AHMEDABAD, India: Defending champions India smashed the highest total ever recorded in a men’s T20 World Cup final, posting 255 for five against New Zealand and setting a daunting target of 256 in the 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.
Explosive half-centuries from openers Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, followed by a rapid fifty from Ishan Kishan, powered India to the massive score after New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner chose to field first.
India raced past the 200-run mark inside 15 overs in a remarkable display of aggressive batting in the summit clash.
Blistering start from openers
India got off to a flamboyant start as Sharma and Samson launched an early assault on New Zealand’s bowling attack.
The opening pair put together 98 runs in just seven overs, dominating the powerplay with an array of boundaries and sixes.
Rachin Ravindra eventually broke the partnership on the first ball of the eighth over, trapping Sharma for 52 off just 21 deliveries.
His innings included six fours and three sixes.
Following his dismissal, Ishan Kishan joined Samson and maintained India’s momentum.
Samson, Kishan extend dominance
Samson and Kishan stitched together a rapid 105-run partnership for the second wicket from just 47 balls.
Samson led the charge with an aggressive knock of 89 from 46 deliveries, striking eight sixes and five fours to anchor India’s innings.
Kishan provided strong support with a brisk 54 off 25 balls, hitting four sixes and four boundaries as India continued to pile on the runs.
The partnership ended in the 16th over when James Neesham dismissed both batsmen in quick succession.
Strong finish
Neesham struck again in the same over, removing India captain Suryakumar Yadav for a golden duck to reduce the hosts to 204 for four.
Despite the brief collapse, India maintained the pressure in the final overs.
All-rounder Hardik Pandya scored 18 before falling in the penultimate over after a 22-run partnership with Tilak Varma.
Shivam Dube then added late fireworks with an unbeaten 26 from just eight deliveries, smashing three fours and two sixes to push India to 255 for five.
Neesham leads New Zealand bowling
Neesham was the most successful bowler for New Zealand, taking three wickets for 46 runs in his four overs.
Ravindra and Matt Henry picked up one wicket each.
India’s total of 255 for five is the highest ever recorded in a men’s T20 World Cup final.
The previous record also belonged to India, who scored 176 for seven against South Africa in the 2024 final in Barbados.
With the record-breaking total, New Zealand now face a daunting chase of 256 runs as they attempt to win their first men’s T20 World Cup title.
