India win third T20 World Cup with 96-run victory over New Zealand

India became the first team to win the men’s Twenty20 World Cup three times after defeating New Zealand by 96 runs in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.

More than 86,000 spectators attended the match at the world’s largest cricket stadium, where India secured the title with a dominant performance to also become the first side to retain the trophy.

The victory came at the same venue where India lost to Australia in the final of the 50-overs World Cup three years ago.

India set a target of 256 after their top three batters scored half-centuries and helped the team reach 255-5.

Sanju Samson continued his form with his third successive score of more than 80 runs and was named player of the tournament.

New Zealand required a strong start to chase the target but struggled against India’s bowling attack.

Jasprit Bumrah returned figures of 4-15 on a flat pitch and was named player of the match.

The victory adds the T20 World Cup to India’s Champions Trophy and Asia Cup titles in limited-overs cricket.

“I have 10 more years (of cricket) left in me and I want to win 10 more ICC (International Cricket Council) titles. That’s my goal,” India all-rounder Hardik Pandya said.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir said the team led by Suryakumar Yadav focused on results rather than individual milestones.

“My simple philosophy with Surya has always been that milestones don’t matter. It’s the trophies that matter,” Gambhir said.

Early setback in campaign

India entered the tournament as favourites but lost to South Africa during the group stage.

The defeat was followed by a series of victories as the team went on to win the tournament.

Samson played a key role in the campaign after not starting the tournament as India’s preferred opener.

“It feels like a dream. Very happy, very grateful. Out of words, out of emotions, it’s a bit surreal,” Samson said.

“I was in the 2024 World Cup team where I didn’t play. I kept visualising, kept on working and this was exactly what I wanted to do.”

New Zealand, who were aiming for their first limited-overs World Cup title, struggled throughout the match.

Captain Mitchell Santner won the toss but the team could not restrict India’s batting line-up.

India crossed 200 runs within 15 overs before James Neesham took three wickets in one over.

New Zealand’s batting line-up collapsed early in the chase and they were reduced to 72-5 in the ninth over.

India scored 92-0 during the powerplay, while New Zealand managed 52-3 in the first six overs.

Santner said the difference in the powerplay overs had a major impact on the match.

“They showed their class again tonight with that batting performance,” Santner said. “That was the tale of the day – the two powerplays. You’re not going to win a chase in the powerplay, but you can lose one.”

Cricket fraternity reacts to India’s title win

Members of the cricket community congratulated India after the team secured their third T20 World Cup title.

Former India batter Sachin Tendulkar described the team as “totally deserving and rightful winners”.

“Winning the World Cup twice in a row, the first time any team has done so in the T20 format. Totally deserving and rightful winners of the trophy. What a fantastic performance by our team and a special brand of cricket on display. Well done, Team India. Jai Hind!

“Not in Mumbai to witness the celebration happening outside my house and all over the country. What an evening it has been. Incredible work, Team India.”

Former India captain Virat Kohli congratulated the team and praised their performance in the tournament.

“Phenomenal win for Team India in Ahmedabad. Absolutely no match for the explosive cricket played by us throughout the tournament. Brilliant character shown by the boys to keep fighting in tough situations and become world champions once again. Congratulations to all the players and all the members of the management for achieving this feat,” Kohli wrote on social media.

International Cricket Council chairman Jay Shah congratulated India and also acknowledged New Zealand’s campaign.

“What an incredible finale to the most global and accessible @ICC event ever! Congrats to India, who became the first team to win back-to-back #T20WorldCup titles. Well done to Suryakumar Yadav and the whole squad and staff. Congrats also to @BLACKCAPS for their great campaign,” Shah wrote.

Former India captain and former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly said the result showed the strength of Indian cricket.

“Congratulations India for winning the T20 World Cup… Very powerful side… Got better in the bigger games… Indian cricket in great place. Women’s champion, under-19 champion and now the men’s T20 champions,” Ganguly posted.

Former West Indies captain Daren Sammy said India were the team to beat throughout the tournament.

“Like I said from day one. In order the win the @ICC WC T20 you have to beat India in a knockout match. No team did that. Congrats to @BCCI on their 3rd WT20 title. Hard luck to the @BLACKCAPS (Very Consistent Team),” wrote the West Indies head coach.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan described India as the leading white-ball side in world cricket.

“India are the best T20 team by a good distance .. Plus the best 50 over team by a good distance .. they will take some stopping in white ball cricket. they have taken the game to a different level.”

Vaughan also said Jasprit Bumrah was his player of the tournament, while adding: “but you can get them in Test cricket…”

Sanju Samson, who scored fifties in the match against West Indies, the semi-final against England and the final, was named player of the tournament.

Former South Africa cricketer Herschelle Gibbs wrote: “Convincing win by India, congrats on taking home the spoils.”

Chess Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi wrote: “Winning a World Cup final by almost 100 runs! Happy for India, but anti climatic to watch…”

India’s first individual Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra also reacted to the victory with a heart and the Indian tricolour emoji.