India defended their title in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after defeating New Zealand by 96 runs in the final in Ahmedabad on Sunday, following a record total in the first innings.India posted 255 for five after strong contributions from Sanju Samson (89), Abhishek Sharma (52) and Ishan Kishan (54).
The total is the highest ever scored in a T20 World Cup final.
With the win, India also became the first side to defend the T20 World Cup title.
Extra trains and poojas: How India is preparing for T20 World Cup final
Chasing 256, New Zealand lost early wickets while trying to increase the scoring rate.Finn Allen (9) and Glenn Phillips (5) were dismissed early, leaving the side under pressure.India’s bowlers then took control. Axar Patel returned figures of 3 for 27 and Jasprit Bumrah finished with 4 for 15.
After the dismissal of Tim Seifert, who scored 52 from 26 balls, the result was largely decided.Earlier, after being asked to bat first, Samson and Abhishek attacked from the start against the New Zealand bowlers.The pair added 98 runs for the first wicket in 7.1 overs, laying the platform for a high total.India crossed the 200-run mark in the 15th over.New Zealand slowed the scoring when James Neesham dismissed Samson, Kishan and captain Suryakumar Yadav (0) within six deliveries in the 16th over.Hardik Pandya made 18 before getting out, while Shivam Dube remained unbeaten on 26 and scored 24 runs in the final over bowled by Neesham.India added 52 runs in the last five overs.
Here’s full list of T20 World Cup winners and runners up from 2007 to 2026
| Year | Winner | Runner Up |
| 2007 | India | Pakistan |
| 2009 | Pakistan | Sri Lanka |
| 2010 | England | Australia |
| 2012 | West Indies | Sri Lanka |
| 2014 | Sri Lanka | India |
| 2016 | West Indies | England |
| 2021 | Australia | New Zealand |
| 2022 | England | Pakistan |
| 2024 | India | South Africa |
| 2026 | India | New Zealand |
