Few innings in a World Cup final have been as explosive as the one Abhishek Sharma produced in the opening phase of India’s 96-run victory over New Zealand. His fifty off just 18 balls set a tone that New Zealand’s bowlers could never recover from, and by the time the powerplay ended with India on 92 without loss, the final was effectively decided. What followed was the formality of India lifting the T20 World Cup for the second consecutive time.
Sanju Samson took over from where Sharma left off, playing a more measured but equally devastating innings of 89 off 46 balls. His ability to read the game and adapt his tempo made him the ideal anchor for an India innings that had plenty of firepower above and below him. Ishan Kishan’s 54 off 25 balls ensured that the total kept climbing long into the middle overs.
New Zealand’s bowling resources were stretched to breaking point. Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry both conceded in excess of 20 runs in their opening overs, and Jacob Duffy’s return to the side after the group stages proved equally costly. India’s final total of 255 was their third score above 250 in the tournament, a remarkable testament to their batting depth and aggressive intent.
With the ball, India were equally imposing. Bumrah’s three wickets with slow yorkers ended any meaningful New Zealand resistance, and the Black Caps were eventually all out for 159. Only Seifert’s half-century and a few dropped catches by India’s fielders allowed New Zealand to reach even that total.
India’s World Cup defence is a sporting achievement of the highest order. To win back-to-back titles in any format is rare; to win the second on home soil, before a crowd of 100,000, makes it unforgettable. India cricket is at its absolute zenith.