India Make History With Third T20 World Cup Win After Beating New Zealand

India national cricket team clinched a record third ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title on Sunday, defeating New Zealand national cricket team by 96 runs in front of more than 100,000 spectators at the world’s largest cricket stadium.

Batting first after losing the toss at Narendra Modi Stadium, India posted a formidable 255 for 5 in the final. Opener Sanju Samson led the charge with an explosive 89 from just 46 balls, smashing eight sixes during his impressive knock.

New Zealand’s chase never really gathered momentum as the side was bowled out for 159 in 19 overs. Tim Seifert provided the main resistance with a quick 52 off 26 deliveries, but the target proved far beyond reach.

The triumph marks India’s third T20 World Cup victory, adding to their earlier titles in 2007 and 2024. Meanwhile, New Zealand was still searching for its first championship in the tournament, having previously finished runner-up in 2021 after losing the final to Australia in Dubai.

India’s massive total became the third-highest score ever recorded in the competition. At one stage the defending champions looked set for an even bigger total, racing to 203 for 1 after just 15 overs.

However, New Zealand all-rounder James Neesham pulled things back slightly in the 16th over, claiming three crucial wickets. He dismissed Samson and also removed Ishan Kishan, who had blasted 54 from 25 balls, along with captain Suryakumar Yadav for a golden duck.

Earlier, Abhishek Sharma had added further momentum with a rapid 52 off just 21 deliveries, while Shivam Dube finished strongly with an unbeaten 26 from only eight balls. Neesham’s final over went for 24 runs as India closed their innings with a commanding total.