Ahmedabad, Mar 09 (V7N) – India national cricket team defeated the New Zealand national cricket team by 96 runs to win the ICC Men's T20 World Cup final at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

Batting first after losing the toss, India posted a massive 255 runs, powered by a strong start from openers Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson. The duo helped India reach 92 runs in the powerplay.

Abhishek scored a half-century before being dismissed by Rachin Ravindra, while Samson played a superb innings of 89 runs. Ishan Kishan also contributed with a fifty, although Suryakumar Yadav was dismissed for a duck. Late contributions from Hardik Pandya (18) and Shivam Dube (26) pushed India past the 250-run mark.

In reply, New Zealand struggled against India’s bowling attack. Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel dismantled the top order, reducing the Kiwis to 47 for 3. Early dismissals included Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips.

Despite a half-century from Tim Seifert, New Zealand failed to build momentum. The team was eventually bowled out for 159 runs in 19 overs. Bumrah finished with four wickets, while Axar Patel took three.

With the victory, India lifted the T20 World Cup trophy for the third time, while New Zealand suffered their second defeat in a T20 World Cup final. 

END/SMA/AJ