India vs New Zealand highlights, T20 World Cup Final 2026: India crush New Zealand to clinch third T20 World Cup title

The gates at the Narendra Modi Stadium opened at 3:30 PM (IST), with the closing ceremony scheduled to begin at 5:30 PM (IST) ahead of the final, which starts at 7:00 PM (IST).

With a packed stadium expected and millions watching worldwide, the closing ceremony is set to provide a vibrant cultural spectacle before the tournament reaches its dramatic finale.

Hours before the first ball of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 final is bowled, the atmosphere outside the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is already buzzing — and not just because India national cricket team are set to take on the New Zealand national cricket team. For many millennials arriving at the world’s largest cricket stadium on Sunday, the excitement also comes from the chance to watch their childhood pop idol Ricky Martin perform live.

Groups of enthusiastic fans could be heard humming Livin' la Vida Loca while waiting to enter the venue, with some admitting that the closing ceremony featuring the global pop star was reason enough to buy tickets.

“We just came here to see Ricky. He has been our star since childhood,” a group of fans told Indo-Asian News Service (IANS) excitedly. “We are millennials — we love cricket, but we also love Ricky,” another fan added.

The T20 World Cup final promises to deliver a unique blend of sport and entertainment, with Ricky Martin headlining the closing ceremony alongside popular Indian performers Falguni Pathak and Sukhbir Singh.

Combining global star power with the vibrant spirit of Indian music, the ceremony will feature large-scale performances by the three artists before hosts India face New Zealand in the highly anticipated final.

A two-time Grammy Award winner and five-time Latin Grammy Award winner, Ricky Martin is expected to bring his trademark stadium energy to Ahmedabad. The global pop icon is known for hits such as Livin' la Vida Loca, She Bangs and the famous football anthem The Cup of Life (La Copa de la Vida). His performance at the Narendra Modi Stadium will add yet another iconic venue to his career.

Earlier, Martin had expressed his excitement about performing at the tournament’s closing ceremony.

“Sport and music have a unique way of bringing people together, and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is a celebration of that shared passion,” Martin said. “It’s an honour to be part of such a special occasion where millions of fans come together with incredible energy and love for the game. I’m excited to perform at the Closing Ceremony and celebrate the thrill of the tournament with fans in the stadium and around the world.”

The gates at the Narendra Modi Stadium opened at 3:30 PM (IST), with the closing ceremony scheduled to begin at 5:30 PM (IST) ahead of the final, which starts at 7:00 PM (IST).

With a packed stadium expected and millions watching worldwide, the closing ceremony is set to provide a vibrant cultural spectacle before the tournament reaches its dramatic finale.

Defending champions India will face New Zealand in the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

The India team had a strong and steady campaign leading to the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, achieving seven wins in eight matches. Their journey started with a 29-run win against the United States national cricket team at the Wankhede Stadium on February 7.

They then dominated the Namibia with a convincing 93-run victory in Delhi on February 12.

One of their most important wins in the group stage came when they defeated their arch-rivals, the Pakistan, by 61 runs in Colombo on February 15.

The team continued to build momentum with a 17-run win over the Netherlands in Ahmedabad on February 18.

India faced their only setback against the South Africa team, who defeated them by 76 runs in Ahmedabad on February 22.

However, this loss did not derail their campaign. The team responded strongly, beating the Zimbabwe team by 72 runs in Chennai on February 26. They then overcame the West Indies team by five wickets in Kolkata on March 1, securing a spot in the semi-finals.

In a tense knockout match, India edged past the England team by seven runs at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on March 5, earning their place in the final after a solid and resilient tournament run.

India and New Zealand have faced each other 30 times in the shortest format of the game. Out of these encounters, the Men in Blue have registered 18 victories, while the Blackcaps have won 11 matches.

India : Road to Final

Beat USA by 29 runs in Mumbai on Feb 7

Beat Namibia by 93 runs at Delhi on Feb 12

Beat Pakistan by 61 runs in Colombo on Feb 15

Beat Netherlands by 17 runs in Ahmedabad on Feb 18

Lost to South Africa by 76 runs in Ahmedabad on Feb 22

Beat Zimbabwe by 72 runs in Chennai on Feb 26

Beat West Indies by 5 wickets in Kolkata on March 1

Beat England by 7 runs in Mumbai on March 5 (Semi-Final)

Former Pakistan cricketers Shoaib Akhtar and Umar Gul have spoken about the pressure on India ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 final against New Zealand, pointing to the expectations of a large fan base and India’s recent results at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. India will face New Zealand in the final on Sunday (March 8) at the venue.

India had suffered a 76-run defeat to South Africa during the Super 8 stage of the tournament at the same ground, a result that pushed them close to elimination before they recorded wins against Zimbabwe and the West Indies. India had also lost the 2023 ODI World Cup final to Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

The venue, which can accommodate 132,000 spectators, has also drawn attention due to the atmosphere during major matches and India’s results there in recent tournaments. This has led to talk among some observers that Ahmedabad has not been favourable for India in big games.

Akhtar, Gul speak about pressure on India

Referring to these factors, former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar said India’s record at the Narendra Modi Stadium and the expectations of fans could create pressure during the final.

"If the wicket at Ahmedabad grips and if it’s favourable for spinners, the par score will be around 200 or 175. Safe score would be 200 plus only. Now, will New Zealand be able to score 250 or 225 against India? If they do, India will be under a lot of pressure," Shoaib Akhtar said on Game on Hai show.

"It’s also clear as daylight that India will also come full prepared. I feel New Zealand may get bogged down in front of India, but India also have pressure of 1.5 billion people. They have already lost a match at Ahmedabad to Australia in the World Cup final."

Akhtar, however, said India remain the favourites for the title but added that New Zealand winning the tournament would also be good for the sport.

"I see India as the winner out of all this, but for cricket’s sake, it’s high time New Zealand should win this World Cup."

Former Pakistan pacer Umar Gul, who was part of the same discussion, said the expectations around the home side could add to the pressure during the final.

"New Zealand bowling attack appears stronger. India can be under pressure due to the home team’s big population," Gul said. "New Zealand recently won a series in India (Test series). They have experience with spin track, and India may also think that these guys played well against us and defeated us. New Zealand will have confidence. It will be a good final."

India reached the final after defeating England in the semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday.

Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has urged the team management to persist with young opener Abhishek Sharma for the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 against New Zealand national cricket team in Ahmedabad. At the same time, Ashwin did not shy away from criticising the left-hander’s approach, saying the batter needs to better understand match situations.

The 25-year-old has struggled to find rhythm in the tournament. Apart from one half-century, Abhishek has endured a difficult run with three ducks. His troubles continued in the semi-final against the England cricket team at the Wankhede Stadium, where he briefly looked aggressive before throwing away his wicket.

Abhishek began confidently by hitting two boundaries off Will Jacks in the second over. However, an attacking intent soon led to his dismissal. Jacks tossed the ball up, tempting the left-hander into a big shot. The attempt did not come off as planned, with the ball flying off the lower part of the bat before Phil Salt completed a simple catch.

Notably, this marked the fourth occasion in the tenth edition of the T20 World Cup that Abhishek had fallen to spin. Earlier in the tournament, he had been dismissed by Salman Ali Agha of Pakistan, Aryan Dutt of the Netherlands and Akeal Hosein.

Despite the setbacks, Ashwin believes Abhishek should still be backed for the title clash. Speaking on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat, the veteran spinner said the youngster has proven ability against quality bowling and should not be discarded because of a lean patch.

“Abhishek Sharma has that factor. In the series against New Zealand, he was in top form. He has batted well against Mitchell Santner and Matt Henry in the past. So I wouldn't be too fussed about Abhishek. But I would like to have a conversation with him. I would tell him, ‘Listen, there’s a plan against you.' So don't try hard to hit the ball,” said Ashwin on his YouTube channel ‘Ash Ki Baat’.

Ashwin also pointed out that Abhishek’s dismissal in the semi-final came from poor decision-making rather than lack of ability.

“In the semi-final against England, I think it was headless batting from him. I am a big fan of his gameplay. He scored eight runs against Jacks, but he intended to score 30 runs against him. Sometimes, you have to leave the ball. Sanju Samson is going so well at the other end, so you just need to take the single and get to the other end. You will get your tee time,” he added.

The former spinner further advised India’s leadership group, including head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav, to ensure that Abhishek is not burdened with excessive pressure ahead of the final.

“Abhishek is a damn good talent, but I just want to know what sort of conversations are being had with him. Is he coming under too much pressure? If you give him more pressure, then he will look to hit the ball harder. He is a fluent player who relies on timing. You have to keep him in good space, and I will continue with him,” said Ashwin.

India eventually sealed their place in the final with a thrilling seven-run win over England after defending a formidable 253/7. The contest at the Wankhede turned into a run-fest, with both teams combining for nearly 500 runs in a high-scoring semi-final.

The final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 marks the third ICC summit clash between the India national cricket team and the New Zealand national cricket team across different formats in the past six years. The two sides previously met in the ICC World Test Championship Final 2021 and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

New Zealand currently hold a 2–1 advantage over India in ICC tournament finals. They defeated India in the 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy and the ICC World Test Championship Final 2021, while India emerged victorious in the Champions Trophy final last year.

Overall in T20 Internationals, India lead the head-to-head record against New Zealand 18–11, with one match ending in a tie. However, New Zealand have a perfect record against India in T20 World Cups, winning all three previous meetings — in Johannesburg in 2007, Nagpur in 2016 and Dubai in 2021.

India have now reached the T20 World Cup final for the fourth time, the most appearances by any team in the tournament’s history.

Historically, chasing teams have enjoyed success in T20 World Cup finals, with six of the previous nine titles won while batting second. Of the three victories by teams batting first, two belonged to India — in 2007 and 2024 — both decided in the final over.

Mitchell Santner, captain of the New Zealand national cricket team, believes Varun Chakravarthy could still pose a threat in the final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, saying the mystery spinner is only one game away from rediscovering his form.

Speaking ahead of the title clash, Santner — New Zealand’s spin spearhead — backed Chakravarthy despite the Indian bowler conceding 64 runs against England national cricket team in the semi-final. The New Zealand skipper said bowling on a flat wicket is always challenging and any bowler can have a difficult outing.

“I mean, we’ve all seen how good he is, and I think the challenge for any bowler is when it is flat, what does it look like when it’s spinning and when it’s seaming, it’s obviously a challenge for every batter but when it is flat what does that look like and I think everyone goes for 60 on their day,” Santner said in the pre match press conference.

“So I think it’s, again, for Varun, and I think he’s got to know that he’s still a very good bowler, and is only one game away from changing the tide. And it’s the same with any bowler or any batter. If they’re out of form, they’re only one game away from being back in form,” he added.

The world No. 1-ranked bowler Chakravarthy was in excellent form during the group stage of the tournament, taking nine wickets in four matches while maintaining an economy rate of 5.2. His timely breakthroughs played a key role in helping India remain unbeaten during the group phase.

However, his performances dipped in the later stages. Across the three Super Eight matches and the semi-final, he managed just four wickets and proved expensive, conceding runs at an economy rate of 11.6 — a development that has raised some concerns for the Indian side.

India and New Zealand have taken somewhat similar paths to the semi-finals. India topped their preliminary group before sealing a spot in the last four with a must-win victory over the West Indies cricket team. New Zealand, meanwhile, progressed on the basis of a superior net run rate after finishing level on four points with the Pakistan national cricket team in the Super Eight stage.

India will be aiming to become the first nation to win the prestigious title three times, while the Black Caps are chasing their maiden ICC Men's T20 World Cup crown.

Defending champions India will face New Zealand in the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

India and New Zealand have faced each other 30 times in the shortest format of the game. Out of these encounters, the Men in Blue have registered 18 victories, while the Blackcaps have won 11 matches.

Over the years, Indian batters have played a key role in securing wins against New Zealand in T20Is. As the two teams prepare to face off once again in the summit clash, here is a look at the top five Indian players who have scored the most runs against New Zealand in the format.

India's top scorers against New Zealand in T20Is

1. Suryakumar Yadav: India's captain Suryakumar has scored the most runs against New Zealand in T20Is. He has played 13 matches against the Black Caps and managed to score 526 runs at an average of 58.44. Surya has also hit one century and four half-centuries against the New Zealand team.

2. Rohit Sharma: Former India captain Rohit Sharma has played 17 matches against the Black Caps and has scored 511 runs against them. The 2024 T20 World Cup-winning captain has also hit six half-centuries against the team.

3. KL Rahul: Indian opener KL Rahul boasts a great record against New Zealand in T20Is. He has amassed 322 runs in just 8 matches and hit three fifties.

4. Ishan Kishan: India's T20 World Cup 2026 star player, Kishan, has been in great touch against New Zealand. He has scored 318 runs at an average of 28.90 in 11 matches.

5. Virat Kohli: India's prime batter Kohli is placed at number five in the list. The former captain has scored 311 runs in just 10 matches at an average of 34.55. Virat has hammered two fifties against the Black Caps.

As cricketing heavyweights India and New Zealand prepare to face off in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, ICC chairman Jay Shah extended his best wishes to both teams ahead of the summit clash.

The 2026 edition of the tournament has already made history, becoming the most-watched T20 World Cup ever, with viewership in India alone crossing 500 million — the highest recorded for the event.

"It's been a record-breaking #t20worldcup with many highlights, including some great performances from our associate members. It's now time to wish India and New Zealand good luck in the final, which will be played in front of a huge crowd and watched by hundreds of millions," Shah shared on X.

The ICC’s streaming platform, which caters to fans in growth territories, also registered a new concurrent streaming record during the Super Eight match between India national cricket team and the West Indies cricket team, surpassing the previous peak recorded during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 Final.

Across social media platforms, the International Cricket Council has already crossed 10 billion video views and is on course to surpass the 16 billion views recorded in 2024.

Meanwhile, the second semi-final between India national cricket team and the England national cricket team set another milestone. The match recorded a peak digital concurrency of 65.2 million viewers on JioHotstar, the highest ever for any live event globally.

On the field, the 2026 tournament has delivered high-intensity contests and dramatic turnarounds. The group stage featured 20 teams divided into four groups of five, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the Super Eights.

Traditional powerhouses such as Australia national cricket team and Pakistan national cricket team faced early challenges, while emerging teams like Zimbabwe national cricket team and Nepal national cricket team delivered spirited performances, highlighting the growing depth in global T20 cricket.

The Super Eights stage further intensified the competition. The eight qualifying teams — India national cricket team, Sri Lanka national cricket team, West Indies cricket team, South Africa national cricket team, England national cricket team, New Zealand national cricket team, Zimbabwe national cricket team and Pakistan national cricket team — were split into two groups of four, with only the top two from each group progressing to the semi-finals. Several matches went down to the wire, and net run rate ultimately proved decisive in determining the final standings.

A day before the T20 World Cup final, the usual tension and mind games between teams have already started. India and New Zealand are set to clash for the title, and both captains had a few things to say during their pre-match press conferences.

India head into the final with strong momentum after smashing 253/7 against England in the semifinal at the Wankhede Stadium. But New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner believes the key for his team is to stop India from posting another huge total.

Speaking ahead of the match, he said, "And at the end of the day, if it's going to be flat like it was the other night, trying to restrict India to 220 instead of 250 might give us a good chance."

When India captain Suryakumar Yadav was asked about Santner’s comment, he responded with a smile and a bit of banter. "Jhooth bol raha hai (he's lying). We will try to bat well. If we score 225 or 250, it will be good. But sometimes the wicket is different, and we have to play differently. We don't predict from the dressing room that we have to score so much. Whatever the pitch demands, we have to play that way," he said.

Santner also spoke about the pressure India might feel while playing a final at home in front of a packed crowd. "That's the goal - to silence the crowd - but there are a lot of challenges in cricket, and they are variable. I think there is a lot of pressure on India to win at home," he said. At the same time, the Kiwi captain sounded confident about his team. "I am pretty excited. We have played here before. There are no secrets to it. The boys are buzzing for tomorrow. It is a one-game shootout. The boys are excited."

Santner’s remark reminded many of Pat Cummins’ famous comment before the 2023 ODI World Cup final about silencing the crowd. Suryakumar couldn’t resist poking fun at that as well, saying: "Sab hi same line chipka rahe hai. Kuch toh naya bolo (Everyone is now saying the same thing. Come up with something new)."

Legendary South African fast bowler Dale Steyn believes New Zealand national cricket team could inherit the unwanted “chokers” tag if they fail to defeat hosts India national cricket team in the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Steyn said it would be extremely difficult for the Kiwis to overcome the home side in the title clash.

New Zealand secured their place in the final for only the second time in T20 World Cup history after defeating favourites and perennial “chokers” South Africa national cricket team in the first semi-final at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

India, meanwhile, advanced to the summit clash after edging past England national cricket team by seven runs in a high-scoring semi-final at Mumbai on Thursday.

Steyn pointed out that New Zealand have reached more World Cup finals than South Africa in recent years and suggested that if they fall short again, the “chokers” label should be directed toward them instead.

New Zealand were runners-up in the 2019 Cricket World Cup, the 2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, losing all three finals.

"Let's be honest here. Everyone likes to call South Africa chokers, but I am going to say it. New Zealand haven't won many World Cups themselves, and they have been in more finals than we have. So, no offence, New Zealand, but please go on to win this," said Steyn while speaking with AB de Villiers on the latter’s YouTube channel.

"Otherwise, I am formally handing over that card to you; it's yours. I love New Zealand, but they won't beat India."

The former South African pace spearhead, who has taken more than 400 Test wickets, also believes India enter the final as overwhelming favourites. According to Steyn, it would take a major collapse from the hosts for New Zealand to clinch the title.

"It would require a monumental choke from India. I am calling it; it's possible. I really want them (New Zealand) to win, but do I think they'll beat India? No," Steyn said.

New Zealand have reached eight ICC finals since winning the 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy, but have lifted just one major ICC title since then — the 2021 ICC World Test Championship Final, which they won against India.

Captain Suryakumar Yadav admitted there will be “butterflies in the stomach” when he walks out for the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 against New Zealand national cricket team, as hosts India national cricket team prepare for a high-pressure showdown.

The blockbuster final in Ahmedabad on Sunday is expected to draw more than 100,000 spectators at the Narendra Modi Stadium, with hundreds of millions more watching around the world on television.

Defending champions India are chasing a historic third title and hoping to become the first side to win consecutive T20 World Cups. No nation has previously lifted the trophy on home soil.

Suryakumar was part of the Indian team led by Rohit Sharma that won the World Cup in Barbados in 2024. He later took over the captaincy that same year following Rohit’s retirement from international T20 cricket.

"Leading such a wonderful side into a final that (is also on) home soil, it's always a special feeling," Suryakumar told reporters during a packed press conference.

"Of course there are nerves, there will be butterflies in the stomach but as I always say, 'if there is no pressure, there is no fun'. All the boys and the support staff and I am sure the whole of India is excited for tomorrow."

Top-ranked India have been one of the standout teams in the tournament, losing just once on their way to the final when South Africa national cricket team ended their 12-match unbeaten streak during the Super Eights.

Since then, India have won three matches in a row, including a tense semi-final victory over England national cricket team. The bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah, held their nerve to secure a seven-run win in a high-scoring thriller.

Bumrah, who was also instrumental in India’s triumph over South Africa in the 2024 final, delivered a near-perfect 18th over at the Wankhede Stadium to halt England’s chase despite a brave 105 from Jacob Bethell.

The 35-year-old Suryakumar believes the presence of players experienced in major tournaments strengthens India’s chances.

"There's a lot of benefit because there are a lot of players in this team who have played a lot of ICC events right from our coach (two-time World Cup winner Gautam Gambhir)," said Suryakumar.

"So their experience is also important. And there are a lot of players, like Bumrah, Hardik (Pandya), Axar (Patel), there are a lot of players who have played in ICC events, in pressure situations."

Suryakumar also credited Rohit for shaping his leadership approach after taking over the captaincy.

"The way, where he left, I got to learn a lot of things from him when I was playing under him," said Suryakumar.

"I tried to implement the same things with a few thoughts of mine as well. And it's worked really well."

After more than a month of thrilling encounters and nail-biting finishes, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has reached its grand finale, with India set to face New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Cricket fans across the country are buzzing with excitement and confidence, expressing strong belief that Team India will lift the coveted trophy.

The highly anticipated clash has sparked celebrations and prayers in several parts of the country, with supporters performing special rituals and havans to wish the Indian team success in the final.

In Ahmedabad, thousands of fans from across India have gathered to witness the historic match live. Many supporters arrived at the Ahmedabad Railway Station early in the morning, carrying Indian jerseys, flags and banners. The city has taken on a festive atmosphere as cricket lovers pour in from different states.

One cricket enthusiast who travelled from Pune said, “We have come all the way from Pune to watch the India-New Zealand match. It is going to be a very exciting match today, and India will win. There is a lot of thrill and excitement among everyone.”

Another fan, who had just arrived by train, shared his excitement and said, “We booked the tickets through BookMyShow and have just gotten off the train. I am very happy to be here and extremely excited to watch the match live.”

The excitement is not limited to domestic fans. One supporter who currently lives abroad said he had travelled especially for the final. “I am originally from India, but currently I live in Australia. We came here especially to watch the final match and support Team India,” he said.

Renowned spiritual orator Jaya Kishori also expressed optimism about India’s chances in the final. Speaking about the match, she said, “I am very happy, and my prayer to God is that India wins the final. We have the best players in our team, and I believe they will win.”

Meanwhile, to facilitate cricket enthusiasts travelling for the match, Indian Railways introduced a special air-conditioned train, numbered 04062, from New Delhi Railway Station to Sabarmati Railway Station.

A fan travelling on the special train from New Delhi thanked the railways for the initiative and said, “We are going to watch the match in Ahmedabad. This is not the first time the railways have arranged such a facility. Even during the 2023 final, they had provided a similar service. We are very excited and grateful for this initiative.”

Across the country, fans have also been offering prayers for India’s victory. In Varanasi, cricket lovers performed a special havan at Assi Ghat, praying for the team’s success in the final.

One fan in Varanasi said, “We hope that India will play very well and continue performing like this. The most important thing is that our players are currently in very good form.”

Another supporter added, “Today is the big match between India and New Zealand. We performed a special havan and prayers so that our team plays well and wins the World Cup.”

Similar scenes were witnessed in Mysuru, where devotees offered special prayers at the Ganapati Temple for the Indian team’s victory. Fans in Churu also expressed confidence that Team India would make history with a win in the final.

In Ujjain, a cricket fan said, “Today is India’s final match against New Zealand, and I sincerely hope that India wins the World Cup.”

Earlier, India secured their place in the final after defeating England by seven wickets in the semifinal at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. New Zealand also reached the final by beating South Africa national cricket team by nine wickets at the Eden Gardens on Wednesday.

Former India spinner Anil Kumble believes Varun Chakravarthy’s dip in form could place additional pressure on India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah as the India national cricket team prepare for the high-stakes final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 against New Zealand national cricket team on Sunday.

Chakravarthy, the world’s top-ranked T20I bowler, was one of India’s standout performers during the group stage, claiming nine wickets in four matches at an impressive economy rate of 5.2. However, his returns have dipped since the Super Eight phase, where he has taken just four wickets in four games, while his economy rate has risen to 11.6.

During the Super Eight matches, Chakravarthy has endured a challenging spell after previously delivering consistent performances and providing crucial breakthroughs for India in the middle overs.

“Yes, it is a bit of a concern for India because he’s been their go-to bowler, he’s been their wicket-taking bowler in the middle overs. Obviously, starts putting extra pressure on Jasprit Bumrah. So, it’s not easy when the opposition sort of now look at India and say, 'okay, it’s only Jasprit Bumrah’s four overs that we need to be worried about, not necessarily Varun'. Not easy from an Indian captain’s perspective,” Kumble said on ESPNcricinfo.

In the semi-final against the England national cricket team at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Chakravarthy — who was the joint highest wicket-taker in the tournament — finished with figures of 1/64. It marked his most expensive spell in T20 Internationals and the second-most expensive spell in the tournament’s history. Notably, eight of Chakravarthy’s 11 most expensive T20I spells have come since December 2025.

Looking ahead to the final, India will also be aiming to break a long-standing jinx, as they have never defeated New Zealand in a T20 World Cup encounter. Meanwhile, the Black Caps are still chasing their first T20 World Cup title.

With history, form and a global trophy at stake, the stage is set for a gripping finale in Ahmedabad, where fans are anticipating a contest that could be remembered for years to come.

Defending champions India will aim to create history when they take on New Zealand in the final of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.

India are chasing a record third T20 World Cup title, while New Zealand will be looking to win the trophy for the first time. As anticipation builds among fans, there have been concerns about the weather, with many wondering what would happen if the summit clash is washed out due to rain.

According to ICC regulations, the final has an additional 120 minutes of extra time to ensure that at least 10 overs per side — the minimum requirement for a T20 World Cup final — can be completed.

If the match cannot be finished within the scheduled time, a reserve day has been allocated on March 9. In that case, play will resume from the point where it was halted.

However, if the match still cannot be completed on the reserve day and is eventually abandoned, the T20 World Cup 2026 trophy will be shared between India and New Zealand.

Such a situation has occurred only once in the history of ICC tournaments. The Champions Trophy 2002 final between India and Sri Lanka was washed out on both the scheduled day and the reserve day, forcing the two teams to share the title.

The good news for fans, however, is that rain is unlikely to interfere with the final. Weather forecasts indicate clear skies in Ahmedabad. The heat, though, could be a challenge for players, with the maximum temperature expected to reach around 40°C before dropping to about 23°C later in the evening.

India and New Zealand have faced each other 30 times in T20 internationals. India hold the edge with 18 victories, while New Zealand have won 11 matches.

Defending champions India national cricket team will take on New Zealand national cricket team in the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.

India booked their place in the summit clash after defeating England national cricket team in a thrilling semi-final on Thursday. New Zealand, meanwhile, stormed into the final with a dominant nine-wicket victory over South Africa national cricket team on Wednesday.

While both teams boast strong line-ups, the outcome could ultimately depend on standout individual performances and crucial on-field matchups. Here are some key battles to watch in the title clash.

Matt Henry vs Indian openers

New Zealand’s experienced pacer Matt Henry could pose a significant challenge for India’s opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson. The right-arm seamer is expected to take the new ball and test the duo early with his pace and probing good-length deliveries. Henry had earlier dismissed Samson during the T20I in Guwahati.

Henry delivered a crucial spell of 2/34 in the semi-final against South Africa in Kolkata shortly after returning from paternity leave. He has provided important breakthroughs throughout the tournament, including figures of 1/19 against England and 2/3 against Sri Lanka national cricket team in the Super 8 stage.

Mitchell Santner vs Suryakumar Yadav

The battle between the captains — Mitchell Santner and Suryakumar Yadav — could be one of the most intriguing contests in the final. Santner has dismissed Suryakumar three times in T20 Internationals.

The New Zealand skipper also has an impressive record against India in past T20 World Cups. He featured in both of their recent wins over India, including a four-wicket haul and Player of the Match performance when the teams met in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2016.

Cole McConchie vs India's left-handers

Young spinner Cole McConchie has been an important performer for New Zealand in the tournament. He picked up two key wickets in the semi-final against South Africa.

McConchie could trouble Abhishek Sharma, who has struggled against off-spin in recent matches. He may also challenge other left-handed batters in the Indian line-up, including Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube.

Bumrah vs New Zealand batters

India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has the ability to turn the game in India’s favour almost single-handedly. Bumrah has been in exceptional form throughout the tournament and produced a superb spell in the semi-final.

His ability to strike both with the new ball and during the death overs makes him a major threat to the New Zealand batting line-up.

Arshdeep Singh vs New Zealand openers

India’s leading wicket-taker in T20 Internationals, Arshdeep Singh, could test New Zealand’s in-form opening pair of Finn Allen and Tim Seifert.

Arshdeep’s ability to swing the ball both ways makes him particularly dangerous with the new ball. The left-arm pacer finished as the leading wicket-taker during India’s recent T20I series ahead of the World Cup and will be confident of making an impact against the Kiwis in the final.

Former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni arrived in Ahmedabad on Sunday morning as India prepare to take on New Zealand national cricket team in the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

The 44-year-old had earlier attended India’s semi-final against England national cricket team at the Wankhede Stadium, where he watched the match alongside his wife Sakshi Dhoni. Several celebrities were also present at the venue, including Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan and Anil Kapoor.

From the cricket fraternity, KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma — who led India to the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 titles — were also in attendance as India edged past England in a thrilling contest.

India had won their maiden ICC Men's T20 World Cup title under Dhoni’s leadership in 2007, defeating Pakistan national cricket team in the final to claim the inaugural trophy.

Now, the responsibility lies with the Suryakumar Yadav-led side to replicate that success and potentially make history by winning the title in front of a home crowd. Meanwhile, the Black Caps are also chasing their maiden T20 World Cup trophy after finishing runners-up in the 2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

India head into the final chasing several milestones — becoming the first team to defend a T20 World Cup title, the first host nation to win the tournament, and the first side to claim three T20 World Cup crowns.

For New Zealand, the key challenge will be containing India’s star-studded batting lineup and countering the precision of Jasprit Bumrah, whose accuracy with the ball has been a major factor throughout the tournament.

Both teams took contrasting routes to the final but arrive with strong momentum after impressive batting displays in the semi-finals.

New Zealand suffered defeats against South Africa national cricket team in the group stage and England in the Super Eights but produced a dominant performance in the semi-final. After restricting South Africa to 169/8, they raced to a nine-wicket win in just 12.5 overs, powered by a stunning 33-ball century from Finn Allen, the fastest hundred in T20 World Cup history.

India, meanwhile, were flawless in the group stage, with their only setback coming against South Africa in the opening Super Eight match. Their semi-final against England turned into a high-scoring thriller, with India posting 253/7 before restricting England to fall just seven runs short.

Historically, New Zealand hold the upper hand in T20 World Cup meetings, having defeated India in all three previous encounters — in 2007 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, 2016 ICC Men's T20 World Cup and 2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

However, recent form favours the hosts. India dominated the most recent T20I series between the sides at home, registering a convincing 4–1 victory.

Mitchell Santner said New Zealand will not hesitate to "break a few hearts" when they face India in the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup on Sunday.

New Zealand will take on defending champions India at the Narendra Modi Stadium, where more than 100,000 fans are expected to attend the match.

New Zealand reached the final of the 2021 edition but lost to Australia and are still chasing their first white-ball World Cup title.

"I wouldn't mind winning a trophy," Santner said.

He added: "It's going to be obviously a challenge where everyone knows we're probably not the favourites.

"But yeah, I wouldn't mind breaking a few hearts to lift the trophy for once."

Santner recalled how Australia, led by Pat Cummins, defeated India in the final of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 in Ahmedabad.

"I guess that's the goal, is to silence the crowd," said Santner.

Wary of Bumrah

Santner said the New Zealand team will have discussions about how to deal with Jasprit Bumrah ahead of the final.

Bumrah has performed well in the tournament and played a key role during India’s semi-final against England .

"Bumrah, yeah, I think he should be in everyone's conversation, the way he has been going. Against England, he looked pretty hard to hit. And he was obviously the game changer for India the other night," Santner said when asked about what kind of conversations the think-tank is having with regard to Bumrah.

However, Santner said New Zealand cannot focus only on Bumrah because several Indian players have stepped up at different times during the tournament.

"We knew that was (Bumrah performing) always going to be the case. He's obviously a world-class bowler. But, you know, not just him, everyone has stepped up (for India) at different times. And as a team, that's where you want to be," the Black Caps skipper said.

The stage is set for a thrilling showdown as India take on New Zealand in the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium. The highly anticipated clash will begin at 7:00 PM (IST), with the toss taking place thirty minutes before the start of the game at 6:30 PM (IST).

Fans can watch the match live on Star Sports Network, while live streaming will be available on the JioHotstar app. TimesofIndia.com will keep you updated with regular posts in our match live blog.

India head into the final with history within reach.

The India national cricket team are aiming to become the first team to win three T20 World Cup titles, the first to defend the trophy, and the first host nation to lift the T20 World Cup.

On the other hand, the New Zealand national cricket team will be chasing their maiden T20 World Cup title.

India vs New Zealand winning percentage

India have never defeated New Zealand in a T20 World Cup match, which adds extra pressure heading into the final.

However, overall T20I records between the two sides are much closer.

India have enjoyed the upper hand in recent bilateral series, including a comfortable 4-1 series win at home, giving them momentum before the final.

The two teams have also met in several major ICC finals over the years. New Zealand beat India in the 2021 World Test Championship final, while India bounced back by defeating them in the 2025 Champions Trophy final.

Overall, the Black Caps hold a 2-1 record over India in ICC tournament finals.

Weather conditions in Ahmedabad are expected to be hot and dry, with temperatures ranging between 34°C and 41°C during the day and around 30°C in the evening.

With no rain predicted, the match is expected to proceed without interruptions.

The pitch at Narendra Modi Stadium is likely to favour batters, making a high-scoring contest possible.

However, dew later in the evening could play a crucial role, meaning the toss may have a significant impact on the outcome.

Air India Express and Akasa Air on Friday announced that they will operate special flights to Ahmedabad, providing more travel options to the city for the T20 World Cup final between India and New Zealand on March 8.

"To facilitate cricket fans travelling to witness the final, the airline will operate additional flights to Ahmedabad from Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. These flights have been scheduled in response to the sharp increase in demand for travel to the city as fans across the country plan to attend the highly anticipated match," Air India Express said in a release.

The airline also said it continues to closely monitor booking trends and might consider further capacity enhancements based on demand.

Akasa Air will operate special direct flights between Mumbai and Ahmedabad on March 8 and 9, complementing its existing network between the two cities.

"SkyLights will illuminate the cabin with the colours of the Indian tricolour, leveraging the dynamic lighting features of the Boeing Sky Interior to create an immersive and festive onboard ambience for guests travelling to witness the grand finale," the airline said in a statement.

Also, through SkyScore, Akasa Air said its passengers can get live match scores even while in the air.

India, as hosts and defending champions, may start as slight favourites for Sunday’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

Recent bilateral successes against the Black Caps also tilt the balance slightly in India’s favour. However, history tells a very different story.

New Zealand have never lost to India in a T20 World Cup match, winning all three previous encounters between the two sides.

Here is a look at how those clashes unfolded.

T20 World Cup 2007: New Zealand won by 10 runs in Johannesburg

In the inaugural edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori delivered a superb all-round performance to guide his team to victory.

The left-arm spinner returned impressive figures of 4/20 and also contributed a quick 15 from just five balls to help New Zealand defend a challenging total of 190.

India appeared to be cruising in the chase at 76/1 before Vettori turned the game around. He dismissed Robin Uthappa and Gautam Gambhir, who had been batting fluently and had raced to a 33-ball 51.

Spin continued to tighten New Zealand’s grip on the match. Jeetan Patel removed Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni was run out for 24, and Vettori returned later to dismiss Irfan Pathan and Dinesh Karthik to seal the win.

Earlier, Brendon McCullum had set the platform with a brisk 45, while Craig McMillan and Jacob Oram added valuable runs towards the end to push New Zealand to a competitive total.

T20 World Cup 2016: New Zealand won by 47 runs in Nagpur

When the two teams met again in the 2016 edition, spin dominated proceedings on a sharply turning pitch in Nagpur.

New Zealand successfully defended a modest total of 126 by bowling India out for just 79, with their three spinners combining to claim nine wickets.

Corey Anderson top-scored with a patient 34 off 42 balls for New Zealand. Lower down the order, Luke Ronchi added an unbeaten 21 off 11 deliveries after coming in at No. 8.

India struggled badly against spin. Only Virat Kohli (23) and MS Dhoni (30) offered any resistance as wickets fell regularly.

When Ish Sodhi dismissed Kohli with the score at 39/5 in the ninth over, India’s hopes were already fading.

Dhoni tried to hold the innings together but eventually became the ninth wicket to fall in the 18th over. Adam Milne then wrapped up the innings by dismissing Ashish Nehra three balls later.

The spin trio dominated the game. Nathan McCullum took 2/15, Sodhi finished with 3/18, while Mitchell Santner produced a superb spell of 4/11 and also chipped in with 18 runs.

Milne claimed the only wicket taken by a pacer.

T20 World Cup 2021: New Zealand won by 8 wickets in Dubai

The trend continued when the teams met in Dubai during the 2021 T20 World Cup.

Disciplined New Zealand bowling restricted India to just 110/7, a total that never seriously threatened the Black Caps.

Trent Boult struck early in the Powerplay and later returned to claim two wickets in the 19th over. He received strong support from Ish Sodhi (2/17), Tim Southee (1/26) and Adam Milne (1/30).

Although he did not take a wicket, Mitchell Santner bowled a tight spell of 0/15, including 11 dot balls, to keep India under constant pressure.

New Zealand’s chase began confidently. Martin Guptill and Daryl Mitchell ensured there was little chance of an Indian comeback.

Mitchell played a key role, smashing a towering six off Ravindra Jadeja that effectively drained the momentum from the Indian attack.

He eventually departed for a composed 49 off 35 balls with New Zealand just 15 runs away from victory.

Moments later, captain Kane Williamson finished the job with a flick through the leg side, sealing a comfortable win.

India vs New Zealand head-to-head in T20 World Cups

Played: 3
New Zealand: 3
India: 0

With India chasing history by attempting to become the first team to win back-to-back T20 World Cup titles, and New Zealand determined to maintain their unbeaten record against the Men in Blue while chasing their maiden crown, Sunday’s final promises to be a thrilling contest.

An upbeat Indian team will square off against a strong New Zealand side in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, in what will be a second ICC tournament summit clash between the two teams in the past one year after the Champions Trophy final that took place a year ago, on March 9, 2025.

India head into the final against New Zealand with a slight edge. Playing at home, carrying the tag of defending champions, and coming off recent bilateral wins against the Kiwis, India appear to have momentum on their side. However, history provides a counterbalance—New Zealand have never been beaten by India in tournament encounters.

Both sides have experienced a turbulent path throughout the competition. At different stages, each team looked close to an early exit before producing strong turnarounds to secure their places in the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

New Zealand’s campaign faced a setback after their defeat to England, which left their semi-final qualification uncertain and dependent on other results. Ultimately, Pakistan's failure to register a large victory over Sri Lanka ensured the Black Caps progressed to the knockout stage.

In the semi-final, New Zealand produced an outstanding performance, defeating South Africa by nine wickets to secure their place in the final.

India’s journey mirrored a similar roller-coaster. Entering the tournament as one of the favourites, their campaign took a major hit when they suffered a 72-run loss to South Africa during the Super Eights, putting them on the brink of elimination.

However, aided by a bit of fortune and strong performances when it mattered most, India bounced back impressively, registering dominant victories over West Indies and England to book their spot in a second consecutive T20 World Cup final.

Head-to-head record between India and New Zealand in T20Is

Total Matches Played: 30

India Won: 18

New Zealand Won: 11

Tied: 1

Performance of both teams in their last 5 matches

India: W, L, W, W, W

New Zealand: W, AB, W, L, W

Squads:

India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Ishan Kishan (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Sanju Samson (wk), Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel.

New Zealand: Tim Seifert (wk), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (c), Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy, James Neesham, Kyle Jamieson, Devon Conway

Defending champions India will take on New Zealand in Ahmedabad on Sunday, aiming to become the first team to win the T20 World Cup three times. With a population of 1.4 billion behind them, expectations are sky-high for Suryakumar Yadav’s side.

However, standing in India’s way is a New Zealand team that has already defied the odds. The Black Caps stormed into the final with a commanding nine-wicket victory over previously unbeaten South Africa in the semi-finals.

After Finn Allen’s stunning 33-ball century in that match, a confident New Zealand believe they have the firepower to finally capture a T20 World Cup title.

Skipper Mitchell Santner is optimistic about their chances.

"If we go about our business the same way, we can upset another big team."

India, meanwhile, will have to deal with the pressure of playing in front of more than 100,000 passionate fans at a packed Narendra Modi Stadium. Hundreds of millions more are expected to watch the contest on television.

The top-ranked T20 team in the world are chasing multiple milestones — becoming the first side to win back-to-back T20 World Cups and also the first to lift the trophy on home soil.

"There will definitely be pressure and nerves, especially playing in India and going for the title," said Suryakumar after a nerve-shredding seven-run win over England in a high-scoring semi-final.

"But the boys and the whole support staff are excited as well."

India have effectively navigated three knockout-style matches to reach the final after losing their opening Super Eights clash against South Africa.

They bounced back strongly by hammering Zimbabwe by 72 runs before chasing down 196 against the West Indies in a must-win encounter to seal a place in the semi-finals.

'Special' Bumrah

In the semi-final against England, India posted a massive 253/7 but were pushed hard by a spirited English chase.

The turning point came in the 18th over, when death-bowling specialist Jasprit Bumrah delivered a crucial spell under pressure.

Bumrah conceded just six runs in that over, leaving England with a steep task in the final stages. Despite Jacob Bethell’s brilliant 105, India managed to hold on for victory.

Suryakumar acknowledged the impact of having such a match-winner in the side.

"It was a special bowling performance," he said of Bumrah.

However, India still have a couple of concerns heading into the final — the form of opener Abhishek Sharma and leading spinner Varun Chakravarthy.

Both players currently top the International Cricket Council’s T20 rankings but have struggled for consistency as the tournament has progressed.

Abhishek endured a difficult group stage with three consecutive ducks, and his only notable contribution so far has been a half-century against Zimbabwe.

Chakravarthy, meanwhile, came under heavy attack from England’s batters at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, conceding 64 runs in his four overs.

He has managed just four wickets since the group stage.

New Zealand, on the other hand, have had an inconsistent campaign, having lost to South Africa and England earlier in the tournament.

Yet their players appear to be peaking at the right time, and the team possesses enough firepower to trouble India in the final.

Importantly, the Black Caps enter the contest with little pressure, widely seen as the underdogs.

Santner acknowledged that reality but insisted his side would embrace the challenge.

"It's going to be obviously a challenge where everyone knows we're probably not the favourites.

"But yeah, I wouldn't mind breaking a few hearts to lift the trophy for once."

English pair Richard Illingworth and Alex Wharf will officiate the T20 World Cup final between India and New Zealand, the ICC announced on Friday.

Illingworth will take charge of his second consecutive men's T20 World Cup final, having stood alongside Chris Gaffaney in 2024.

Defending champions India and New Zealand will clash for the trophy on Sunday in Ahmedabad.

Illingworth's impressive recent record of appointments continued, having also stood in the men's 2023 World Cup final and the men's 2025 Champions Trophy summit clash.

He is joined by compatriot Wharf, who will oversee his first senior ICC World Cup final.

Wharf previously stood at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2022 and ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 events before he joined the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires last year.

The pair, who were together in the middle for New Zealand's semi-final victory over South Africa on Wednesday, will be supported by third umpire Allahuddien Paleker and fourth umpire Adrian Holdstock, both from South Africa while the match referee will be Andy Pycroft of Zimbabwe

Paleker was elevated to the Elite Panel of Umpires alongside Wharf in March 2025 and has stood in six matches during the tournament.

When two cricketing giants meet in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup final, India stand on the cusp of a record third title, while New Zealand eye their maiden crown.

India have never beaten New Zealand in T20 World Cups, and the recent history of ICC events in Ahmedabad hasn’t been kind to the Men in Blue. Can India become the first team to win back-to-back titles?

Notably, India are chasing a few firsts in the summit clash, as they are aiming to become the first host team to win the T20 World Cup, the first team to defend the title, and the first to win three T20 World Cup titles.

Ahmedabad weather forecast for IND-NZ final

The weather in Ahmedabad on the day of the final is expected to be very hot and dry. According to AccuWeather, there will be hazy sunshine and no chance of rain.

The temperature during the day may range from 34°C to 41°C, and the evening will also stay warm, around 30°C. Since no rain is predicted, fans can expect the full match without any weather interruptions.

Pitch report for IND-NZ final

The match will likely be a high-scoring contest. Such is the nature of the pitch, a mix of red and black soil, and it appears full of runs. There is no better opportunity for India to end the losing streak against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup.

But more than the pitch, the players will be worried about the wetness on the field. Dew has affected the outcomes of several matches in this World Cup, and it would hardly be fitting for a World Cup final to be decided by the flip of a coin, with the captain winning the toss opting to bowl.

This is the third ICC finals in three different formats over the last six years between India and New Zealand - 2021 World Test Championship, 2025 Champions Trophy (ODI) and 2026 T20 World Cup. New Zealand have a 2-1 record over India in the lCC tournament finals; they won the Champions Trophy 2000 and World Test Championships Final 2021 before losing the Champions Trophy last year.

India have made it to the final for the fourth time in T20 World Cups, the most for any team. Six of the previous nine T20 WC finals have been won by the chasing side, of the other three, two were by India: 2007 and 2024 (both last-over finishes.)

India vs New Zealand final

Date & Time: India will face New Zealand in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 final on Sunday. The match will begin at 7:00 PM (IST).

Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

Live Telecast: Star Sports Network

Live Streaming: JioHotstar app

Hello and welcome to the Live coverage of ICC T20 World Cup final clash between India and New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

A supremely talented and remarkably consistent Indian team will carry the hopes of a nation when it faces a resilient New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday — a contest that promises to be a classic David-versus-Goliath battle.

The venue still carries the haunting memories of November 19, 2023, when Rohit Sharma slowly walked back up the dressing-room stairs after Australia crushed India’s dreams in the ODI World Cup final. The gigantic amphitheatre at Motera, packed with over 93,000 spectators that night, fell into stunned silence as the home side’s title bid ended in heartbreak.

That moment has lingered ever since, even though India’s T20 side partially healed those wounds by winning the 2024 World Cup under Rohit Sharma in the West Indies.

Now under Suryakumar Yadav, India has the opportunity to script another historic chapter. The team will be aiming to become the first side to successfully defend the T20 World Cup and also the first to lift the trophy three times.

For Suryakumar — a street-smart cricketer who embodies Mumbai’s fearless spirit — Sunday presents a chance not only to carve his own legacy as captain but also to help erase the painful memories of that night in Ahmedabad in 2023.

Samson in focus as India enjoy favourable moments

Suryakumar’s team can take confidence from what happened almost exactly a year ago. On March 9, 2025, India defeated a similar New Zealand side in the ICC Champions Trophy final in Dubai, albeit in the 50-over format.

Though Suryakumar was not part of that squad, the dominant victory could still serve as a source of inspiration.

Winning a final requires not just skill and courage but also a touch of fortune. It may not be a perfect game, but crucial moments often decide the outcome.

India experienced one such moment in the semi-final when England’s Harry Brook dropped Sanju Samson — a miss that proved costly. The Men in Blue would not mind a few more such lapses from the opposition in the final.

From favourable scheduling to comfortable venues and an overwhelming wave of support on social media and television, India has enjoyed the rub of the green throughout the tournament.

If they win on Sunday, it will simply mean the job has been completed. But if they fall short, criticism could be swift and unforgiving.

New Zealand cannot be underestimated

Despite India’s strong run, New Zealand remain a formidable opponent.

Under Suryakumar’s leadership over the past two years, India has played an aggressive brand of cricket. However, the captain himself has not always delivered with the bat in crucial matches. The final offers him the perfect stage to change that narrative.

A defining performance could instantly erase those doubts.

Standing in India’s way, however, is one of cricket’s most respected and admired teams — New Zealand.

Players like Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry have repeatedly shown that they can punch above their weight on the biggest stages.

The current New Zealand side might feel familiar, but its collective grit and composure make it a dangerous opponent. Mitchell Santner and Glenn Phillips, in particular, have built reputations for thriving in high-pressure situations.

The Bumrah factor

For the Black Caps, the biggest challenge could come from Jasprit Bumrah — the spearhead of India’s bowling attack.

Bumrah’s four overs could once again prove decisive in the final, just as they were during India’s semi-final victory over England.

Traditionally deployed in the later stages of the innings, it will be interesting to see whether India uses him earlier to counter the explosive Finn Allen, who blasted a 33-ball century in the semi-final.

Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya have generally taken the new ball, but their lengths could offer scoring opportunities. Bumrah’s ability to swing the ball both ways early on might make life far tougher for the Kiwi openers.

Yet, as Glenn Phillips pointed out recently, even the best have off days.

“Jasprit Bumrah is also a human. He can have an off day like us,” Phillips said.

Concerns over Abhishek Sharma

Before the tournament began, Abhishek Sharma was among the most talked-about players in the Indian lineup thanks to his explosive batting.

However, his performances in the competition have raised serious questions about his place in the playing XI.

His technical weaknesses have been exposed, and if he features in the final, New Zealand could immediately deploy off-spinner Cole McConchie to exploit those vulnerabilities.

Dropping him, however, would create a long middle order, while Rinku Singh too has struggled for form.

Kuldeep an option for Varun

Another concern for India has been Varun Chakravarthy’s lack of impact.

The mystery element that once made him so effective seems to have faded, particularly on good batting surfaces where he has struggled to trouble batters.

Opponents have increasingly learned to treat his incoming deliveries like conventional off-breaks or cutters, and New Zealand’s right-hand heavy batting lineup could exploit that.

In such a scenario, Kuldeep Yadav — who has played just one match in the tournament — might offer a better option, especially with Chakravarthy’s confidence appearing to be low heading into the final.

Teams:

India: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Rinku Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar.

New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (captain), Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Cole McConchie, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy, Devon Conway, Jimmy Neesham, Ish Sodhi.