SRINAGAR: Defending champions India delivered a commanding all-round display to defeat New Zealand by 96 runs and retain the ICC T20 World Cup title in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
Asked to bat first, India produced an impressive batting performance to post 255 for 5 in their 20 overs.
Sanju Samson led the innings with a brilliant 89 off 46 balls, hitting five fours and eight sixes. He received strong support from Abhishek Sharma, who struck 52 off 21 balls, while Ishan Kishan added a rapid 54 from 25 deliveries to maintain the high scoring rate.
In the final overs, Shivam Dube added late momentum with an unbeaten 26 off eight balls, while Tilak Varma remained not out on eight as India registered one of the highest totals in a T20 World Cup final.
Chasing 256 for victory, New Zealand failed to gain momentum as India’s bowlers struck regularly. Jasprit Bumrah produced a decisive spell, taking four wickets for 15 runs in four overs to dismantle the New Zealand batting line-up.
Axar Patel claimed three wickets, while Hardik Pandya, Varun Chakravarthy and Abhishek Sharma picked up a wicket each.
New Zealand were eventually bowled out for 159 in 19 overs, giving India a comprehensive victory and ensuring the defending champions retained the ICC T20 World Cup trophy.
