In the final match of the T20 World Cup 2026 against New Zealand, Team India has accumulated a remarkable 127 runs in 10 overs, losing just one wicket at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson is batting strongly with an unbeaten 48 runs off 30 balls, featuring four boundaries and three sixes. Supporting him is Ishan Kishan, who has contributed 19 runs off nine deliveries, including three boundaries.
The innings was highlighted by the explosive performance of opening batsman Abhishek Sharma, who dazzled with a quick-fire 52 runs from just 21 balls, striking six fours and three sixes before his departure.
New Zealand’s captain, Mitchell Santner, has employed seven bowlers so far, including himself. Rachin Ravindra has claimed one wicket for 12 runs in his single over, while Matt Henry, Glenn Phillips, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, James Neesham, and Santner himself have yet to take a wicket.
Team India’s powerful all-rounder Shivam Dube is on the verge of a milestone, needing just 35 runs to reach 1000 runs in T20 cricket. Currently, he has scored 965 runs in 63 T20I matches, which includes six half-centuries.
Earlier, after winning the toss, New Zealand’s skipper Mitchell Santner opted to bowl first against the ‘Men in Blue.’ The ‘Black Caps’ made one change, bringing in Jacob Duffy to replace Cole McConchie.
Upon winning the toss, Santner commented, “We’ll bowl first because we expect some early movement and want to restrict their strong top order to a manageable total. The team is buzzing for a night like this; these are the moments we play for. Reaching the semifinals has instilled real confidence in our group, and we’re thrilled to play in front of such a massive crowd. Every team aims to peak at the right moment, and we feel we’re doing that now on this grand stage. The surface looks promising, and we’re eager to get started.”
On the flip side, India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav stated, “We’re pleased to bat first as it has been effective for us. This wicket resembles the red soil track from our last match, so we’re comfortable starting with the bat. In crucial games like semifinals or finals, having runs on the board always feels advantageous, especially with our bowlers performing well. Being the defending champions is great, but that’s in the past; this is a new World Cup, even if it’s at the same venue as 2023. The crowd is almost full even before the match starts, which is incredible and energizing for us. We’re maintaining the same lineup tonight.”
**T20 World Cup 2026 Final: Confirmed Playing XI**
India: Sanju Samson (WK), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.
New Zealand: Tim Seifert (WK), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (C), James Neesham, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy.