AHMEDABAD: India delivered a dominant performance to defeat the New Zealand national cricket team and win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final in emphatic fashion on Sunday.

Chasing a daunting target of 256, New Zealand were bowled out for 159 in 19 overs, handing India a comprehensive victory.

New Zealand’s massive run chase got off to a disastrous start as they lost three wickets for just 47 runs in the first 4.5 overs. India’s bowling attack, led by Axar Patel and Jasprit Bumrah, kept the BlackCaps under constant pressure.

With the required run rate climbing rapidly, the task became increasingly difficult. Tim Seifert offered brief resistance with a quickfire half-century before being dismissed in the eighth over.

By that stage, New Zealand were struggling at 72-5 in 8.1 overs, effectively ending their hopes of mounting a serious challenge.

Captain Mitchell Santner fought hard with a determined 43 off 35 balls, including three fours and two sixes, but his effort only helped reduce the margin of defeat.

Bumrah was the standout performer for India with four wickets, while Axar Patel picked up three.

With this triumph, India became the first team in history to win the T20 World Cup three times and also the first side to successfully defend the title.

Earlier, India posted a massive total of 244-6 after being asked to bat first, thanks largely to a superb innings from Sanju Samson.

The hosts got off to a flying start as Samson and Abhishek Sharma put together a blistering 98-run opening stand in just 7.1 overs. Sharma smashed 52 off 21 deliveries, hitting three sixes and six boundaries before being dismissed by Rachin Ravindra.

Despite the breakthrough, India maintained the momentum. Ishan Kishan joined Samson at the crease and the pair added a rapid 105 runs from only 45 balls, taking India to 202 in 15 overs.

Just as India looked set to push beyond 300, James Neesham delivered a crucial triple wicket over to slow the scoring. He removed Samson, who scored a brilliant 89 off 46 balls, and also dismissed Kishan after his aggressive 54 off 25 deliveries.

Although New Zealand managed to briefly stem the flow of runs, Shivam Dube provided a late flourish with a quick 20 off just eight balls, including two sixes and three fours, lifting India past the 250 mark.

Neesham was the pick of the New Zealand bowlers, finishing with three wickets, but it was India’s all-round dominance that ultimately sealed a historic World Cup victory.