India crushes New Zealand by 96 runs to retain the T20 World Cup title

India crushed New Zealand by 96 runs to retain the T20 World Cup at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The hosts unleashed a relentless assault on the Kiwi bowlers, and the match was effectively decided in the first innings. Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, and Ishan Kishan dominated the scoreboard as India posted a massive 255 runs. It is the highest-ever total in a T20 World Cup final and India’s second-highest in the tournament.

The innings began with a blitz from Abhishek Sharma, who smashed 52 runs off just 21 balls. Leading up to the final, there were concerns over Abhishek’s form, with many former players suggesting he be replaced by Rinku Singh. However, captain Suryakumar Yadav backed him, and the southpaw set the perfect



tone for India.

After Abhishek’s dismissal, Samson and Kishan carried the momentum, adding a 105-run partnership that effectively put New Zealand out of contention. Samson scorched 89 off 46 balls, breaking Virat Kohli’s record for the most runs by an Indian in a single T20 World Cup edition. Kishan contributed a quickfire 54 off 25 balls, finishing as India’s second-highest run-scorer of the tournament.

In the 16th over of the game, James Neesham picked up three wickets in an over to put the brakes on India’s ship but it was he in the 20th over who conceded 24 runs to re-establish India’s momentum. Shivam Dube handed India the perfect end as the Men in Blue were delighted with the score after the first innings.