Ahmedabad, Mar 8: Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma produced a batting masterclass to propel India to a staggering 255 for five against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, rewriting records in the most electrifying fashion on Sunday evening.
After skipper Kane Williamson’s toss win and decision to field first, India’s innings exploded off the blocks with openers Rohit Sharma and Abhishek Sharma laying the platform in a blistering 78-run stand inside powerplay overs. Abhishek, the young left-hander in career-best form, unleashed a savage assault—smashing 68 off just 22 balls with eight towering sixes and five boundaries—before falling to Trent Boult’s return catch, saving his absolute best for this title showdown.
Enter Sanju Samson, who scarred New Zealand’s bowling attack like never before, crafting a breathtaking 92 off 38 balls laced with 10 sixes and seven fours in a partnership that left the 132,000-strong Motera crowd in rapture. The Rajasthan stalwart targeted Lockie Ferguson and Tim Southee mercilessly, lofting them into the stands amid dew-soaked outfield conditions, pushing India’s scoring rate beyond 12 runs per over during the middle phase.
Suryakumar Yadav chipped in with a quickfire 34-ball 45, featuring audacious ramps and scoops, while Hardik Pandya’s late cameo of 22 off 8 balls—complete with three sixes—ensured the innings crossed the historic 250-mark, the highest-ever total in a T20 World Cup final. New Zealand’s fielders, led by a shell-shocked Williamson, leaked runs despite tight lines early on, with the pitch offering true bounce and minimal turn under lights.
This monumental effort eclipses previous T20WC finals highs, putting immense pressure on New Zealand’s chase under mounting dew factor. With stars like Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips tasked with the impossible, India eyes a third title. The Black Caps need a miracle—can they pull off the greatest chase ever? First ball of NZ innings imminent at 9:45 PM
