundation for a massive total.
Riding on their explosive stroke play, India piled up 255 runs for the loss of five wickets in the allotted 20 overs, setting one of the highest targets ever seen in a T20 World Cup final.
The innings was anchored by a brilliant knock from Sanju Samson, who top-scored with 89 runs, playing a key role in powering India to one of the highest totals ever recorded in a T20 World Cup final.
India also received strong contributions from Ishan Kishan, who scored 54, and Abhishek Sharma, who added 52 to maintain the aggressive momentum.
All-rounder Hardik Pandya chipped in with 18 runs, while Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav was dismissed without scoring.
In the closing stages, Shivam Dube remained unbeaten on 26, while Tilak Varma returned not out on 8, helping India finish strongly.
For New Zealand, all-rounder James Neesham was the most successful bowler, claiming three wickets, while Rachin Ravindra picked up one wicket.
The record total has put New Zealand under immense pressure as they begin their chase in front of a packed crowd in Ahmedabad, with the Black Caps now needing 256 runs to claim the coveted world title.
Over 100,000 fans are present at the stands at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi stadium -- the world's biggest cricket ground with a seating capacity of 132,000.
New Zealand, who reached the 2021 final and have never won a white-ball World Cup, made one change to their team with pace bowler Jacob Duffy coming in for off-spinner Cole McConchie.
Santner's side has been hot and cold in the 20-team tournament, but hammered South Africa in a nine-wicket semi-final win.
India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, come in unchanged from their nerve-wracking semi-final win over England as they attempt to become the first team to retain the trophy.
A win for the co-hosts could also be the first for any team on home soil and a record third World T20 crown.
Bollywood dance and song dominated the opening acts before they concluded with a performance from Grammy Award-winning singer Ricky Martin.
India decided to field an unchanged lineup for the final, retaining the same combination that carried them through the tournament.
New Zealand, however, made one change to their playing XI.
The Black Caps brought in fast bowler Jacob Duffy in place of Cole McConchie, strengthening their pace attack for the crucial encounter.
With conditions expected to favour bowlers early on, the New Zealand skipper opted to take advantage of the fresh pitch by sending India in to bat first.
The final is set to be a thrilling contest as both teams aim to cap off their campaigns with a historic victory and lift the prestigious ICC trophy.
Playing XIs
India: Samson, Abhishek, Ishan (wk), Surya (capt), Hardik, Tilak, Axar, Dube, Arshdeep, Varun, Bumrah
New Zealand: Allen, Seifert (wk), Rachin, Phillips, Chapman, Mitchell, Santner (capt), Neesham, Henry, Duffy, Ferguson