Three years after a painful ODI World Cup final defeat to Australia in Ahmedabad, India returned to the same venue to claim the T20 World Cup with a commanding 96-run victory over New Zealand. India posted 255 runs before bowling out New Zealand for 159, becoming the first men's side to retain the T20 trophy, the first to win it three times, and the first to win it on home soil.
India's white-ball dominance is now nearly complete, having also won the ICC Champions Trophy last year and the women's ODI World Cup in October. Despite dropping more catches than any other side in the tournament and suffering a group-stage defeat to South Africa, India delivered exceptional performances in the semi-final against England and in the final.
Opener Sanju Samson top-scored with 89 from 46 balls, finishing as the tournament's leading run-scorer with 321 runs at an average of over 80, earning him the player of the tournament award. His opening partner Abhishek Sharma contributed 92 runs in the powerplay, the highest in the tournament, as India set a formidable platform.
Jasprit Bumrah was named player of the match for his figures of 4-15, using slower balls and deceptive yorkers to dismantle New Zealand's chase. Captain Suryakumar Yadav, who did not contribute with bat or ball, lifted the trophy as ticker tape fell, highlighting a team effort where almost every player contributed.
New Zealand's strategy of using slower balls failed, and captain Mitchell Santner's decision to bring in seamer Jacob Duffy for off-spinner Cole McConchie backfired. Lockie Ferguson conceded 48 runs in two overs, and despite Jimmy Neesham taking three quick wickets, Shivam Dube's assault in the final over pushed India to 255, setting an insurmountable target.
