India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs to become the first team to win back-to-back T20WC titles.
What was supposed to be a final challenge turned into a coronation as India dominated New Zealand in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
India exorcised the demons of 2023, when they had lost the ODI World Cup final at the very stadium, as they defeated the Black Caps by 96 runs. It culminated a brilliant run at the tournament, as India have lost just one match in the last two T20 World Cups.
New Zealand were blown away by the power-packed Indian batting line-up, who posted 255/5, the highest total at a T20 World Cup final. In response, the Black Caps folded at 159 in 19 overs.
The victory ensured India became the first team to defend their T20 World Cup title, the first to triumph at a home championship, and the first to win three T20 World Cup titles.
Meanwhile, New Zealand suffered their fifth straight defeat, in 11 years, in the final of an ICC white-ball world event.
