From the moment India reached 92 for no loss in six overs, equalling the World Cup powerplay record, Sunday’s T20 World Cup final had the feel of an outcome already decided. New Zealand would need something almost supernatural to overcome a batting lineup of this quality, and when the most supernatural batter in their ranks — Finn Allen — fell for nine in the third over of the chase, the last possibility evaporated.
India batted with controlled aggression from start to finish. The early overs were careful but not passive — the openers were always ready to accelerate, and the moment New Zealand’s bowlers offered width or pace, the ball was dispatched to the boundary. Duffy, Ferguson, and Henry all suffered, and the powerplay was historic in its dominance.
Three fifties followed — Sharma, Kishan, and Samson all reaching the landmark in the top order, with Samson going on to 89 before falling to a full toss. The drinks break after the 14th over halted momentum, and Neesham’s remarkable over — one run, three wickets — removed Samson, Kishan, and Suryakumar in a five-over period that cost India 300. But 255 was still assembled with Dube’s help.
New Zealand’s chase was polite at best. They scored 159 and deserved credit for not giving up, with Seifert’s half-century the best individual effort. But the result was never in doubt, and Bumrah’s three wickets sealed it comprehensively before the end arrived. Two dropped catches by India served as a reminder that even world-class teams have off moments.
India are world champions, having made history twice over — defending the title and winning it at home for the first time. The final may have lacked tension, but it will be remembered for all the right reasons by every Indian cricket fan alive today.
The T20 World Cup Final Had a Winner Long Before the Final Ball Was Bowled
