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T20 World Cup Final LIVE : India win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, defending the tittle

India face New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final in Ahmedabad, follow live updates.

By Aritra Chatterjee, Shaptadeep Saha

Mar 08, 2026 14:19 IST
2026-03-08 22:46

India win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

India have won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, creating history by becoming the first team to successfully defend the title and also the first side to win the tournament three times. After posting a massive total in the final, India’s bowlers delivered a clinical performance to dismiss New Zealand and secure a dominant victory. Jasprit Bumrah led the bowling attack with a brilliant spell, while earlier contributions from Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan powered India to a commanding score. The win marks another landmark moment for Indian cricket as they retain the trophy and establish themselves as the most successful team in T20 World Cup history.

2026-03-08 22:45

Tilak Verma takes the catch of Jacob Duffy off the bowling of Abhishek Sharma, sealing the victory for India as they win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

Tilak Verma takes the catch of Jacob Duffy off the bowling of Abhishek Sharma, sealing the victory for India as they win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Duffy attempted to go for a big shot but failed to clear the fielder, with Tilak completing the catch safely. The dismissal brings New Zealand’s innings to an end and confirms India as the new world champions after successfully defending a massive total in the final.

2026-03-08 22:40

Mitchell Santner bowled by Jasprit Bumrah

Mitchell Santner is bowled by Jasprit Bumrah, who picks up his fourth wicket of the match. The Indian pacer delivered a precise ball that beat Santner and crashed into the stumps, ending the New Zealand captain’s resistance. The wicket further strengthens India’s grip on the game as Bumrah continues to lead the bowling attack with a brilliant spell.

2026-03-08 22:30

Bumrah on a hat-trick after dismissing Neesham and Henry

Jasprit Bumrah puts New Zealand under immense pressure with back-to-back wickets, dismissing James Neesham and Matt Henry in consecutive deliveries. The Indian pace spearhead is now on a hat-trick as New Zealand slump to 141/8 in 15.4 overs while chasing a daunting 256-run target.

2026-03-08 22:28

Bumrah strikes again as Neesham bowls, New Zealand in deep trouble

Jasprit Bumrah delivers another crucial breakthrough, clean bowling James Neesham for 8 off 7 balls. New Zealand slip to 141/7 in 15.3 overs while chasing a daunting 256-run target. With 115 runs still needed from 27 balls, India tighten their grip on the T20 World Cup final.

2026-03-08 22:08

Axar Patel picks up his third wicket of the match as Daryl Mitchell is caught at the boundary by Ishan Kishan

Axar Patel picks up his third wicket of the match as Daryl Mitchell is caught at the boundary by Ishan Kishan. Mitchell attempted to go for a big hit but failed to clear the fielder, with Kishan completing the catch near the ropes. The dismissal gives India another crucial breakthrough as they continue to tighten their grip on the game.

2026-03-08 22:07

Mitchell Santner was handed a lifeline after being dropped on 26 by Hardik Pandya

Mitchell Santner was handed a lifeline after being dropped on 26 by Hardik Pandya. The New Zealand captain attempted a big shot but the chance went down in the field, allowing him to continue his innings. With New Zealand already under pressure in the chase, the missed opportunity could prove significant if Santner manages to capitalise on the reprieve.

2026-03-08 22:06

Mitchell Santner hit two consecutive sixes off Varun Chakravarthy’s over

Mitchell Santner hit two consecutive sixes off Varun Chakravarthy’s over, giving New Zealand a brief boost in the chase. The skipper stepped down the track and struck the spinner cleanly over the ropes twice in a row, showing intent despite the mounting pressure. However, with wickets already lost earlier in the innings, New Zealand still face a difficult task as they try to keep up with the soaring required run rate.

2026-03-08 21:58

New Zealand bring up the 100-run mark in 10.3 overs

New Zealand bring up the 100-run mark in 10.3 overs, but they have already lost five wickets in the chase. While the milestone comes relatively quickly, the steady fall of wickets has kept India firmly in control of the match. With the required run rate continuing to rise and half the side back in the pavilion, New Zealand still face a daunting task in the remaining overs.

2026-03-08 21:54

At the end of 10 overs, New Zealand reach 88 for the loss of five wickets

At the end of 10 overs, New Zealand reach 88 for the loss of five wickets in their chase of a massive target. Despite a quick half-century from Tim Seifert earlier in the innings, India’s bowlers have struck regularly to keep the pressure firmly on the Black Caps. With half the side already back in the pavilion and a steep required run rate still climbing, New Zealand face an uphill task in the remainder of the innings.

2026-03-08 21:46

Ishan Kishan takes a brilliant catch at the boundary as Tim Seifert departs

Ishan Kishan takes a brilliant catch at the boundary as Tim Seifert departs after a well-played half-century. Seifert, who had kept New Zealand in the chase with an explosive knock, was dismissed off the bowling of Varun Chakravarthy. Attempting another big hit, he sent the ball towards the boundary, but Kishan judged it perfectly and completed an excellent catch, giving India a crucial breakthrough.

2026-03-08 21:45

Mark Chapman departs after being bowled by Hardik Pandya

Mark Chapman departs after being bowled by Hardik Pandya. The New Zealand batter attempted to take on the Indian all-rounder but was beaten by the delivery as it crashed into the stumps. The wicket comes at an important moment in the chase, giving India another breakthrough as they continue to apply pressure while defending a massive total.

2026-03-08 21:36

Tim Seifert brings up a blistering half-century off just 23 balls

Tim Seifert brings up a blistering half-century off just 23 balls, keeping New Zealand’s hopes alive in the steep chase. The wicketkeeper-batter played an aggressive innings, finding boundaries consistently and putting the Indian bowlers under pressure. His rapid fifty provides much-needed momentum for New Zealand as they attempt to keep up with the daunting required run rate.

2026-03-08 21:33

New Zealand scored 52 runs for the loss of three wickets in the Powerplay

New Zealand scored 52 runs for the loss of three wickets in the Powerplay while chasing a massive target. Despite a few attacking strokes early on, India’s bowlers struck at crucial moments to remove key batters and keep the pressure on. The early wickets have put New Zealand on the back foot as they look to rebuild their innings while maintaining the high required run rate.

2026-03-08 21:29

Glen Phillips departs after getting bowled off Axar Patel

Glenn Phillips departs after being bowled by Axar Patel. The New Zealand batter attempted to attack the spinner but was beaten by the delivery as it crashed into the stumps. The wicket provides India with another important breakthrough as they continue to tighten their grip on the match while defending a massive total.

2026-03-08 21:25

Rachin Ravindra departs on the first ball of Jasprit Bumrah’s over

Rachin Ravindra departs on the first ball of Jasprit Bumrah’s over after being caught by Ishan Kishan behind the stumps. The New Zealand batter attempted to play at the delivery but only managed to edge it, with Kishan completing a safe catch. The early strike gives India another crucial breakthrough as they continue to apply pressure while defending a massive target.

2026-03-08 21:18

Finn Allen departs after being caught by Tilak Verma off the bowling of Axar Patel

Finn Allen departs after being caught by Tilak Verma off the bowling of Axar Patel. The New Zealand opener, who had earlier received a lifeline after being dropped on zero, could not capitalise on it for long as he mistimed his shot and was safely taken in the field. The wicket provides India with an important breakthrough as they look to tighten their grip on the match while defending a massive target.

2026-03-08 21:12

Seifert hits two consecutive sixes of the Hardik Pandya's over

Tim Seifert hits two consecutive sixes off Hardik Pandya’s over, providing New Zealand with a burst of momentum in their steep chase. The aggressive batter took on Pandya with confidence, launching the ball over the ropes twice in a row to keep the required run rate in check. In a daunting pursuit of 256 runs, such attacking strokes are crucial as New Zealand look to stay alive in the contest.

2026-03-08 21:11

India dropped the most catches in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026

India have dropped the most catches in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, highlighting a major concern in their fielding performance throughout the tournament. The team has put down 13 catches, the highest by any side in the competition, resulting in a catch efficiency of around 71.7 percent, which is among the lowest among teams that reached the latter stages. Several of these missed chances came at crucial moments, allowing opposition batters to extend their innings and add valuable runs. Despite progressing deep into the tournament, India’s repeated lapses in the field have drawn criticism from analysts and former players, with concerns that such mistakes could prove costly in high-pressure matches like the final.

2026-03-08 21:07

Shivam Dube drops Allen on zero

Shivam Dube drops Finn Allen on zero, handing New Zealand an early lifeline in the chase. The chance came when Allen mistimed a shot, but Dube failed to hold on, allowing the explosive opener to survive before getting off the mark. In a steep chase of 256, such moments could prove crucial as New Zealand look to build early momentum.

2026-03-08 21:01

New Zealand to go for glory

New Zealand are staring at a monumental chase in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final. After India posted a massive 255 for 5 in their 20 overs, the Black Caps must score 256 runs in 20 overs to lift the trophy. That means a required run rate of 12.80 runs per over right from the start, an enormous target even by modern T20 standards.

2026-03-08 20:44

Samson, Abhishek and Kishan power India to massive 255/5 against New Zealand

India produced a batting masterclass to post a formidable 255/5 in 20 overs against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final. The innings was built on an explosive start from openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, who dominated the powerplay and raced to 92 runs in the first six overs. Abhishek continued the assault with fearless strokeplay, smashing 52 off just 21 balls, including six boundaries and three sixes, before falling to Rachin Ravindra. Samson carried the momentum forward with a sensational knock of 89 from 46 deliveries, hammering eight sixes and five fours to keep India in complete control. Ishan Kishan added further firepower in the middle overs, striking a blistering 54 off 25 balls. The trio’s aggressive approach ensured India maintained a high scoring rate throughout the innings. However, New Zealand found some relief when James Neesham produced a dramatic spell in the death overs, claiming three wickets, including Samson and Suryakumar Yadav, who departed for a golden duck. Matt Henry also chipped in with the wicket of Hardik Pandya. Despite the late wickets, Shivam Dube’s quickfire 26 off eight balls helped India finish strongly, pushing the total to a daunting 255/5 and setting New Zealand a massive target in the final.

2026-03-08 20:41

Shivam Dube’s blitz powers India past 250

Shivam Dube unleashes a stunning late assault in the final over, smashing 20 runs off just four balls to propel India beyond the 250-run mark. The powerful cameo gives India a massive finish, turning a strong innings into a daunting total for New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final.

2026-03-08 20:35

Hardik Pandya departs as Henry strikes amid the late India collapse

Hardik Pandya’s brief cameo ends as Matt Henry removes him for 18 off 13 balls during the death overs. The dismissal adds to India’s late stumble after a strong start. With wickets falling quickly, New Zealand manage to pull things back as India reach 226/5 in 18.2 overs.

2026-03-08 20:28

Hardik Pandya breaks boundary drought after 17 balls as run rate dips

India finally finds a boundary after a stretch of 17 deliveries without one, as Hardik Pandya smashes a much-needed four. The scoring had slowed following quick wickets, causing the run rate to dip. Pandya and Tilak Varma now look to rebuild momentum in the closing overs.

2026-03-08 20:22

Neesham takes three in over, Suryakumar Yadav falls for golden duck

James Neesham delivers a dramatic 16th over, claiming three wickets to pull New Zealand back into the contest. Suryakumar Yadav departs for a golden duck, triggering a sudden collapse. India, cruising earlier, slip to 204/4 as the Kiwis strike late in the innings.

2026-03-08 20:20

Neesham strikes twice as Ishan Kishan falls after blazing 54

James Neesham delivers a crucial breakthrough for New Zealand, removing the dangerous Ishan Kishan after a blistering innings. Kishan departs for 54 off 25 balls, smashing four fours and four sixes. The all-rounder claims two key wickets in the same over, briefly halting India’s aggressive momentum.

2026-03-08 20:16

Samson falls for 89 after blistering knock

Sanju Samson’s explosive innings comes to an end as he departs for 89 off 46 balls after mistiming a full toss from James Neesham. The Indian opener smashed eight towering sixes and five fours during his knock, playing a crucial role in powering India’s strong total.

2026-03-08 20:13

Ishan Kishan slams blazing 23-ball fifty

Ishan Kishan brings up a stunning half-century off just 23 deliveries, continuing India’s batting onslaught in the T20 World Cup final. The left-hander attacks the New Zealand bowlers with fearless strokeplay, joining Sanju Samson in a dominant partnership as India surge close to the 200-run mark.

2026-03-08 20:04

Samson tears into Ravindra with three sixes in a 20-run over

Sanju Samson continues his blistering assault, smashing three consecutive sixes off Rachin Ravindra in the 14th over. The over yields 20 runs as India surge to 191/1. Samson moves to 88 off 44, while Ishan Kishan supports with 43 off 19 in a dominant partnership.

2026-03-08 20:00

Samson goes big as India hammer 24 runs in Ferguson’s over

India pile on the runs in the 12th over as Sanju Samson launches a brutal assault on Lockie Ferguson. The over yields 24 runs with three towering sixes and a boundary. Samson races to 67 off 37, while Ishan Kishan remains unbeaten on 34 as India reach 161/1.

2026-03-08 19:57

Most consecutive 50-plus scores in T20 WCs

3 - Mahela Jayawardene (2010) 3 - Virat Kohli (2016-2021) 3 - Babar Azam (2021) 3 - KL Rahul (2021) 3 - Kusal Mendis (2026) 3 - Sahibzada Farhan (2026) 3 - Sanju Samson (2026)

2026-03-08 19:53

Sanju Samson becomes third player to score fifties in semifinal and final

Sanju Samson scripts a notable milestone in the T20 World Cup by becoming only the third player to score half-centuries in both the semifinal and the final of the same edition. The Indian opener continues his impressive form, playing a key role at the top during the title clash.

2026-03-08 19:51

India reached 127 runs for the loss of one wicket after 10 overs

At the end of 10 overs, India have reached 127 for the loss of one wicket, maintaining a rapid scoring rate in the innings. The Indian batters have kept the pressure on the opposition bowlers with aggressive strokeplay and regular boundaries. After a strong start during the PowerPlay, the momentum has continued into the middle overs, allowing the team to build a solid platform. With plenty of wickets still in hand and the run rate climbing steadily, India look well placed to post a commanding total in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Final.

2026-03-08 19:46

100 runs mark comes up for India in 7.2 overs

The 100-run mark comes up for India in commanding fashion as the batters continue their attacking approach at the crease. The milestone reflects India’s dominant start, with the top order maintaining a strong scoring rate and putting the bowlers under constant pressure. Boundaries have flowed regularly, and smart running between the wickets has helped keep the scoreboard ticking. Reaching the century mark in style gives India a solid platform to push for an even bigger total in this crucial clash of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Final.

2026-03-08 19:44

Consecutive fours

Ishan Kishan turned up the heat with a burst of aggressive batting, smashing consecutive boundaries to keep the scoreboard racing. Showing excellent timing and confidence at the crease, Kishan punished the loose deliveries, finding the gaps with precision and sending the ball racing to the fence. His attacking intent put the bowlers under pressure and lifted the momentum for India, as the crowd erupted with every boundary during this dominant phase of the innings in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Final.

2026-03-08 19:42

Abhishek Sharma caught behind

Abhishek Sharma’s explosive innings came to an end when wicketkeeper Tim Seifert caught behind him on the very first ball bowled by Rachin Ravindra. Attempting another attacking stroke after a blistering start, Sharma edged the delivery, and Seifert safely completed the catch behind the stumps. The Indian opener departed after a sensational knock of 52 runs off just 21 balls, an innings packed with aggressive strokes that had given India a flying start at the top.

2026-03-08 19:38

Captain Mitchell Santner comes to bowl

As the tension peaks in the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, Captain Santer steps up with the ball in hand, preparing to deliver a crucial over. The stadium is electric, with fans holding their breath as the field is set and the batter readies himself at the crease. Every run matters at this stage of the match, and Santer knows the responsibility on his shoulders. With calm determination, he begins his run-up, aiming to turn the momentum in his team’s favour.

2026-03-08 19:34

Joint-highest PowerPlay score recorded by Indian openers in T20 World Cup history

Indian openers etched their names in the record books during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Final by registering the joint-highest PowerPlay score in India’s history at the tournament. Displaying fearless intent from the very first over, the opening pair attacked the bowlers relentlessly, piling up runs at a blistering pace. Their aggressive strokeplay, filled with boundaries and quick running between the wickets, put the opposition under immediate pressure. By the end of the six-over PowerPlay, India had equalled their best-ever start in a T20 World Cup, setting the tone for a dominant innings.

2026-03-08 19:30

Abhishek Sharma slams 18-ball fifty as India race to 92/0

Abhishek Sharma blazes to a stunning half-century off just 18 balls, powering India to 92 without loss in 5.5 overs in the T20 World Cup final. The left-hander dominates the New Zealand bowlers, while Sanju Samson supports with 33 off 17 as India continue their explosive start.

2026-03-08 19:29

India race to 72/0 after costly Matt Henry over

India’s openers continue their explosive start as the team reaches 72 without loss after five overs in the T20 World Cup final. Matt Henry’s over proves expensive, conceding 21 runs with wides and boundaries. Abhishek Sharma moves to 31 off 13, while Sanju Samson accelerates to 33 off 17.

2026-03-08 19:21

Samson, Abhishek power India to 51/0 in four overs

India’s openers, Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, provide a blazing start in the T20 World Cup final, taking the score to 51 without loss after four overs. Samson remains on 24 off 14, while Abhishek has smashed 23 off 10, putting early pressure on the New Zealand bowling attack

2026-03-08 19:17

Abhishek Sharma races to 22 off 9, hammers the first six

Abhishek Sharma provides India with early momentum with a brisk start in the T20 World Cup final. The left-hander races to 22 runs off just nine deliveries, showcasing his aggressive intent. He also smashes his first six of the innings, putting pressure on the New Zealand bowlers early

2026-03-08 19:08

Glenn Phillips’ off-spin vs Abhishek Sharma

New Zealand turns to Glenn Phillips’ off-spin against Abhishek Sharma. The part-time off-spinner could pose a tricky challenge for the left-hander, who faced difficulties in this World Cup. India will expect Abhishek to handle the spin threat carefully while maintaining the momentum in the power play.

2026-03-08 19:05

Sanju Samson smashes the first six of the innings

India gets its first maximum of the innings as Sanju Samson launches a towering 89-metre six with a powerful pull shot. The Indian opener capitalises on the short delivery and sends the ball deep into the stands, giving India early momentum in the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand.

2026-03-08 19:04

Matt Henry begins proceedings with an opening over for New Zealand

New Zealand pace spearhead Matt Henry starts the proceedings with the first over of the T20 World Cup final against India. With Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma at the crease, Henry looks to make early inroads with the new ball as the Kiwis aim to strike quickly after opting to field first.

2026-03-08 18:58

Samson and Abhishek walk out to open as India eye an attacking start

India’s opening pair, Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, stride out to the middle to begin the innings in the T20 World Cup final. A strong and aggressive start often sets the tone in this format, and India will look to capitalise early. Abhishek has completed his ball-spotting routine and appears ready. The Men in Blue will be hoping the left-hander delivers a crucial knock at the to

2026-03-08 18:40

Teams

India (Playing XI): Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson(w), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah New Zealand (Playing XI): Tim Seifert(w), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner(c), Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy

2026-03-08 18:38

India becomes the first defending champion to reach consecutive T20 World Cup finals, set to face New Zealand

India scripted a unique record by becoming the first defending champion to qualify for consecutive T20 World Cup finals. After winning the previous edition, the Men in Blue have once again reached the title clash and will face New Zealand in Ahmedabad, aiming to retain the trophy and continue their dominant run.

2026-03-08 18:33

New Zealand win toss, opt to field; Jacob Duffy replaces Cole McConchie in T20 World Cup final

New Zealand won the toss and elected to field first in the T20 World Cup final against India. The Kiwis made one change to their playing XI, bringing in pacer Jacob Duffy in place of Cole McConchie. The decision signals New Zealand’s intent to chase under pressure.

2026-03-08 18:33

India look to break New Zealand and Ahmedabad jinx in T20 World Cup 2026 final

India head into the T20 World Cup 2026 final against New Zealand in Ahmedabad with history and redemption on the line. The Men in Blue aim to defend their title and become the first team to win the tournament three times. However, New Zealand’s strong record against India in ICC tournaments remains a concern. With a packed Narendra Modi Stadium behind them, India will look to overcome past setbacks and deliver a commanding performance in the high-stakes final.

2026-03-08 16:47

Rain threat over T20 World Cup 2026 final

The ICC has put clear playing conditions in place for the T20 World Cup 2026 final between India and New Zealand if rain interrupts the match. The summit clash includes a reserve day to ensure a result. Officials will first attempt to finish the game on the scheduled day using extra time and possible overs reduction through the DLS method. A minimum of 10 overs per side is required for a result, while a Super Over will decide the winner if scores are tied.

2026-03-08 14:01

Australia women dominate India in one-sided Test victory

Australia’s women’s team secured a comprehensive 10-wicket victory over India in the Test match at the WACA. Annabel Sutherland delivered a standout performance and was named player of the match and series. Australia’s dominant display highlighted their strength in red-ball cricket while India struggled to match their consistency.

2026-03-08 14:01

Indian football leagues continue with key domestic fixtures

Domestic football action continues in India with multiple league matches scheduled today. Clubs including Mumbai City FC, Dempo SC, Shillong Lajong and Real Kashmir are in action across different competitions. These fixtures are crucial for teams battling for playoff positions and league standings as the football season intensifies.

2026-03-08 14:01

India women face Uruguay in crucial Hockey World Cup qualifier

The Indian women’s hockey team takes on Uruguay in a key Hockey World Cup qualifier match. The contest is vital for India’s hopes of securing qualification for the upcoming global tournament. A strong performance could boost the team’s momentum and confidence as they aim to return to the biggest stage.

2026-03-08 13:59

Lakshya Sen reaches historic All England Badminton Championship final

Indian badminton star Lakshya Sen has reached the final of the prestigious All England Championships, marking a major milestone in his career. He faces Lin Chun-yi in the title clash. A victory would make Sen one of the few Indian shuttlers to win the historic tournament and further strengthen India’s global badminton reputation.

2026-03-08 13:59

India vs New Zealand: T20 World Cup 2026 final set for blockbuster clash

India and New Zealand face off in the T20 World Cup 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. India reached the summit clash after defeating England in the semi-final. With both teams boasting strong bowling attacks and explosive batting line-ups, the match promises a high-intensity contest for cricket’s biggest T20 trophy.

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