Team India became the first side to successfully defend the T20 World Cup title, the first to win the tournament on home soil, and the first to claim a third World T20 crown on Sunday at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
New Zealand won the toss and elected to bowl first, giving Team India the opportunity to open with Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson. Later, Ishan Kishan and Shivam Dube took charge, smashing fours and sixes in almost every over.
The aggressive batting built immense pressure on the New Zealand bowlers as India piled up a massive total of 255 runs.
With this, India also recorded the highest total ever in a T20 World Cup final.
The Men in Blue dominated the summit clash and defeated New Zealand by 96 runs to become world champions.
However, After India’s loss to South Africa in the Super Eight stage, the team management decided to make changes to the squad and altered the opening combination from two left-handers to a right- and left-hand batting pair, bringing Sanju Samson into the lineup.
Samson, who was waiting for the opportunity and delivered best performances of his career in the last three matches, emerged as the game changer for the team who, was the reason behind India creating history and he was awarded the Player of the Tournament.
Speaking during the victory ceremony, Samson said that when he was not part of the playing XI earlier in the tournament, he closely observed every situation of the matches. He also revealed that he remained in constant touch with Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar for guidance and improvement, adding that Tendulkar congratulated him after the semi-final as well.
During the closing ceremony, captain Suryakumar Yadav said, “It will take some time for this to sink in, but I’m very happy with what has happened today. It started with the 2024 World Cup when Jay bhai and Rohit bhai showed faith in me to lead this wonderful side. It’s a special feeling to come to the Modi Stadium and achieve this.
We knew we were playing good cricket over the last two years and wanted to continue following the right habits. I wanted the boys to experience the feeling of winning a World Cup and that belief was instilled in everyone.
It’s important to understand what each player is capable of. The timing was perfect for all of them to step in and show their abilities. They have been part of the circuit for a long time and have always supported each other.
When Sanju said he wanted to give his Man of the Match award to Bumrah, I can honestly say he is a national treasure right now.”
A New Zealand player said, “Proud of the boys to make it this far. We faced challenges throughout the tournament but managed to get through them. Whenever we play, there’s always a great crowd and a sea of blue. Credit to India for winning a title at home, it always comes with pressure. Credit to SKY and the boys.
Different players stepped up at different times. We were confronted with many challenges and it was nice to overcome them. Tonight we were outplayed, but I’m proud of the boys.”
After the win Virat Kohli congratulated the team on X, writing, “Champions. 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. Jai Hind.”
The excitement of the win could not keep India’s first T20 World Cup-winning captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, away from writing on social media. He stated, “History gets created at Ahmedabad. Big congratulations to the team, support staff, and to all the fans of the Indian Cricket Team worldwide. Such a pleasure to see all of you play. Coach Sahab, the smile looks great on you. Intensity with a smile is a killer combo. Very well done. Enjoy, guys. BUMRAH ke baare mein kuch na likhoon tou hi acha hai. CHAMPION BOWLER, (I should not write wrote much for the champion bowler Bumrah).”
The dominance of Team India in the final will be remembered and will motivate future generations in the sport
