India produced a commanding batting display to post 255 for 5 against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final in Ahmedabad, powered by explosive contributions from the top order and a late flourish from Shivam Dube.
India got off to a flying start after being sent in to bat by New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner. Openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma quickly took advantage of loose bowling in the powerplay.
The pair helped India race to 92 without loss in the first six overs, the highest powerplay total in this World Cup and joint-highest in T20 World Cup history. New Zealand’s bowlers struggled with control, delivering eight extra balls during the powerplay alone.
Sharma was particularly aggressive, smashing the fastest fifty of the tournament, reaching the milestone in just 18 balls. His innings ended on 52 from 21 balls after he edged Rachin Ravindra to Tim Seifert in the seventh over.
Samson carried on the momentum with a superb innings, mixing controlled strokeplay with powerful hitting.
He became only the second player in T20 World Cup history to score three consecutive 80-plus scores, joining Mahela Jayawardene (2010). Samson eventually fell for 89 off 46 balls, caught by substitute fielder Cole McConchie off James Neesham.
Earlier in the innings, Samson’s three consecutive sixes helped India cross 100 sixes in a single World Cup edition, becoming the first team to reach that milestone.
James Neesham briefly revived New Zealand’s hopes with a dramatic spell in the middle overs. In one over he removed Samson, Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav, finishing with figures of 3 for 22 in three overs.
Despite the wickets, India remained well ahead thanks to strong earlier partnerships.
Ishan Kishan maintained the scoring rate after Sharma’s dismissal, bringing up a 23-ball fifty before falling during Neesham’s burst.
Late contributions from Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma kept the momentum going before Shivam Dube provided the finishing touches. Dube struck several boundaries in the final over to push India to 255 for 5 in 20 overs.
The total leaves New Zealand with a daunting task of 256 to win, a target higher than the one England chased in the famous 2019 ODI World Cup final.
