T20 World Cup Final

India vs New Zealand Highlights, T20 World Cup Final: India first team to defend T20 World Cup crown

Ahmedabad,UPDATED: Mar 9, 2026 00:04 IST

India vs New Zealand Highlights, T20 World Cup Final: India became the first team to retain the men's T20 World Cup title after handing out a 96-run demolition of New Zealand in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. India also became the first team to lift the title three times, while New Zealand's wait for a maiden white-ball World Cup continues.

India (IND) vs New Zealand (NZ) Live, T20 World Cup final (Reuters Photo)

Hello and welcome to India Today's live coverage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Final. India are playing New Zealand in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

00:04 IST:

Time to sign off - The curtains fall on the 10th edition of the Men's T20 World Cup, where 20 teams graced the global stage and delivered on the tournament's promise to Feel the Thrill. The next edition of the tournament will be held in 2028, with Australia and New Zealand set to co-host. But before that, the cricketing world will turn its attention to the Women's T20 World Cup later this year, followed by the Men's ODI World Cup next year. Bilateral cricket resumes next week, so be sure to check that out as well. Cheers!

00:06 IST:

India's crowning moment - Suryakumar Yadav is invited to collect the trophy from Mr Jay Shah, ICC Chairman, with the rest of the Indian team already on the podium waiting for their skipper. Suryakumar hoists the silverware. Fireworks go off in the background, and the celebrations begin. The celebrations will go on long into the night as the Indians bask in the glory of their success.

00:05 IST:

India's skipper speaks after the triumph - On being asked about whether it has sunk in yet, Suryakumar Yadav says it will take a little bit of time for that. Expresses his happiness with what has happened. Reflects, post 2024, it has been a long journey. Credits Rohit Sharma, the former Indian captain, and Jay Shah, who was the then Secretary of the BCCI and is now the ICC Chairman, for showing faith in him. Mentions that coming to the Narendra Modi Stadium and achieving this is a very special feeling. Highlights that they have played good cricket throughout these two years, and they just wanted to follow the good habits from the 2024 World Cup win. On being asked about keeping faith in his players, he says it was really important to understand what they were capable of, and that he always knew they had match winners within the group. He calls it perfect timing, describing Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma as top players whom he knew would do something special, and they delivered in the final. He reserves special praise for Jasprit Bumrah, calling him a once-in-a-generation bowler and a national treasure, saying he knows exactly how it needs to be done and is simply the best in the business.

23:53 IST:

Time for the champions to go on stage. First up, it's Jasprit Bumrah, followed by the rest of the Indian team.

23:55 IST:

Mitchell Santner reflects on the campaign - The New Zealand skipper collects his medal and walks over for a chat with Harsha Bhogle. Santner says that he is proud of the boys for making it through to the final. Adds that they had challenges, but at each stage, they put up a good fight. Mentions that they got outplayed by a great team in this game. It was a sea of blue, and India were the home favourites. Credits India and says that playing a home World Cup comes with a lot of pressure, and SKY and the boys should be proud of this achievement. Ends by saying that they put up good performances in the Super 8 and then the way they won the semi-final was great, with different players stepping up at different times, but they fell short in the final.

23:54 IST:

Up next, the members of the runners-up New Zealand side are called upon to collect their medals, starting with Finn Allen. As Harsha Bhogle announces their names, they are greeted with cheers from the crowd.

23:45 IST:

First up, the match officials of the final are invited to collect their medals for officiating tonight's game.

23:46 IST:

It's finally time for the presentation proceedings...

23:34 IST:

A drone show is in progress as we wait to hear from the captains. The families of the Indian team have come out onto the park to join the celebrations. The 2024 T20 World Cup-winning captain and ambassador for this tournament, Rohit Sharma, is also out there congratulating the Indian players. The crowd is waiting patiently, and a fair number of them have stayed back to watch their team lift the trophy.

23:19 IST:

PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT - Sanju Samson is the recipient of the award. 321 runs in 5 innings for Samson at a strike rate of 199.37. He describes the moment as feeling like a dream coming true. He expresses being very, very happy and deeply grateful, admitting he is out of words and out of emotions. He says he is simply going through it all, and that it feels very surreal. On being asked about his thought process on performing in the knockouts, Sanju Samson reflects that it had actually begun one to two years prior. He shares that when he was part of the 2024 T20 World Cup winning team, without getting to play a single game, he kept visualizing and kept dreaming. He opens up about how he was left broken after the New Zealand series, feeling as though his dreams had been completely shattered, and found himself wondering what he could do. But he says that he believed God had different plans, and that he was rewarded for being brave enough to dream. He also reveals that a number of former players had reached out to help him, and that for the last couple of months. Also shares that he had been in constant contact with Sachin Tendulkar, having had long, meaningful conversations with him after reaching out. He says that receiving guidance from someone like Sachin sir was something he could not ask for more, and expresses deep gratitude to everyone who supported him. Says that this achievement itself is very big for him, and that he simply wants to enjoy the moment right now before figuring out his next goals after a few days.

23:17 IST:

PLAYER OF THE FINAL - Jasprit Bumrah wins the award for his brilliance with the ball. He returned figures of 4/15 in 4 overs, his best in T20Is. Bumrah says that it feels extremely special. Adds that he lost one final here at his home venue, and it is great to finally win one here. Mentions that he knew that the wicket was flat and he had to use all his experience. Before the tournament, he was in a zone where he was trying too hard, but here he just tried to let the game come to him. Reckons that his individual assessment is one of his biggest strengths, and winning the POTM in a final at his home venue, nothing gets better than this. Further adds that he has played on belters and realised that bowling too fast often makes shot-making easier, so he just tried to be one step ahead of the batter and be smart. Ends by saying that the biggest thing was that they never panicked, even when things got hard, and the communication was key to their success.

23:07 IST:

Time for the presentation ceremony...

23:13 IST:

India's batters set it up - After being asked to bat first, India raced off the blocks with Abhishek Sharma coming to the party on the night of the final, smashing the fastest fifty of this World Cup in just 18 balls. Sanju Samson continued his resurgence, while Ishan Kishan chipped in with a fifty of his own to lay an ideal platform for the Men in Blue. At 203/1 at the end of 15 overs, India looked destined for a lot more than the 255 they eventually finished with. A three-wicket over from James Neesham gave New Zealand a sniff, but late fireworks from Shivam Dube ensured the home side got past 250.

23:23 IST:

New Zealand outplayed on the night - The key to the way England approached the chase of 254 in Mumbai in the semifinal against India was that they never allowed the required rate to get out of sight and had one batter, Jacob Bethell, playing a blinder of a knock. Neither of those things materialised for New Zealand tonight. Tim Seifert did throw a few punches, but nothing substantial. With the ball, New Zealand went with an extra pacer on the night, but their quicks came in for severe punishment. Interestingly, Glenn Phillips bowled just one over despite India's struggles against off-spin, and the other offie Cole McConchie was left out to accommodate the additional seamer.

23:01 IST:

Here's Tilak Varma - On the team’s batting flexibility, Tilak points out that the players have been preparing for the last year and a half to be ready to bat at any position, depending on the team’s needs. He adds that everyone in the squad is in the right mindset to step into any role when required. Speaking about the fielding effort, Varma details that the players always rise to the occasion when the team needs it. While he admits that it was not their best fielding performance tonight, he is overall pleased that they held on to some important catches. Varma expresses his delight with the win in the final and hints that they will have big celebrations in the next couple of days and follow it up in the upcoming IPL season.

23:01 IST:

We now hear from Arshdeep Singh - Arshdeep says that he went up to apologise to Mitchell. Jokingly says that the ball reverse swung a bit too much and hit him. Mentions that it feels great right now, but the emotions will settle in the next couple of days. Says that this is a team filled with match-winners, and the result is the icing on the cake. Ends by saying that as a bowler, their role is to restrict the opponents to under 250, if they are batting first and score that much.

23:01 IST:

Up next is Washington Sundar - On the team environment, Washington credits the entire support staff for the work they have put in throughout the tournament and even in the lead-up to it. He says every individual in the squad has been outstanding and that the success belongs to everyone in the group. Sundar also adds that it is a wonderful feeling for the whole team to be part of such moments, while also expressing confidence that there is much more to come.

23:02 IST:

Now it's the turn of Shivam Dube - Danny Morrison playfully calls him 'Dubs'. Dube says his role was to hit big sixes from the first day of the tournament. He also admits that sometimes the other batters went up to fire, but adds that he always backed himself whenever he got the opportunity. Admits that he didn't bowl well in the tournament, but says he will come back stronger. On playing in front of the crowd, he says it was one of the biggest stages and credits the passionate support of the Indian fans throughout the tournament. He also notes that the team felt the love and backing in different match situations and adds that the victory belongs to the supporters of the Indian cricket team.

23:44 IST:

Next in line is Varun Chakaravarthy - Varun says that it is a surreal feeling to win back-to-back T20 World Cups. Adds that he is also very happy for Abhishek that he got runs in this game. Says that both of them kept chatting that nothing was working for them, but ultimately, they won the World Cup.

23:02 IST:

First up is Abhishek Sharma - Abhishek says that one thing was very clear that the coach and captain had trust in him even when he himself was having doubts. Credits the team management and his teammates for backing him all the way through the tournament. Mentions that it wasn't easy for him as he wanted to score runs and got a bit emotional in the middle of the tournament, but feels great that he came good on the night of the final.

22:50 IST:

Let's get some immediate reactions from the champions....

22:47 IST:

India retain the crown! Mission accomplished for the Men in Blue as they clinch a record third T20 World Cup title. History is made tonight as India become the first host nation to win the tournament and the first defending champions to successfully retain the trophy. Before the start of the tournament, let's be honest, not many would have had New Zealand as one of the two finalists. They proved all those who doubted them wrong and came into the final riding high on confidence after a thumping win over South Africa, but ran into an Indian side that proved far too strong on the night.

Score 159/10

BatsmanJacob Duffy 3(5b 0*4 0*6)

BowlerAbhishek Sharma 1-0-5-1

22:44 IST:

18.6: Abhishek Sharma to Jacob Duffy, OUT! CAUGHT! It is all over. Abhishek bowls it on a length outside off at 70.3 kph. Slower through the air, the ball grips and turns. Duffy goes for a flat-batted hit down the ground but mistimes it. Tilak Varma settles under it near the ropes and completes a fine catch. He lobs the ball up in the air, sensing he might step onto the ropes, but he is well inside the field and calmly takes it again. A comprehensive win for the Men in Blue as Eoin Morgan on air mentions that this is India's biggest win in a T20 World Cup match. The celebrations start in the Indian dugout and the noise is absolutely deafening at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The ghosts of 2023 have been exorcised in 2026 as INDIA WIN THE T20 WORLD CUP for the third time and defend their crown in a commanding fashion. India win by 96 runs.

22:46 IST:

Kingshuk says

India win the T20 World Cup!

That's it. That's the game!

Abhishek Sharma started the game, and he finishes it off as well. What a memory for the youngster.

Under pressure at the start of the tournament. Abhishek takes the final wicket of the game.

Deserved win for India, who have proved that their method works, who have proved that they can adapt. They have most importantly proved that they are a team for all surfaces!

India become the only team in the history of the world to defend the T20 World Cup. They become the first team in the world to win the tournament at home.

This was a victory for Sanju, a victory for Abhishek, a victory for Kishan and, above all, a victory for Rinku Singh, who lost his father midway through the campaign.

Seniors, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel stepped up, and took India to history.

CONGRATULATIONS INDIA! CONGRATULATIONS!

22:44 IST:

Taken at long on by Tilak Varma. The celebrations have begun in the Indian camp. And there comes the confirmation.

22:43 IST:

18.5: Abhishek Sharma to Lockie Ferguson, Slower through the air, full and outside off, Ferguson carves it to the left of mid off for a single.

22:43 IST:

18.4: Abhishek Sharma to Jacob Duffy, A touch short, on off, Jacob flat bats it over the bowler. Long on cuts it off to his left. One taken.

22:42 IST:

18.3: Abhishek Sharma to Lockie Ferguson, Dropped short, on top of off. Lockie Ferguson rocks back and tries to pull, but miscues it over mid on for a single.

22:42 IST:

18.2: Abhishek Sharma to Jacob Duffy, Duffy advances and slaps this length ball to deep extra cover for a single.

22:42 IST:

18.1: Abhishek Sharma to Lockie Ferguson, Short on off, Lockie shimmies down the track and mistimes the heave to long on for a single.

22:42 IST:

Abhishek Sharma has been tossed the ball now.

Score 154/9

BatsmanJacob Duffy 1(2b 0*4 0*6)

BowlerJasprit Bumrah 4-0-15-4

22:41 IST:

17.6: Jasprit Bumrah to Jacob Duffy, Deceived! Pace-off delivery, full and just outside the off stump line. Jacob Duffy swings for the hills, only to miss. A superb spell from Jasprit Bumrah as he ends with figures of 4-0-15-4.

22:40 IST:

17.5: Jasprit Bumrah to Lockie Ferguson, Once again, this is full and slow, on off. Lockie turns it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

22:39 IST:

17.4: Jasprit Bumrah to Jacob Duffy, Full toss on leg, whipped to deep mid-wicket for a single.

22:39 IST:

Jacob Duffy is the last man in.

22:38 IST:

17.3: Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Santner, OUT! BOWLED! Bumrah has his fourth wicket of the finale. He rolls his fingers on the leather and takes pace off, executing the yorker. Lands the ball right at the base of the middle pole as Mitchell Santner tries to slog it over the leg side. He swings his bat months early before the ball arrives and misses. The ball dips below his bat and makes an absolute mess of the stumps.

22:40 IST:

Kingshuk says

T20 World Cup final: India one wicket away from victory

Jasprit Bumrah strikes again. He has 4 wickets now in the T20 World Cup final.

Once again a dipping slower ball, and he has the wicket of Mitchell Santner.

Hardik Pandya walks up to him and gives him a big hug.

22:38 IST:

17.2: Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Santner, Short and nipping away from middle. Santner stands tall and eases it straight to the backward point fielder.

22:37 IST:

17.1: Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Santner, That dipping slower one, just outside off, on a fuller length. Santner clears the front leg and has a swing across the line, but fails to connect.

Score 152/8

BatsmanMitchell Santner 43(32b 3*4 2*6)

BowlerArshdeep Singh 4-0-32-0

22:36 IST:

16.6: Arshdeep Singh to Mitchell Santner, A toe-crushing yorker, tailing in from middle. Mitchell Santner flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

22:35 IST:

16.6: Arshdeep Singh to Mitchell Santner, WIDE! Slower short ball, far outside off. Santner lets it be as it breaches the tramline.

22:35 IST:

16.5: Arshdeep Singh to Mitchell Santner, FOUR! In the gap! Singh misfires another full toss, on the pads. Santner backs away and heaves it to the leg side, bisecting the long on and deep mid-wicket fielders for a boundary. 150 UP FOR NEW ZEALAND!

22:34 IST:

16.4: Arshdeep Singh to Lockie Ferguson, Slips in a full toss, on off, Ferguson hits it on the bounce to long off for a run.

22:34 IST:

16.3: Arshdeep Singh to Lockie Ferguson, From around the stumps now. Full and on middle, Lockie drives it straight to the cover fielder.

22:33 IST:

16.2: Arshdeep Singh to Mitchell Santner, Seeing Santner shuffle outside leg, Arshdeep fires the yorker at the toes of the batter to cramp him for space. The Kiwi skipper carves it through mid off for a run.

22:32 IST:

16.2: Arshdeep Singh to Mitchell Santner, WIDE! Goes for the slower one, but way down the leg side on a fuller length. Santner swings his bat before the ball dips and misses to connect. Wided.

22:32 IST:

16.1: Arshdeep Singh to Mitchell Santner, A full toss that tails in from middle to leg. Santner drills it down to long on and denies the single.

Score 143/8

BatsmanMitchell Santner 37(28b 2*4 2*6)

BowlerJasprit Bumrah 3-0-13-3

22:31 IST:

15.6: Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Santner, Full toss, on off, Mitchell Santner forces it to long off for one more.

22:30 IST:

15.5: Jasprit Bumrah to Lockie Ferguson, No hat-trick for Bumrah! In the blockhole, on middle, Lockie Ferguson manages to jam it out towards short third for one.

22:31 IST:

Kingshuk says

IND vs NZ: JASPRIT BUMRAH!!

Wickets are tumbling for New Zealand.

Jasprit Bumrah has dismissed James Neesham and Matt Henry in back to back balls. Both of them being slower yorkers.

The deception is so good from Jasprit Bumrah. He is having a perfect tournament and probably is the real hero of the campaign.

22:31 IST:

Lockie Ferguson walks in at number 10. Ravi Shastri on air mentions that no Indian bowler has picked up a hat trick in a T20 World Cup. Can Bumrah be the first?

22:29 IST:

15.4: Jasprit Bumrah to Matt Henry, OUT! BOWLED'EM! Jasprit Bumrah is on a hat-trick now! This is another excellent slower yorker, dipping in, too good for any batter, let it be a tail-ender. Matt Henry backs away to play at it, but plays all over it, and the ball goes through to rattle the stumps once more.

22:28 IST:

Wicket number 2 for Jasprit Bumrah. Matt Henry is the new batter in at number 9.

22:28 IST:

15.3: Jasprit Bumrah to James Neesham, OUT! CASTLED! Boom Boom strikes now. A pinpoint yorker, on middle, takes pace off as well. James Neesham clears his front leg to go big across the line but goes through the shot very early. He misses it completely as the ball goes through and hits the base of the middle stump.

22:26 IST:

15.2: Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Santner, Full toss, on leg, Mitchell Santner heaves it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

22:26 IST:

15.1: Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Santner, Good length and on off, Mitchell Santner pushes it to extra cover.

22:26 IST:

15.1: Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Santner, WIDE! Slower bouncer, on middle, but a bit too high. Mitchell Santner ducks under it. Another wide.

22:25 IST:

Jasprit Bumrah (2-0-9-1) returns to the attack.

Score 139/6

BatsmanJames Neesham 8(6b 1*4 0*6)

BowlerArshdeep Singh 3-0-23-0

22:24 IST:

14.6: Arshdeep Singh to James Neesham, Another fine yorker, on middle, moves in, James Neesham jams it back to the bowler.

22:23 IST:

14.5: Arshdeep Singh to James Neesham, A low full toss, on leg, James Neesham clips it away wide of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

22:23 IST:

14.4: Arshdeep Singh to James Neesham, Gets the yorker right, on middle, tailing in, James Neesham looks to dig it out but misses and gets hit on his toes.

22:22 IST:

14.4: Arshdeep Singh to James Neesham, WIDE! Short but way outside off this time, James Neesham throws his bat but fails to reach it. Called a wide again.

22:21 IST:

14.4: Arshdeep Singh to James Neesham, WIDE! Pitched up but down the leg side, James Neesham shuffles across to scoop but misses. Wided.

22:21 IST:

14.3: Arshdeep Singh to Mitchell Santner, Full toss, on middle and leg, Mitchell Santner lofts it to long on for a single.

22:20 IST:

14.2: Arshdeep Singh to Mitchell Santner, A mix-up but no harm done! Fuller and on middle, angling in, Mitchell Santner looks to loft it but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball rolls towards backward point. Santner sets off for the run but is sent back. The fielder misses his shy at the batter's end, with Santner putting in a desperate dive to save himself.

22:20 IST:

14.1: Arshdeep Singh to Mitchell Santner, Clever bowling! Arshdeep Singh sees the batter back away, bangs this into the pitch, outside off, takes pace off as well. Mitchell Santner is too far away to reach out for the ball.

22:20 IST:

DRINKS BREAK! It has turned out to be a rather one-sided final. After the way England pushed India in the semifinal, we were hoping for a similar fight from the Kiwis tonight. But New Zealand have struggled to keep up with the required rate and have lost wickets regularly throughout the chase. While they do look to be going down here, they will want to do so with a fight. Arshdeep Singh returns to the attack. 2-0-18-0 so far for Arshdeep.

Score 134/6

BatsmanMitchell Santner 34(22b 2*4 2*6)

BowlerHardik Pandya 4-0-36-1

22:16 IST:

13.6: Hardik Pandya to Mitchell Santner, Right in the blockhole, on leg, Mitchell Santner tucks it away through mid-wicket for one more. 122 needed in 36 balls.

22:19 IST:

Kingshuk says

IND vs NZ Final: Live score

India are nearing history, that too, in a dominating fashion.

Hardik Pandya does not concede a boundary in the 14th over, and that leaves New Zealand at 134/6.

Final 6 overs now. India have dominated everything so far, and it is looking like they will dominate the final six overs as well.

22:15 IST:

13.5: Hardik Pandya to James Neesham, Short of a length and on middle, James Neesham pulls it to deep square leg for one.

22:14 IST:

13.4: Hardik Pandya to Mitchell Santner, Fuller and around leg, Mitchell Santner flicks it away to deep backward square leg for another run.

22:14 IST:

13.3: Hardik Pandya to James Neesham, Hard length and on middle, James Neesham heaves it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

22:13 IST:

13.3: Hardik Pandya to James Neesham, WIDE! Fuller but way outside off, James Neesham leaves it alone. Wided.

22:12 IST:

13.2: Hardik Pandya to Mitchell Santner, Back of a length and on leg, Mitchell Santner pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

22:12 IST:

13.1: Hardik Pandya to Mitchell Santner, A shout for LBW, but turned down! Hardik Pandya bowls a slower, dipping yorker, on middle and leg. Mitchell Santner tries to slog it away but the ball sneaks under his bat to hit his back toe. Pandya looks confident and convinces SKY to take the review. UltraEdge confirms no bat involved, but Ball Tracking shows it is pitching outside leg. The on-field call of Not Out stands.

Score 128/6

BatsmanJames Neesham 4(1b 1*4 0*6)

BowlerAxar Patel 3-0-27-3

22:09 IST:

12.6: Axar Patel to James Neesham, FOUR! Put away! Floated, full and on leg, James Neesham goes down and swipes it away to the deep fine leg fence for a boundary.

22:12 IST:

Kingshuk says

Mitchell loses focus, gets out

That incident with Arshdeep perhaps broke the focus of Daryl Mitchell, and he pays the price.

Hits Axar Patel's full toss straight into the hands of Ishan Kishan at deep mid wicket. Kishan is not dropping anything tonight.

22:09 IST:

The new batter is...James Neesham.

22:08 IST:

12.5: Axar Patel to Daryl Mitchell, OUT! TAKEN! Axar Patel gets his third now. He bowls a juicy full toss, on middle. Daryl Mitchell tries to slog it away but gets it high on the bat. He loses his shape and mistimes the shot straight to deep mid-wicket, where Ishan Kishan takes his third catch of the game. The easiest one of the three. The Kiwis are six down now.

22:08 IST:

12.4: Axar Patel to Daryl Mitchell, Full and outside off, Daryl Mitchell reaches out in front for the sweep but is beaten.

22:08 IST:

12.3: Axar Patel to Mitchell Santner, Short and on leg, Mitchell Santner nudges it through mid-wicket for one.

22:07 IST:

12.2: Axar Patel to Mitchell Santner, FOUR! Misfield now! Flatter, full and outside off, Mitchell Santner drills it away towards point, where Hardik Pandya gets low but lets it through his legs for a boundary. The 50-run partnership comes up between Santner and Daryl Mitchell.

22:07 IST:

12.1: Axar Patel to Mitchell Santner, DROPPED! Hardik Pandya drops a sitter here! Floated, full and outisde off, Mitchell Santner throws his bat at it. He ends up slicing it in the air towards point, where Hardik Pandya moves to his right but spills it out.

22:08 IST:

Kingshuk says

Arshdeep vs Mitchell: Another look at the incident

Here's another look at the Arshdeep vs Mitchell incident.

Score 119/5

BatsmanMitchell Santner 26(15b 1*4 2*6)

BowlerVarun Chakaravarthy 3-0-39-1

22:05 IST:

11.6: Varun Chakaravarthy to Mitchell Santner, Quicker on middle, on a length, Santner punches it through cover for a run.

22:05 IST:

11.5: Varun Chakaravarthy to Mitchell Santner, SIX! Hardik watches that as a bystander. A real slot ball again, on off. Mitchell Santner clears the front leg, crouches low and pumps it behind long on for a huge six. Geez, that is a long hit indeed.

22:04 IST:

11.4: Varun Chakaravarthy to Mitchell Santner, SIX! High and handsome! Varun pushes it full and on the stumps, from around the wicket. Mitchell Santner takes a couple of babysteps ahead and tonks it cleanly over the long off fence.

22:04 IST:

11.3: Varun Chakaravarthy to Daryl Mitchell, Around off, on a length, crunched through point for a single.

22:03 IST:

11.2: Varun Chakaravarthy to Mitchell Santner, Full again, around off. Santner gets down to slog sweep against the spin but gets a leading edge wide of short third for a single.

22:03 IST:

11.1: Varun Chakaravarthy to Daryl Mitchell, Full, googly that spins back in from off. Daryl heaves it off the inner half to deep square leg for a single.

22:04 IST:

Kingshuk says

Arshdeep vs Mitchell: Tempers flare in Ahmedabad

Woah!

What was that about?

Arshdeep Singh bowls at Daryl Mitchell. The Kiwi batter taps the ball back at him. Arshdeep gets a hold of the ball, and chucks it straight at the batter, which hits him high on his thigh.

Mitchell is fuming and calls out Arshdeep. But by that time, Arshdeep has turned and walked off.

Tempers are flaring, and Mitchell is having none of it.

Suryakumar comes to Mitchell, and apologises straightaway.

Poor from Arshdeep. He should have said sorry.

22:01 IST:

Varun Chakaravarthy comes back into the attack now.

Score 103/5

BatsmanDaryl Mitchell 15(7b 0*4 2*6)

BowlerArshdeep Singh 2-0-18-0

22:00 IST:

10.6: Arshdeep Singh to Daryl Mitchell, Full and wide outside off at 134.3 kph. Mitchell lunges forward, reaches for it and throws his hands at the drive, but gets it off the toe end towards deep backward point for a single. And now Arshdeep and Mitchell share a handshake as the two come together at the non-striker’s end.

22:03 IST:

No, no, no! You don't want to see this in a cricket ground. The emotions got the better of Arshdeep Singh here, and Daryl Mitchell is absolutely not happy with it. Suryakumar Yadav goes up to him to apologise straightaway.

21:59 IST:

10.5: Arshdeep Singh to Daryl Mitchell, It's heating up in the middle! A low full toss outside off by Arshdeep. Daryl Mitchell has already shuffled across again and tries to heave to the leg side, but gets it off the inner half. Arshdeep Singh collects the ball on his follow-through and throws it back at the batter in frustration. It strikes Mitchell on the pads, and he immediately throws his arms up in protest as Singh turns back to his bowling mark. That was absolutely needless from Arshdeep.

21:58 IST:

10.4: Arshdeep Singh to Daryl Mitchell, A bit too full, outside off, Daryl toe ends his drive to the cover fielder.

21:57 IST:

10.4: Arshdeep Singh to Daryl Mitchell, WIDE! Far beyond the cut strip as Daryl shuffles across off to thrash that away, but misses to connect. Wide called.

21:56 IST:

10.3: Arshdeep Singh to Daryl Mitchell, SIX! Clean as a whistle! Into the slot, on leg. Daryl Mitchell clears the front leg and sends it sailing 89 meters behind deep mid-wicket for a six. 100 UP FOR NEW ZEALAND!

21:56 IST:

10.2: Arshdeep Singh to Daryl Mitchell, SIX! Just goes over! It is that man again, Ishan Kishan, with a good effort. But it goes in vain this time. Fuller length around off. Mitchell shuffles across and heaves it across the line, getting enough on it to find Kishan at deep square leg. He takes the catch, but ends up stepping on the boundary ropes while doing so.

21:55 IST:

10.1: Arshdeep Singh to Mitchell Santner, Cannons onto the pads, on a fuller length, Santner pushes it through mid on for a single.

21:56 IST:

Kingshuk says

IND vs NZ Live: Santner, Mitchell kept quiet

Mitchell Santner and Daryl Mitchell have been kept quite.

10 overs of cricket has been played and New Zealand are 88 runs for the loss of 5 wickets.

Hardik Pandya is dealing in cutters, while Varun, while being expensive, has bowled attacking lines and lengths.

Will there be some fireworks from Mitchell in the last 10 overs, or will India riot New Zealand and win by 100+ runs.

21:55 IST:

Arshdeep Singh is back on. He gave away just 3 runs in his first over.

Score 88/5

BatsmanMitchell Santner 11(10b 1*4 0*6)

BowlerHardik Pandya 3-0-30-1

21:54 IST:

9.6: Hardik Pandya to Mitchell Santner, Off cutter, into the pitch, around middle. Mitchell Santner punches it straight down the ground for a single as long off cuts it off. At the halfway mark, New Zealand are crawling at 88/5.

21:53 IST:

9.5: Hardik Pandya to Mitchell Santner, Pitched outside leg, full in length, Santner misses the flick shot and wears the ball on his front pad. The Kiwi skipper admonishes himself for not putting that away.

21:52 IST:

9.4: Hardik Pandya to Daryl Mitchell, Slower one, outside off, on a length, Daryl Mitchell slashes it to the right of deep point for a single.

21:52 IST:

9.3: Hardik Pandya to Mitchell Santner, Nagging length, around off, Santner punches it on the up through mid off for a single.

21:51 IST:

9.2: Hardik Pandya to Mitchell Santner, Length ball, slanting into the batter, Santner tucks it in the vast mid-wicket space for a couple.

21:50 IST:

9.1: Hardik Pandya to Mitchell Santner, Dug in short, over middle. Mitchell Santner ducks under it.

Score 83/5

BatsmanMitchell Santner 7(5b 1*4 0*6)

BowlerVarun Chakaravarthy 2-0-23-1

21:49 IST:

8.6: Varun Chakaravarthy to Mitchell Santner, Good effort in the deep by Tilak. Touch short, around middle, turning back in. Santner rocks back and punches it past the left of short extra cover. Tilak at long off runs to his right and slides near the ropes to keep the ball in play. Excellent running between the wickets by the batters as they pick up three runs. The replay shows that Varma has saved a run for his team.

21:49 IST:

8.5: Varun Chakaravarthy to Mitchell Santner, FOUR! Edgy! Length delivery around the fifth stump, 92 kph. Santner rocks back, opens the bat face and punches it past the left of backward point for a boundary.

21:48 IST:

8.4: Varun Chakaravarthy to Mitchell Santner, Length ball, on off, sliding in, Santner punches it to cover.

21:56 IST:

8.3: Varun Chakaravarthy to Mitchell Santner, FOUR BYES! Goodness me, how has that missed the stumps? A googly on a length outside off. It sneaks past the outside edge and just sails over the top of the bails, outfoxing Samson as well and races behind to the fence.

21:48 IST:

8.2: Varun Chakaravarthy to Mitchell Santner, Full and outside off. Santner gets on the front foot, plays with the spin, stays leg side of the ball, opens the face of the bat and guides it towards short third.

21:48 IST:

Kingshuk says

IND vs NZ: Seifert falls. What a Catch!

Another terrific catch from Ishan Kishan, this time at the boundary line.

Varun Chakravarthy has a wicket, but all credit to Ishan Kishan for that.

Meanwhile, with that wicket, Varun becomes the highest wicket-taker in the ongoing edition of the T20 World Cup.

New Zealand lose their 5th batter, and are likely to lose this match by 100 runs.

21:48 IST:

New Zealand lose half their side now and India already have one hand on the trophy. Skipper Mitchell Santner comes out to the middle.

21:46 IST:

8.1: Varun Chakaravarthy to Tim Seifert, OUT! CAUGHT IN THE DEEP! It is just like a hammer blow on the Kiwis. A spectacular catch from Ishan Kishan yet again. Seifert miscues the pull on this short ball towards the deep mid-wicket region. Kishan moves to his right at deep mid-wicket to take it. Sensing he might lose his balance, he lobs the ball up momentarily but keeps himself inside the field of play and safely completes the catch. Tim Seifert departs after a breezy knock, and New Zealand are 72/5 now.

Score 72/4

BatsmanTim Seifert 52(25b 2*4 5*6)

BowlerHardik Pandya 2-0-25-1

21:45 IST:

7.6: Hardik Pandya to Tim Seifert, Bangs it in short and keeps it out of the hitting arc, near the tramline. Tim is made to reach out and he bunts it towards cover for a single.

21:44 IST:

7.5: Hardik Pandya to Daryl Mitchell, Over off, pace taken off, on a short of a length. Mitchell hops deep in the crease and turns it in front of deep mid-wicket for a single to get off the mark.

21:46 IST:

And the climb gets steeper and steeper for the Kiwis from here. They need 186 more runs in 74 balls. Daryl Mitchell walks in at number 6.

21:42 IST:

7.4: Hardik Pandya to Mark Chapman, OUT! CHOPPED ON! Mark Chapman drops his head in disappointment. Pushed across the left-hander, on a good length, Chapman reaches out to thrash it through the off side, but the ball catches the inside edge and deflects back onto the stumps. After an expensive first over, Hardik has struck back in his second over. New Zealand are now 70/4, chasing 256.

21:42 IST:

7.3: Hardik Pandya to Mark Chapman, Hardik rolls his fingers over the ball, on a short of a good length. Mark does not pick the change of pace and goes through the pull early. Ends up connecting with fresh air.

21:41 IST:

7.2: Hardik Pandya to Tim Seifert, Into the deck, on off, Tim stands tall on his toes and whips it to wide long on for one.

21:41 IST:

7.1: Hardik Pandya to Mark Chapman, Short and wide on off, this is slapped to deep cover for a single.

21:43 IST:

Kingshuk says

T20 World Cup final: Live updates

Tim Seifert completes his fifty in just 23 balls.

He attacks Varun Chakravarthy, who continues to have a horrendous run in the tournament.

Varun is whacked for two sixes and leaks 16 runs in the first over outside of powerplay.

Seifert is fighting, but the job looks too difficult.

21:41 IST:

Another expensive start for Varun Chakaravarthy. 16 runs off his first over. Hardik Pandya (1-0-21-0) is brought back on, replacing Jasprit Bumrah.

Score 68/3

BatsmanTim Seifert 50(23b 2*4 5*6)

BowlerVarun Chakaravarthy 1-0-16-0

21:39 IST:

6.6: Varun Chakaravarthy to Tim Seifert, SIX! The punches keep coming from Tim Seifert. He gets to his FIFTY in style. Varun Chakaravarthy offers a bit of flight, full and on off. Seifert just holds his shape and swings through the line to park it behind long on for a biggie. Back-to-back fifties for Seifert.

21:39 IST:

6.5: Varun Chakaravarthy to Tim Seifert, Had to hurry! Around off, on a length, Tim whips it wide of deep mid-wicket and wants to come back for the second run. Ishan Kishan swoops in and gets rid of the ball quickly. Fires it on the bounce at the bowling end, where Varun Chakaravarthy fails to gather it and Chapman gets home with a dive. A clean pick-up could have been interesting.

21:38 IST:

6.4: Varun Chakaravarthy to Tim Seifert, SIX! Tim Seifert makes it look so easy! This is flighted up slightly, on a length, outside off. Seifert stays leg side of the ball and does not try to overhit this one. A clean swing of the arms and he pumps it over long on for a six.

21:38 IST:

6.3: Varun Chakaravarthy to Mark Chapman, A bit fuller, drifting in at the pads. Chapman nudges it through mid-wicket and turns the strike over.

21:38 IST:

6.2: Varun Chakaravarthy to Mark Chapman, From around the wicket for the left-hander, short and outside off, Chapman punches it off the back foot back towards the bowler.

21:37 IST:

6.1: Varun Chakaravarthy to Tim Seifert, Floats it up first up, full and on off. Tim Seifert presses forward and drives it down to long on for a single.

21:38 IST:

DRINKS BREAK. India hold all the aces at the moment as New Zealand have been pushed for the reconstruction job with 52/3 on the board. Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel have been absolutely instrumental so far, sharing all three wickets among them, and conceding just 27 runs from their four overs. New Zealand are under pressure, as they not only have to keep up with the asking rate, but also ensure they don't slide down further by losing more men. Varun Chakaravarthy is brought right after the restrictions are lifted. He has been very expensive in his last few matches, and replaces Axar Patel.

Score 52/3

BatsmanTim Seifert 35(19b 2*4 3*6)

BowlerJasprit Bumrah 2-0-9-1

21:34 IST:

5.6: Jasprit Bumrah to Tim Seifert, Off-cutter, on a length, on middle. Tim is slightly early into the shot and chips it down to long on for a run. Another tidy over from Bumrah. At the end of the Powerplay, New Zealand are 52/3 in pursuit of 256.

21:37 IST:

Kingshuk says

IND vs NZ: Match firmly in control of India

Powerplay is over, and India have fir control over the game.

Suryakumar Yadav has given 2 overs each to Bumrah and Axar, and had his opening bowlers - Arshdeep and Hardik bowl one over spells.

The fielding placings were great as well, and apart from one dropped catch, India have been brilliant in the field.

21:33 IST:

5.5: Jasprit Bumrah to Tim Seifert, Dug in short, on off. Tim Seifert gets on his toes and drags the pull in front of square, wide of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

21:33 IST:

5.4: Jasprit Bumrah to Tim Seifert, Seifert will feel that he missed out. A dipping full toss, at thigh height, on off. Seifert looks to go across the line but ends up squeezing out an inside edge onto the pads and the ball goes nowhere.

21:32 IST:

5.3: Jasprit Bumrah to Mark Chapman, Not in control but Chapman gets away with it! Bumrah hits the hard length, over middle. Chapman charges down the track and has a swipe across the line. The ball kicks up a bit to catch the top edge and it flies down to deep third. Tilak Varma runs in off the ropes and puts in the dive, but the ball does not carry. It deflects away from his body for a single.

21:32 IST:

5.2: Jasprit Bumrah to Mark Chapman, Nails the yorker, on middle. Mark hurriedly gets his bat down and keeps it out.

21:31 IST:

5.1: Jasprit Bumrah to Tim Seifert, Angled in, on a good length, on off and middle. Tim checks his drive as he plays it to long on for a single.

Score 47/3

BatsmanMark Chapman 0(1b 0*4 0*6)

BowlerAxar Patel 2-0-18-2

21:30 IST:

4.6: Axar Patel to Mark Chapman, Keeps the stumps in play, on a length, Mark pushes it back to Axar. End of another successful over from Patel.

21:31 IST:

Kingshuk says

India vs New Zealand: Axar strikes! Phillips departs

India strike once again!

Axar Patel has his second of the match, and this time it is Glenn Phillips, who is the victim.

New Zealand have lost 3 wickets inside the powerplay, and it looks like it is going to be a long night for them in Ahmedabad.

21:30 IST:

New Zealand are under serious pressure now. India couldn't have asked for a better start. Mark Chapman makes his way to the middle, at number 5.

21:29 IST:

4.5: Axar Patel to Glenn Phillips, OUT! TIMBER! The leg stump goes for a toss. Wickets off successive overs for Axar Patel. Under-cutter by Patel, full and sliding on with the arm, on middle and leg. Glenn Phillips stays rooted to the crease and swings hard at it to force it away. The ball keeps coming into him and skids through to go past the inside edge before uprooting the leg pole. New Zealand are 3 down for 47, chasing 256.

21:28 IST:

4.4: Axar Patel to Glenn Phillips, This skids through and it is a bit fuller at the sticks. GP plays it back to Axar.

21:28 IST:

4.3: Axar Patel to Glenn Phillips, FOUR! Nicely done! Pushed through by Axar, on a nagging length, on middle. Glenn Phillips picks up the length early and hits it over the man at mid on for a boundary.

21:27 IST:

4.2: Axar Patel to Tim Seifert, Flatter and fuller, outside off, Tim gets the front leg out of the way again and slams it towards long off for a single.

21:27 IST:

4.1: Axar Patel to Tim Seifert, SIX! That has gone back many a mile! Axar drops it a bit too short, on middle. Seifert rocks back, clears the front leg and pummels it over wide long on for a biggie.

Score 36/2

BatsmanGlenn Phillips 1(2b 0*4 0*6)

BowlerJasprit Bumrah 1-0-4-1

21:26 IST:

3.6: Jasprit Bumrah to Glenn Phillips, Overpitched and on off, Glenn Phillips drills it towards extra cover.

21:25 IST:

3.5: Jasprit Bumrah to Tim Seifert, Low full toss, tailing back in on the pads. Seifert clips it through square leg for a single.

21:25 IST:

3.4: Jasprit Bumrah to Tim Seifert, Short of a length and outside off, Tim Seifert hops up to cut it away but ends up chopping it into the pitch, behind to the keeper.

21:24 IST:

3.3: Jasprit Bumrah to Tim Seifert, Pace off, full and outside off, Tim Seifert reaches out and slices it over extra cover for a brace.

21:22 IST:

3.2: Jasprit Bumrah to Glenn Phillips, Fuller and on off, Glenn Phillips drives it towards mid off for one.

21:24 IST:

Kingshuk says

Jasprit Bumrah strike first ball. AGAIN!

Jasprit Bumrah strikes with his first ball of the spell. It is that slower delivery that gets rid of Rachin Ravindra.

Excellent catch from Ishan Kishan as well, who dives forward at deep square and picks up an absolute beauty.

New Zealand have lost 2 and are in a heap of trouble in the T20 World Cup final.

21:23 IST:

Immediate impact from Jasprit Bumrah. Glenn Phillips makes his way out to the centre.

21:22 IST:

3.1: Jasprit Bumrah to Rachin Ravindra, OUT! CAUGHT! Jasprit Bumrah once again strikes first ball. He did it in the semis and now in the final as well. Starts with a slower one, full and on leg, Rachin Ravindra looks to flick it away but goes through the shot early. Gets it from the toe-end of the bat as the ball flies in the air towards deep square leg, where Ishan Kishan runs forward and dives to take a superb catch, inches above the ground. The ball almost pops out of his grasp, but he does well to keep hold of it, even as his cap briefly blocks his vision while he tumbles to the ground. New Zealand are 32/2, chasing 256 runs.

21:23 IST:

A double change as Jasprit Bumrah has been called into the attack. He replaces Hardik Pandya.

Score 32/1

BatsmanTim Seifert 21(10b 2*4 2*6)

BowlerAxar Patel 1-0-7-1

21:20 IST:

2.6: Axar Patel to Tim Seifert, Slows it up, full and on middle, Tim Seifert looks to push it away but gets an inside edge onto his pads.

21:19 IST:

2.5: Axar Patel to Rachin Ravindra, Flatter, full and on leg, Rachin Ravindra swipes it to the left of deep square leg for a run.

21:20 IST:

Kingshuk says

IND vs NZ: Wicket!! Smart field placing

Smart work from India there. They ask Finn Allen to play to his strengths, which is to rock back and hit the spinner through leg side for four.

Allen does that, but the long-on is kept very very wide. Tilak Varma, standing at the boundary completes a lovely catch.

21:19 IST:

New Zealand suffer a big blow. In walks Rachin Ravindra at number 3. Just 88 runs in 6 innings against India in T20Is for Rachin.

21:18 IST:

2.4: Axar Patel to Finn Allen, OUT! TAKEN! Axar Patel draws first blood. He bowls this short again, on middle, angling in. Finn Allen tries to move back and pull it but does not get enough room to free his arms. He ends up hitting it much straighter and down the throat of long on, where Tilak Varma takes an easy catch ahead of the ropes. The centurion from the last game walks back early here. New Zealand are 31/1, chasing 256.

21:17 IST:

2.3: Axar Patel to Finn Allen, FOUR! Nice shot! Quicker one, shortish and on off. Finn Allen moves back and swats it down the ground, beating long on to his left for a boundary.

21:16 IST:

2.2: Axar Patel to Tim Seifert, Short again and on middle, angling in, Tim Seifert stays back and nudges it through mid-wicket for a run.

21:16 IST:

2.1: Axar Patel to Finn Allen, Dragged back and on middle, Finn Allen rocks back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

21:17 IST:

Kingshuk says

Tough start for Hardik Pandya

Not a very good over from Hardik Pandya.

21 runs from it! Tim Seifert hits two sixes and two fours in the second over, and New Zealand get to 25/0 in 2 overs.

Hardik's plan against Seifert is poor. He tries to bowl into the stumps, which allows Seifert to bring his shuffling game against him.

Score 25/0

BatsmanTim Seifert 20(8b 2*4 2*6)

BowlerHardik Pandya 1-0-21-0

21:14 IST:

1.6: Hardik Pandya to Tim Seifert, FOUR! 21 runs off the over! Goes back to his fuller length and on off. Tim Seifert gets underneath it and blasts it over the bowler's head for four more runs.

21:13 IST:

1.5: Hardik Pandya to Tim Seifert, FOUR! Gets it through! Back of a length and around off. Tim Seifert hangs back and punches it between extra cover and mid off for a boundary now.

21:13 IST:

1.4: Hardik Pandya to Tim Seifert, Good length and on off, Tim Seifert heaves it off the inner half of the bat towards mid-wicket.

21:13 IST:

1.3: Hardik Pandya to Tim Seifert, SIX! Innovative and effective! Pitches it up and just on off. Tim Seifert moves across early, gets into position and nails the scoop this time over the fine leg fence for another biggie.

21:11 IST:

1.2: Hardik Pandya to Tim Seifert, SIX! BANG! First one of the chase! Fuller in length and on middle. Tim Seifert clears his front leg out and tonks it over the long on fence for a biggie.

21:11 IST:

1.1: Hardik Pandya to Finn Allen, Hardik Pandya lands this back of a length and on middle, Finn Allen shuffles across and scoops it wide of deep fine leg for a single.

21:15 IST:

It will be Hardik Pandya to operate from the other end. Shivam Dube has left the field to receive treatment on his right hand, which he injured while attempting the catch. Rinku Singh is on the park as the substitute.

Score 4/0

BatsmanFinn Allen 3(3b 0*4 0*6)

BowlerArshdeep Singh 1-0-3-0

21:30 IST:

0.6: Arshdeep Singh to Finn Allen, Low full toss, on off, Finn Allen bunts it out to mid off for one.

21:12 IST:

Kingshuk Says

Shivam Dube drops Allen!

Chance goes begging!

Shivam Dube, standing at mid-off drops Finn Allen in the very first over of the match.

The ring of fire in Ahmeabad is showing its effect. India have not been a good fielding side in this tournament, and that shows once again.

21:09 IST:

0.5: Arshdeep Singh to Finn Allen, DROPPED! A big chance goes begging! Arshdeep Singh sticks to the fuller length, on off, moving away, takes pace off as well. Finn Allen looks to loft it away but his bat turns in his hands and he mistimes it high in the air. Shivam Dube backpedals at mid off, settles under it and tries to reverse cup it, but the ball bursts through his hands and drops to the ground. Two taken. Allen gets an early life here. Ian Bishop informs on air that this is the 15th dropped catch from India in this World Cup, the most by any team.

21:08 IST:

Simon Doull spots Jasprit Bumrah limbering up. Will he bowl from the other end?

21:08 IST:

0.4: Arshdeep Singh to Finn Allen, Full again and on middle, shapes in a touch, Finn Allen drills it towards mid on. 4 balls and just 1 run so far.

21:07 IST:

0.3: Arshdeep Singh to Tim Seifert, Pitched up and on middle, swinging in sharply, Tim Seifert looks to flick but misses as the ball goes off his pads towards short fine. A leg bye taken. New Zealand are underway with extras.

21:10 IST:

Kingshuk says

IND vs NZ: Arshdeep finding swing

Arshdeep is finding a prodigious amount of inswing against the right handers.

The fast bowler was not finding this at the start of the World Cup, but he has fixed that issue. That action is going through well, which means that he is able to find that inward movement.

21:06 IST:

0.2: Arshdeep Singh to Tim Seifert, Swing and a miss! Back of a length and on off, angling across the right-hander. Tim Seifert has a big heave across the line but fails to connect.

21:05 IST:

0.1: Arshdeep Singh to Tim Seifert, A dot to start! Arshdeep Singh serves this full and on off, shaping in, Tim Seifert bunts it out towards mid off.

21:06 IST:

We are back for New Zealand's response with the bat. The two Kiwi openers are waiting for the umpires to take the field. The Indians are in a huddle near the ropes as Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson deliver the pep talk. Finn Allen and Tim Seifert stride out to the centre. Arshdeep Singh will kickstart the proceedings with the new ball for India. Seifert to face the first ball of the chase. Jasprit Bumrah is standing at a fine short third. There is also a slip in place. Here we go!

21:00 IST:

... THE RUN CHASE ...

21:12 IST:

Title number 3 for India, or history for Black Caps? As India’s innings showed, the pitch may not be the easiest for newcomers to walk in and start going wham-bam-slam from ball one. So it all depends on how the Kiwi openers start in their pursuit. India will aim to get rid of the opening partnership in the Powerplay itself, as Allen and Seifert have been in some devastating form of late. Can India defend their crown? No team has done so in the history of this competition, and even more strikingly, no host nation has ever won the tournament in front of their home crowd. Back in a bit with the all-important run chase. Stay tuned.

21:04 IST:

An Everest-like climb ahead - New Zealand's record in this T20 World Cup has been spotless while chasing. They have won four out of four while hunting down targets. But this one is a huge mountain to climb and it will again require a thunderous start from Tim Seifert and Finn Allen to set the platform for them. The question now is whether they can deliver the same freedom with the bat under the pressure of a World Cup final.

21:04 IST:

Enough on the board? Ha! Take a quick look at what happened in the second semifinal. Even these mammoth totals are not safe anymore. India were pushed to the brink while defending 253 in the semifinal against England, showing how quickly games can turn at this stage. It will take a collective effort with the ball, and not just rely on Jasprit Bumrah to do the heavy lifting. Varun Chakaravarthy, meanwhile, has gone for plenty since the Super Eights started, and India will be hoping he can regain his control and play a key role alongside the rest of the attack.

21:03 IST:

Triple strike by Neesham, Dube destructs later - And then, out of nowhere, came a sudden dry spell in the middle of the storm. James Neesham struck three times in quick succession as India stumbled from 203/1 to 204/4. Both set batters were sent back, and Suryakumar Yadav walked in and out for a golden duck, giving New Zealand a sudden opening. However, they couldn't finish strongly as all the good work done by Neesham was dashed off by an unbeaten 8-ball 26 haemorrhaging by Shivam Dube in that final over. Will that be the difference maker? Only time will tell.

20:58 IST:

Too many loopholes in the bowling plans? New Zealand perhaps missed a trick with their bowling plans, trying a little too much with frequent changes. It almost felt like too many computers were working at the same time, and they struggled a bit to find a way to either control the flow of runs or break the partnership. Even their best of the bowlers weren't spared. The Indian top order made the most of it. Samson brought up his half century as India began cruising like a bullet train, with Ishan Kishan joining in the carnage as well.

20:56 IST:

The construction of a solid platform - It all started with watchfulness. India began cautiously while New Zealand set the marker with some tight, energetic fielding. Once they settled in, Abhishek and Samson shifted gears and took control. The pair dominated the Powerplay and put together India’s longest opening stand of the tournament, adding 98 runs. Abhishek eventually fell after a whirlwind half-century, the quickest of this World Cup, but the platform had already been laid.

20:50 IST:

Mayhem in Ahmedabad - A swashbuckling batting display from the Men in Blue. A kind of day when you wonder, is there anything left for the bowlers in this format? 52 runs in the last 5 overs, of which 24 came in the last over alone. And as per Harsha Bhogle on air, this is the highest T20 score in Ahmedabad. And what makes it more special is the occasion on which this has been mounted.

Score 255/5

BatsmanShivam Dube 26(8b 3*4 2*6)

BowlerJames Neesham 4-0-46-3

20:43 IST:

19.6: James Neesham to Shivam Dube, FOUR! Dube gets it through! 24 runs off the final over. India end up with 255 on the board. James Neesham bangs it into the surface and takes pace off. Dube hops and is made to reach out. He looks to force it away on the off side but does not quite get hold of it, but still manages to split the two fielders at extra cover and mid off and pick up a boundary.

20:46 IST:

Kingshuk says!

Shivam Dube gives India perfect finish!

24 runs from the final over, and India take the momentum going into the second innings of the match.

Shivam Dube rips into Jimmy Neesham in the last over, and takes India past 255/5 in the T20 World Cup 2026 final!

Big mistake from Neesham. He went round the wicket to Dube in the first 4 balls, all of them resulting in boundaries.

The fifth ball was bowled over the wicket, which was a dot, and the last one was hammered through the off side for a four in the final ball.

WHAT A TOTAL FROM INDIA in the final.

Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, and Ishan Kishan - top order batters who hit fifties and set the foundation of a huge total.

There was a lull in between - where India lost the wickets of Surya and Hardik cheaply. And after that it was Shivam Dube who stepped up in the final over.

India have one hand on the trophy, and New Zealand are in trouble here.

20:43 IST:

19.5: James Neesham to Shivam Dube, Missed out! Neesham serves it too straight, on a length, on the pads with fine leg inside the circle. Dube swings at it but does not connect. The ball clips the pads and goes towards backward square leg, but Dube wants to be on strike for the final ball, and he sends Tilak back.

20:41 IST:

19.4: James Neesham to Shivam Dube, FOUR! All the good work done by Neesham earlier is getting undone here. He lands this short and down the leg side, begging to be put away. Dube just helps it on its way over short fine for a boundary.

20:40 IST:

19.3: James Neesham to Shivam Dube, SIX MORE! That's effortless! James Neesham sticks to his fuller length and just outside off. Shivam Dube just extends his arms and launches it cleanly over the wide long off fence for half a dozen more.

20:39 IST:

19.2: James Neesham to Shivam Dube, SIX! 10 off the first 2 balls! Pitched up and just around off. Shivam Dube uses his long levers to fetch it and smokes it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie. Neesham under pressure now.

20:39 IST:

19.1: James Neesham to Shivam Dube, FOUR! Just out of reach! Fuller one and on off, Shivam Dube looks to loft it over mid off but does not get it from the middle of the bat. It goes high in the air and Mitchell Santner turns around to go after it. He tries to grab it with his outstretched left hand but fails to reach it. The ball bounces off the turf and catches him above the right eye before dribbling towards the fence for a boundary.

20:42 IST:

28 runs and 4 wickets in the last 4 overs. James Neesham to close out the innings. How much can India end with?

Score 231/5

BatsmanTilak Varma 8(6b 0*4 0*6)

BowlerMatt Henry 4-0-49-1

20:37 IST:

18.6: Matt Henry to Tilak Varma, Drops safely! Fuller delivery, on middle, rolls his fingers to take pace off. Tilak Varma looks to loft it with a straight bat but mistimes it. It goes in the air but falls between deep mid-wicket and long on. Two taken.

20:38 IST:

Kingshuk says

India lose momentum in death

At one point in time it looked like India would race to 260+, but now, we are at 231 for 5 at 19 overs.

India have dropped momentum, heavily so.

They need a big final over to get things back again!

10 more runs, and this chase will be out of New Zealand's hand.

20:37 IST:

18.5: Matt Henry to Shivam Dube, Short again and outside off, Shivam Dube cuts it away to deep point for one.

20:37 IST:

18.4: Matt Henry to Tilak Varma, Slower bumper, outside off. Tilak Varma reaches out but only manages to force it to extra cover for just a run.

20:35 IST:

18.3: Matt Henry to Shivam Dube, Back of a length and on off, Shivam Dube pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

20:39 IST:

Shivam Dube walks in next. Last 20 balls, 23 runs and 4 wickets.

20:34 IST:

18.2: Matt Henry to Hardik Pandya, OUT! TAKEN! Matt Henry responds well here. He bangs this into the pitch, on off, takes pace off, but gets some extra bounce as well. Hardik Pandya tries to go straight and tries to flat-bat it down the ground but only manages to get a top edge. The ball flies high in the air towards mid off, where Mitchell Santner settles under it and takes a good catch.

20:32 IST:

18.1: Matt Henry to Hardik Pandya, SIX! BOOM! Change of bats has worked for Hardik Pandya. A full toss, on middle and leg. Pandya heaves hard across the line. Gets it from the inner half of the bat, but gets enough to clear the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

20:35 IST:

Just 1 boundary for India in the last 3 overs. This has been excellent by the Kiwis so far in this death phase. Matt Henry returns to the attack. 3-0-38-0 so far for the right-arm quick. A quick change of bat for Hardik.

Score 220/4

BatsmanHardik Pandya 12(11b 1*4 0*6)

BowlerJames Neesham 3-0-22-3

20:31 IST:

17.6: James Neesham to Hardik Pandya, Another short ball, outside off, Hardik Pandya reaches out and flat-bats it down to long off for one more.

20:33 IST:

Kingshuk Says

IND vs NZ: Hardik playing a stinker

Hardik Pandya is not looking in rhythm at all.

In his first 7 balls he did not try to hit a big shot. The one that he did, almost went into the hands of Glenn Phillips.

He is 12 off 11 at the moment, and India need him to tee off in the last two overs.

20:30 IST:

17.5: James Neesham to Hardik Pandya, FOUR! A superb effort in the deep, but it goes in vain! Bangs this into the pitch, on middle, slower again. Hardik Pandya pulls it but mistimes it a bit wide of deep mid-wicket. Glenn Phillips flings himself to his left, tries to grab it with his outstretched left hand, but the ball just evades him for a one-bounce four. If Phillips did not get to it, no one would have!

20:29 IST:

17.4: James Neesham to Hardik Pandya, Still no timing! Fuller and around off, Hardik Pandya looks to slog it a bit too hard. Loses his shape and gets an inside edge towards the vacant mid-wicket region. He calls for two and gets it comfortably in the end.

20:28 IST:

17.3: James Neesham to Tilak Varma, Short of a length and outside off, keeping it away from the batter. Tilak Varma swats it down to long off for just a run.

20:28 IST:

17.2: James Neesham to Hardik Pandya, Back of a length and on off, gives no pace at all, Hardik Pandya heaves it with not much timing to deep mid-wicket for a single.

20:27 IST:

17.1: James Neesham to Hardik Pandya, No hat-trick! Fuller and on off, Hardik Pandya drives it straight to mid off.

20:27 IST:

A sudden drought in the middle of the storm. New Zealand have pulled things back nicely since the last couple of overs. Just 8/3 in the last 2 overs for India. James Neesham to continue and he is on a Hat Trick.

Score 211/4

BatsmanHardik Pandya 4(6b 0*4 0*6)

BowlerJacob Duffy 3-0-42-0

20:26 IST:

16.6: Jacob Duffy to Hardik Pandya, Hard length and outside off, Hardik Pandya stabs it out through cover-point for one more.

20:25 IST:

16.5: Jacob Duffy to Tilak Varma, Fuller one and on middle and leg, Tilak Varma hoicks it towards deep mid-wicket for one.

20:25 IST:

16.4: Jacob Duffy to Tilak Varma, Uppish but safe! A pacy bouncer, on middle. Tilak Varma shuffles across to hook but gets a top edge over the keeper's head. Matt Henry from short fine chases after it and puts in a slide to make a fine stop, saving a couple of runs.

20:24 IST:

16.3: Jacob Duffy to Hardik Pandya, Short of a length and on middle, takes pace off, Hardik Pandya pulls it to deep mid-wicket for another run.

20:23 IST:

16.2: Jacob Duffy to Tilak Varma, CHANCE? Oh, yes. A sharp chance but Finn Allen has put it down. Duffy slams it on a hard length, outside off. Tilak's eyes light up as he sees the width on offer. Cuts it hard and picks the bones out of it but fails to hit it wide enough of Allen at backward point. Finn gets low and tries to take the catch around his left ankle but fails to cling on. It goes behind for a single. Allen grimaces in pain but he is staying on.

20:22 IST:

16.1: Jacob Duffy to Hardik Pandya, Pace taken off, on a good length, outside off. Pandya punches it on the up in front of square on the off side. The batters think about the second, but Glenn Phillips gets around to his left and keeps it to a single.

20:23 IST:

And suddenly, there is a flurry of wickets for New Zealand. Tilak Varma comes in next, at number 6. Jacob Duffy (2-0-35-0) is back on.

Score 204/4

BatsmanSuryakumar Yadav 0(1b 0*4 0*6)

BowlerJames Neesham 2-0-13-3

20:21 IST:

15.6: James Neesham to Suryakumar Yadav, OUT! CAUGHT! India lose their captain for a golden duck and it is three wickets in the over for James Neesham. He bangs this into the pitch, just around off. Suryakumar Yadav looks to target his favourite area towards long leg. He gets low and scoops it but does not get hold of it. Rachin Ravindra moves to his right and takes a superb sliding catch. The crowd has gone silent and India are 204/4 now.

20:22 IST:

Kingshuk Says

Would you believe it? Neesham takes 3

Would you believe it!

Jimmy Neesham has given 1 run and picked 3 wickets in the 16th over!

All three are prized ones! Samson with the first ball, Ishan Kishan in the 5th ball and Suryakumar Yadav in the final ball of the over.

The first one was a mishit. Second one was a slower full toss that Kishan failed to connect. Suryakyumar Yadav tries to play the overhead Supla but ends up getting caught by a diving Rachin Ravindra.

From 203/1, India are 204/4 in a matter of 6 balls.

20:20 IST:

A good mini comeback by New Zealand in this over through Neesham's double strike. 203/1 becomes 204/3 for India. In walks the Indian captain, Suryakumar Yadav, at number 5.

20:19 IST:

15.5: James Neesham to Ishan Kishan, OUT! TAKEN! Both set batters dismissed in the same over, and New Zealand have a sniff. James Neesham is thrilled to bits. Neesham switches to around the wicket and bowls it very full, on middle. Kishan hangs low to go down the ground. He takes it on the full and goes through with the shot. One hand comes off the bat handle, and he gets it only as far as long on. Mark Chapman moves to his right at long on and does the rest.

20:18 IST:

15.4: James Neesham to Hardik Pandya, On a short of a good length, outside off, Pandya hops and cuts it to deep cover for a single.

20:17 IST:

15.3: James Neesham to Hardik Pandya, On a hard length, on off, Hardik rises with the bounce and angles it to backward point.

20:17 IST:

15.2: James Neesham to Hardik Pandya, Into the wicket, on off, Hardik taps it off the back foot to mid off.

20:18 IST:

The 105-run partnership comes to an end for the second wicket. Oh, interesting! Hardik Pandya has been promoted to number 4.

20:16 IST:

15.1: James Neesham to Sanju Samson, OUT! CAUGHT! James Neesham strikes on his return to the attack. Not the best of balls, but Neesham will take it. A high-full toss, around the waist, on off. Samson waits back to smash it down the ground but does not quite manage to get his hands through the ball in a fashion he would have liked. Hits it flat towards long on, where the sub fielder, Cole McConchie, runs across to his left and stays side on to complete the catch whilst ensuring he stays away from the boundary cushions. Samson has a look at the umpires but they are happy with the height. End of a top knock from Sanju.

20:17 IST:

Kingshuk says

IND vs NZ: Heartbreak for Samson

Heartbreak for Sanju Samson. He gets dismissed in the first ball of the 16th over, handing a catch to Cole McConchie at long on.

The ball was perhaps there to hit, but only so many can come out of the middle of the bat.

Samson departs for 89 off 46.

20:15 IST:

James Neesham replaces Rachin Ravindra. He went for 12 runs off his first over.

Score 203/1

BatsmanIshan Kishan 54(24b 4*4 4*6)

BowlerMitchell Santner 4-0-33-0

20:13 IST:

14.6: Mitchell Santner to Ishan Kishan, FOUR! The 200 is up for India! Santner spears it in, full, almost in the blockhole, on middle. Kishan is deep in the crease and manages to get the leverage to go back over the bowler's head for a four.

20:14 IST:

Kingshuk says

Ishan Kishan hits fifty, add 100 runs with Samson

All top 3 India batters have now hit fifty in this match.

Ishan Kishan reaches his fifty in just 23 balls. He has also added a hundred runs with Sanju Samson.

India are 203/1 in 15 overs.

What's going to be the final score today? Any guesses?

20:13 IST:

14.5: Mitchell Santner to Sanju Samson, Full and on off, knocked to long off for a single by Sanju.

20:12 IST:

14.4: Mitchell Santner to Ishan Kishan, FIFTY FOR KISHAN! India's pocket rocket has stood up on the big night of the final with a 23-ball half-century. Santner fires it in, full and on middle, Kishan wrists it off the front foot through mid-wicket for a run. He raises his bat to acknowledge the applause of the crowd. The 100-run stand also comes up between this pair.

20:12 IST:

14.3: Mitchell Santner to Ishan Kishan, Santner switches to over the wicket and pushes it through, short and outside off. Ishan attempts the switch hit but misses. Kishan is unhappy that the wide is not called, but he had moved across his stumps.

20:11 IST:

14.2: Mitchell Santner to Ishan Kishan, SIX! Just over! Across off, fuller in length. Kishan collapses his back knee and goes under the ball. He hits it against the angle, and even though the bat turns in his hand, he manages to clear the leaping deep mid-wicket fielder.

20:11 IST:

14.1: Mitchell Santner to Ishan Kishan, Near the tramline, on the shorter side. Kishan is made to reach out. The ball grazes the toe end of the blade before dribbling to short third.

20:21 IST:

DRINKS BREAK. It has been an absolute mayhem at the Narendra Modi Stadium by the Indian batters. These two have put on 93 runs together and Samson is inching closer to his century as well. Ishan Kishan has come out with an aggressive intent as he strikes at 226.32 right now. New Zealand are under tremendous pressure as they not only need to do damage control but also pick wickets to slow things down. India, if they go at this pace, even 270-plus is possible, with 9 wickets in hand. Here comes Mitchell Santner to bowl after the break, taking matters into his own hands.

Score 191/1

BatsmanSanju Samson 88(44b 5*4 8*6)

BowlerRachin Ravindra 2-0-32-1

20:07 IST:

13.6: Rachin Ravindra to Sanju Samson, SIX! A hat-trick of sixes! Just 2 runs off the first 3 balls, but the over ends up going for 20. Flighted delivery, on a good length, outside off. Samson gets the width to free his arms, and he stays still at the point of impact. Opens up the front hip and slams it inside out over extra cover for the third six in a row.

20:09 IST:

Kingshuk Says

6,6,6: Sanju nearing hundred in T20 World Cup final!

Sanju Samson. SANJU SAMSON!! SANJUUUU SAMSONNN!!

Some incredible shots, and he is nearing what could be the first ever T20 World Cup final hundred.

It is just 14 overs, and this is already the highest ever score in the T20 World Cup final!

20:07 IST:

13.5: Rachin Ravindra to Sanju Samson, SIX MORE! Outta here! Rachin Ravindra pulls his length back, on middle. This is fractionally short but enough for Samson to climb into it. He goes deep in the crease in a flash and pulls it way over deep mid-wicket for his 7th biggie.

20:06 IST:

13.4: Rachin Ravindra to Sanju Samson, SIX! Clean as a whistle! Rachin errs in length as he dishes it out right in the slot. This is on middle and leg. Samson puts his head down, holds his shape and smokes it towards the sight screen for a six.

20:05 IST:

13.3: Rachin Ravindra to Ishan Kishan, Flatter and shorter, outside off, this is heaved away to deep mid-wicket for a single.

20:05 IST:

13.2: Rachin Ravindra to Sanju Samson, Flighted delivery, keeps it wide on off, on a length. Sanju makes room to go inside out, but is slightly early into the shot. Chips it down to long off for a run.

20:04 IST:

13.1: Rachin Ravindra to Sanju Samson, Good stop! Darted in from around the wicket, on a length, on middle and leg. Samson knocks it down the strip. Rachin gets across and dives to his right to prevent the single.

20:04 IST:

Rachin Ravindra (1-0-12-1) is brought back into the attack. He replaces Lockie Ferguson. A lengthy discussion between him and Santner before he is ready to bowl.

Score 171/1

BatsmanSanju Samson 69(39b 5*4 5*6)

BowlerMatt Henry 3-0-38-0

20:03 IST:

12.6: Matt Henry to Sanju Samson, Good comeback from Henry after being hit for a six earlier in the over. Gets the yorker in, right in the blockhole. Samson gets his bat down and jams it out back past the bowler for one.

20:04 IST:

Kingshuk says

Samson, Kishan are playing some incredible shots

Back of the length balls are getting bashed down the ground. The New Zealand bowlers look scared, Mitchell Santner looks confused. New Zealand are under big trouble.

13 overs down, India are 171 for the loss of 1 wicket.

We are likely going to see a total bigger than Wankhede today.

Mitchell Santner has a big discussion with Matt Henry, perhaps asking him to resort to yorkers.

20:02 IST:

12.5: Matt Henry to Ishan Kishan, Not in control but safe! Henry digs it in short and it skids through, outside off. Kishan backs away and flays at it. Ends up giving himself too much room. Spoons it aerially, but the ball drops in front of the rushing deep cover fielder. Just a single.

20:01 IST:

12.4: Matt Henry to Sanju Samson, Slanting into the pads, full in length. Samson just checks his shot as he whips it in front of deep mid-wicket. They cross.

20:01 IST:

12.3: Matt Henry to Ishan Kishan, Back to pace on, low full toss, on middle and leg. Kishan gets low and smears it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

20:00 IST:

12.2: Matt Henry to Ishan Kishan, SIX! Stand and deliver! Henry takes pace off and bowls it at 122.9 kph. Bangs it into the surface, but this comes at waist height, outside off. Kishan waits for the ball to arrive and pummels it over wide long on for a six.

19:59 IST:

12.1: Matt Henry to Ishan Kishan, Pushes it across the left-hander, on a good length. Kishan reaches out to force it away. Gets it right off the toe end of the blade towards mid off.

19:59 IST:

Will Mitchell Santner bowl himself out here? The answer is no. Matt Henry is back. He has gone for 28 runs in his 2 overs.

Score 161/1

BatsmanSanju Samson 67(37b 5*4 5*6)

BowlerLockie Ferguson 2-0-48-0

19:59 IST:

11.6: Lockie Ferguson to Sanju Samson, FOUR! Up and over! Lockie Ferguson hits the length hard and on off. Sanju Samson transfers his weight slightly on the back foot and muscles it over the mid off fielder for a boundary now. Ferguson has been taken for 24 runs in each of his opening two overs.

19:58 IST:

11.5: Lockie Ferguson to Ishan Kishan, Back of a length and on off, Ishan Kishan swats it towards wide long on for one.

19:57 IST:

11.4: Lockie Ferguson to Ishan Kishan, SIX! The runs just keep on flowing here! Pitched up and on middle and off. Ishan Kishan manages to get right underneath it and smacks it flat and over the long on fence for the third six of the over.

19:57 IST:

11.3: Lockie Ferguson to Sanju Samson, From around the wicket now. The yorker is nailed, on middle and leg. Sanju digs it out to wide long on for a single. 150 UP FOR INDIA! In just 11.3 overs.

19:56 IST:

11.2: Lockie Ferguson to Sanju Samson, SIX! Back-to-back biggies! Lockie Ferguson overcorrects his length and goes full, on middle, in the slot as well. Sanju Samson gets his front foot out and tonks it over the bowler's head for half a dozen more. This also brings up the 50-run partnership between Samson and Kishan.

19:55 IST:

11.1: Lockie Ferguson to Sanju Samson, SIX! SMOKED! Lockie Ferguson bangs this into the pitch, on middle, not short enough to trouble the batter. Sanju Samson picks up the length early and hammers it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

Score 137/1

BatsmanSanju Samson 50(33b 4*4 3*6)

BowlerMitchell Santner 3-0-21-0

19:54 IST:

10.6: Mitchell Santner to Sanju Samson, FIFTY FOR SAMSON! Another magnificent knock from him, and this is his third consecutive fifty in this tournament. Also, according to Natalie Germanos on air, Samson becomes the third player to score half-centuries in a T20 World Cup semi-final and a final. This is a quicker one, full and on leg, Sanju Samson drills it to long on for one more.

19:55 IST:

Kingshuk says

Fifty for Samson, third successive in T20 World Cup 2026!

What a way to turn the tide!

Sanju Samson, you beauty!

Coming into the team as a crisis solver, Sanju Samson has hit three back to back fifties in the T20 World Cup.

If the two previous ones brought him into the contention of the Player of the Tournament award, this knock will surely win it.

The crowd is buzzing, and so are the Indian fans.

Most consecutive 50-plus scores in T20 World Cups

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)

19:54 IST:

10.5: Mitchell Santner to Sanju Samson, Drops it short and around off, Sanju Samson punches it wide of extra cover, where Rachin Ravindra dives to his right to make a clean stop this time.

19:53 IST:

10.4: Mitchell Santner to Ishan Kishan, Fires in a yorker, on middle, Ishan Kishan jams it down towards long on for one.

19:53 IST:

10.3: Mitchell Santner to Ishan Kishan, SIX! Into the stands! Tossed up, full and on middle and leg. Ishan Kishan clears his front leg, gets low and nails the slog sweep over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

19:52 IST:

10.2: Mitchell Santner to Sanju Samson, Flatter, full and on off, Sanju Samson drives it towards extra cover, where Rachin Ravindra only makes a half-stop and allows a run.

19:52 IST:

10.1: Mitchell Santner to Ishan Kishan, Drags his length back, on middle, Ishan Kishan heaves it towards wide long on for a single.

19:53 IST:

Kingshuk says

10 overs gone, India 127/1 in T20 World Cup Final

India have scored 127 runs in the first 10 overs. This is better than their tally at the Wankhede, where they scored 119 against England.

India, in that match scored 253. This pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium, looks a belter of a pitch as well.

Score 127/1

BatsmanSanju Samson 48(30b 4*4 3*6)

BowlerJames Neesham 1-0-12-0

19:51 IST:

9.6: James Neesham to Sanju Samson, Nails the wide yorker this time, Sanju Samson tries to steer it away again, but this time, he does not make any contact.

19:50 IST:

9.5: James Neesham to Ishan Kishan, Hits the length hard, on off, Ishan Kishan stabs it out in front of short cover for a run.

19:49 IST:

9.4: James Neesham to Ishan Kishan, FOUR! Sloppy fielding! A slower one, back of a length and outside off. Ishan Kishan cuts it away hard and wide of point. Rachin Ravindra dives to his left but lets it through for a boundary.

19:49 IST:

9.3: James Neesham to Sanju Samson, On a length and on off, Sanju Samson works it off the inner half of the bat through square leg for a single.

19:49 IST:

Kingshuk says

T20 WC final: Santner's captaincy under scanner

Mitchell Santner has been bowling well himself. He has given away just 11 runs in the first two overs, which is incredible given the kind of runscoring we have seen today.

However, his captaincy, on the other hand, has been below average.

Considering India top order has struggled against spin, one would have thought that NZ would actually bowl at least 2 or 3 overs of spin in the powerplay.

NZ bowled one. Santner held on to his spinners as his pacers were clocking 24, 21 runs per over.

That was a little weird to me.

Meanwhile, Sanju Samson is closing in on a rapid half century.

19:48 IST:

9.2: James Neesham to Sanju Samson, FOUR! Incredible shot! Nothing wrong with the ball, it is a yorker, on off. Sanju Samson waits for it, opens the face of the bat late and guides it past short third for a boundary.

19:47 IST:

9.1: James Neesham to Sanju Samson, In the air...SAFE! Fuller one and just outside off. Sanju Samson backs away to go over covers but slices it. It goes in the air but lands out of the reach of the backtracking point fielder. Two taken.

19:47 IST:

Just one over for Rachin Ravindra then. He has been replaced by James Neesham.

Score 115/1

BatsmanSanju Samson 41(26b 3*4 3*6)

BowlerMitchell Santner 2-0-11-0

19:46 IST:

8.6: Mitchell Santner to Sanju Samson, A couple of quiet overs from Santner! Flighted, full and on off, Sanju Samson drills it to long off for one more.

19:46 IST:

8.5: Mitchell Santner to Sanju Samson, A rare dot ball! Pushed through quicker, short and on off, angling in. Sanju Samson stays back and stabs it to short cover.

19:45 IST:

8.4: Mitchell Santner to Ishan Kishan, A low full toss, on middle and leg, Ishan Kishan clips it away to deep mid-wicket for one.

19:45 IST:

8.3: Mitchell Santner to Sanju Samson, Slows it up, shortish and on off, Sanju Samson pats it towards long off for another run.

19:44 IST:

8.2: Mitchell Santner to Ishan Kishan, Flatter, short and outside off, Ishan Kishan hangs back and punches it to the left of sweeper cover for a run.

19:44 IST:

8.1: Mitchell Santner to Sanju Samson, Tossed up, full and on off, Sanju Samson eases it down to long off for a single. Nelson on the board now.

Score 110/1

BatsmanIshan Kishan 12(5b 2*4 0*6)

BowlerRachin Ravindra 1-0-12-1

19:43 IST:

7.6: Rachin Ravindra to Ishan Kishan, FOUR! Finds the gap again! A quicker one, short and outside off, Ishan plays off the back foot, and threads it between short third and backward point for a boundary. So 12 runs and a wicket from Rachin's first over.

19:42 IST:

7.5: Rachin Ravindra to Ishan Kishan, FOUR! Tremendous timing! Drag-downer, spinning in from middle to leg. Ishan hangs deep inside the crease and knocks it through the mid on and mid-wicket gap for a boundary.

19:42 IST:

7.4: Rachin Ravindra to Ishan Kishan, Very full, wide on off. Ishan reaches out to force it away but ends up bunting it down on the off side.

19:42 IST:

7.3: Rachin Ravindra to Ishan Kishan, On a length, pushed a bit wide on off. Kishan extends his hands and slices it wide of sweeper cover. It is Glenn Phillips in the deep, who gets across quickly and slides to cut it off. Another couple for Ishan.

19:41 IST:

7.2: Rachin Ravindra to Ishan Kishan, Superb stop! Tossed up, full and on off. Kishan drills it all along the ground towards long on. Daryl Mitchell sprints and tumbles to his right to prevent the boundary. Two runs taken.

19:42 IST:

Kingshuk says

T20 World Cup Final: Oh No! Abhishek falls

What an anticlimactic end to Abhishek Sharma's innings.

Floated full and wide by Rachin Ravindra. If left alone, the ball would have been wide. But Abhishek goes at it, and ends up edging the ball to Tim Seifert.

Very good catch from the New Zealand wicketkeeper.

Abhishek walks off to a standing ovation at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

19:41 IST:

The Kiwis break the massive 98-run opening stand. In walks Ishan Kishan at number 3.

19:41 IST:

7.1: Rachin Ravindra to Abhishek Sharma, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Rachin Ravindra continues to have a dream run with the ball as he breaks this dangerous opening partnership. Rachin goes full and wide outside off. Abhishek reaches out for it as he looks to carve it behind square on the off side. He gets a faint outside edge instead, and Seifert takes a sharp catch behind the stumps. Had Abhishek left that, it would have been a wide. But he goes after providing a solid platform for his side.

19:39 IST:

Spin from both ends? Yes, Rachin Ravindra comes into the attack now.

Score 98/0

BatsmanAbhishek Sharma 52(20b 6*4 3*6)

BowlerMitchell Santner 1-0-6-0

19:38 IST:

6.6: Mitchell Santner to Abhishek Sharma, Pushed wide across the batter, on a length. Sharma gets on the back foot and cuts it to deep backward point for a single. A quiet over as just 6 runs come from it.

19:37 IST:

6.5: Mitchell Santner to Sanju Samson, In-angler on a length, on middle, Sanju goes across and tucks it through mid on for a single.

19:37 IST:

6.4: Mitchell Santner to Sanju Samson, FOUR! Nicely done! Bowled from a bit wide of the crease, short and on top of off. Samson stays leg side of the ball, and his fast hands come into play. Cuts it to the right of the backward point fielder for a boundary.

19:36 IST:

6.3: Mitchell Santner to Sanju Samson, Drifting in on a length, this is punched to cover.

19:36 IST:

6.2: Mitchell Santner to Sanju Samson, Nicely floated up, full and around off. Sanju tries to smash that through cover, but the ball dips, spins and beats the outside edge.

19:36 IST:

6.1: Mitchell Santner to Sanju Samson, Pushed fuller, on off, Sanju gently eases it to the mid off fielder.

19:37 IST:

Kingshuk says

Abhishek, Samson rapid in powerplay

What does this remind you of ladies and gentlemen!

Have we seen this before?

Throughout 2024, India blasted opponents with Sanju and Abhishek at the helm.

It did not happen in this World Cup, till today!

What a day to tee off in your usual manner!

Abhishek batting at 51 off 19, while Samson at 33 off 17.

19:38 IST:

DRINKS! India saved their best for this final. A dominating display in the Powerplay and New Zealand look out of answers here, desperately needing this break. The first 2 overs went for just 12 runs, but Mitchell Santner decided to chop and change his bowlers, and it did not work out, as the next 4 overs went for 80 runs. With all 10 wickets in hand, India have set up another platform for a massive score and potentially bat the Kiwis out of the game. New Zealand need to pull things back in the middle overs, and wickets are the only currency that can get them back in this final. Here is Mitchell Santner to bowl after the break.

Score 92/0

BatsmanAbhishek Sharma 51(19b 6*4 3*6)

BowlerJacob Duffy 2-0-35-0

19:32 IST:

5.6: Jacob Duffy to Abhishek Sharma, A dot to end the Powerplay. On a hard length, Abhishek walks across the stumps and seeing that, Duffy pushes it away from the left-hander. Sharma ends up leaving the ball in the hope of getting a wide from the umpire, but gets nothing. 20 runs off the final over of the Powerplay. At the end of 6 overs, India are 92/0.

19:33 IST:

Kingshuk says

T20 World Cup final: Abhishek hits fifty in 18 balls

Abhishek Sharma is doing best what he does!

He is coming down the track and attacking the fast bowlers.

New Zealand have got this horribly wrong. The continue to feed Abhishek pace.

Abhishek is pulling balls with disdain and reaches his fifty in just 18 balls.

This is the fastest fifty in the history of T20 World Cup final. Fastest in the history of T20 World Cup knockouts.

19:32 IST:

5.5: Jacob Duffy to Abhishek Sharma, FOUR! FIFTY FOR ABHISHEK SHARMA! In just 18 balls. After a very underwhelming tournament, he has chosen a perfect occasion to make an impact. A hard-length delivery around the fifth stump. Abhishek stands tall and flat-bats it over the top of wide mid on for a boundary. The Indian dugout erupts in appreciation, with every player on their feet applauding the southpaw. This is the fastest fifty in this World Cup, informs Ravi Shastri on air.

19:31 IST:

5.4: Jacob Duffy to Abhishek Sharma, And again! A bouncer outside off, and Abhishek spots that there’s no one stationed on the leg side boundary. He shuffles across the stumps and goes for the pull, only to get a top edge that sails over square leg. Mark Chapman chases it from the circle and cuts it off before the ropes. The batters run a couple.

19:31 IST:

5.3: Jacob Duffy to Abhishek Sharma, FOUR! Just out of reach! Full outside off, Sharma swings hard across the line and skies it. Chapman gives it a chase and even puts in a dive, but the ball drops just beyond his reach. As he scrambles on the ground trying to pull it back in, he ends up nudging it onto the ropes instead.

19:30 IST:

5.2: Jacob Duffy to Abhishek Sharma, SIX! Nonchalantly played! A low full toss, around off, Abhishek Sharma gets on the front foot, maintains his shape and thumps it downtown for a six.

19:29 IST:

5.1: Jacob Duffy to Abhishek Sharma, FOUR! Edgy! A low full toss, on off, Abhishek advances and gives himself some room. He tries to go inside out through the off side, but only manages a fat outside edge. The ball shoots between the keeper and the short third fielder and goes for a boundary.

19:28 IST:

Jacob Duffy to bowl the final over of the Powerplay.

Score 72/0

BatsmanSanju Samson 33(17b 2*4 3*6)

BowlerMatt Henry 2-0-28-0

19:27 IST:

4.6: Matt Henry to Sanju Samson, SIX! Gets much more than enough on that. Henry bashes the length hard, over middle and leg. Sanju Samson picks the length in a trice and nails the pull shot, parking it behind the deep square leg fence for a six. End of a very lengthy over from Henry. 21 runs from it.

19:29 IST:

Kingshuk Says

IND vs NZ: Henry has gone defensive too quickly

New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry, who is best known for hitting the seam well, has gone to defensive bowling very very quickly.

Does that speak of the pitch, or does that speak of the risk appetite they have in the final?

Henry, who usually targets the stumps, bowls 4 wide balls, while trying to stay away from the arc of the batter.

But, he is unable to escape punishment and ends up conceding 21 runs in the 5th over.

India are 72/0 in 5 overs. This is turning out to be a ravishing start for India.

19:27 IST:

4.5: Matt Henry to Sanju Samson, On a hard length, jagging back into the batter. Samson plays off the back foot and pulls it between the deep square leg and deep mid-wicket fielders for a couple of runs.

19:26 IST:

4.4: Matt Henry to Abhishek Sharma, At pace now, on a full length, outside off, Abhishek Sharma drives it through the vacant mid off region for a single.

19:25 IST:

4.3: Matt Henry to Abhishek Sharma, SIX! HIGH AND HANDSOME! Full and slow, wide outside off, Abhishek Sharma has enough time in the world to get under it and he clubs it cleanly behind long off for a huge six. Abhishek moves to 30 (12).

19:25 IST:

4.3: Matt Henry to Abhishek Sharma, WIDE! Not working at the moment for Henry. This is the fourth wide of the over. He goes miles outside the off pole and the tramline. Abhishek leaves.

19:24 IST:

4.2: Matt Henry to Sanju Samson, Short of a good length, nipping into the batter at chest height. Sanju Samson pulls it off the back foot and it goes on the bounce to the deep mid-wicket fielder for a single.

19:24 IST:

4.2: Matt Henry to Sanju Samson, WIDE! A bit too straight, down the leg stump line, slower at 117.2 kph. Samson gets inside the line, tries to pull, but fails to connect. Third wide of the over already.

19:23 IST:

4.1: Matt Henry to Abhishek Sharma, Around off, on a good length, at 124.4 kph, a cutter, it seems. Abhishek Sharma hangs back and cuts it to deep backward point for a single.

19:22 IST:

4.1: Matt Henry to Abhishek Sharma, WIDE! Again, Henry loses the radar and bowls outside the guideline, on the off side. Left alone by Sharma. Henry under pressure.

19:22 IST:

4.1: Matt Henry to Abhishek Sharma, WIDE! Far outside off, across the batter, and breaching the tramline. Abhishek ignores. Wide called.

19:22 IST:

Kingshuk Says

T20 World Cup final: Very poor opening from Lockie

A very poor opening over from Lockie Ferguson.

Yes, a couple of good balls that went for runs, but then he absolutely lost his bearings.

Three wides in that over, apart from that, two sixes and two fours.

India are off to their best start in the T20 World Cup, and thankfully that has come in the final.

19:26 IST:

The last couple of overs have completely shifted the momentum towards India. Matt Henry comes back in the attack now. He gave away 7 runs in his first over.

Score 51/0

BatsmanSanju Samson 24(14b 2*4 2*6)

BowlerLockie Ferguson 1-0-24-0

19:20 IST:

3.6: Lockie Ferguson to Sanju Samson, FOUR! Sanju Samson gets it away this time. Sliding onto the pads, on a good length. Samson lets the ball come to him and tickles it fine of the man at short fine leg for a boundary. 24 runs off the over, 39 off the last 2. The 50 is up for India.

19:19 IST:

3.5: Lockie Ferguson to Sanju Samson, Lockie Ferguson takes pace off and bowls it full, on off, Sanju gets low and steers it to point.

19:19 IST:

3.5: Lockie Ferguson to Sanju Samson, Wide! Down leg again, on a back of a length. Sanju misses out in putting it away. 20 runs off the over with a ball to go.

19:19 IST:

3.5: Lockie Ferguson to Sanju Samson, Wide! Too full, down leg. Samson swings to get it away but misses. Tim Seifert does well to move to his left and makes the stop.

19:18 IST:

3.4: Lockie Ferguson to Sanju Samson, SIX! Not where Samson intended but he will take it. Cross-seam delivery, slanting into the right-hander. Samson hangs deep in the crease and has a swipe across the line. Gets a leading edge that goes down to deep third. The fielder in the deep is a bit square and he can only watch it sail over the ropes for a six.

19:20 IST:

Kingshuk Says

IND vs NZ: Abhishek Sharma is finding his stride

Abhishek Sharma is finally finding his stride in the T20 World Cup 2026.

New Zealand took off Glenn Phillips after they did not get the wicket of Abhishek Sharma.

What Santner tried was to mix his bowlers, giving the speedsters one, one over each.

However, Abhishek has finally found his confidence, and has started to hit his shots.

23 off just 10 already and the fans are absolutely loving it.

19:17 IST:

3.4: Lockie Ferguson to Sanju Samson, Wide! Sprayed down leg, on a back of a length. Samson swivels to pull it away but is beaten for pace.

19:17 IST:

3.3: Lockie Ferguson to Abhishek Sharma, Hits the hard length, over middle. Abhishek dabs it in front of point and takes a single.

19:16 IST:

3.2: Lockie Ferguson to Abhishek Sharma, SIX! All the way! Leg-cutter from Ferguson, fuller and outside off. Sharma has a big swing at it. Ends up slicing it slightly but gets more than enough on the bat to clear the wide long off fence for a six.

19:15 IST:

3.1: Lockie Ferguson to Abhishek Sharma, FOUR! Streaky, but they all count! Lockie Ferguson steams in from over the wicket and bashes the hard length, across off. Abhishek charges down the track and flays at it. Gets a thickish outside edge that goes over the vacant slip cordon and flies down to deep third for a boundary.

19:16 IST:

India have made their move, going after Jacob Duffy. Bowler number 4 for the Kiwis, Lockie Ferguson replaces Glenn Phillips.

Score 27/0

BatsmanSanju Samson 14(11b 1*4 1*6)

BowlerJacob Duffy 1-0-15-0

19:14 IST:

2.6: Jacob Duffy to Sanju Samson, FOUR! 15 runs off the over! Jacob pitches it up but ends up being a bit too full and finds no help through the air, on off. Sanju presents the full face of the bat and smacks it back over the bowler's head for the third boundary of the over.

19:13 IST:

2.5: Jacob Duffy to Sanju Samson, At the sticks, angled in on a length. Samson has a hack across the line and shanks it off the inner half to mid-wicket.

19:15 IST:

Saurabh

Abhishek, Sanju tee off in Duffy's over

Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson shifted gears in Jacob Duffy's over, collecting 15 runs to give India early momentum. After Sanju nudged a single to bring Abhishek on strike, the young opener attacked immediately, stepping down the track to loft one over mid-on for four before timing another crisp boundary straight down the ground past mid-off. Abhishek also survived a mistimed pull that dropped just short of Glenn Phillips at deep square leg. Sanju then capped off the over in style, smashing a slot delivery over the bowler's head for four as India's openers finally teed off.

19:13 IST:

2.4: Jacob Duffy to Abhishek Sharma, Just short! A heart-stopping moment for Abhishek Sharma. After being hit for a couple of fours on relatively full balls, Duffy responds by banging it in short, around middle and leg. Abhishek tries to take it on but the ball gets big on him. It goes flat towards deep square leg, where Glenn Phillips runs in off the ropes and puts in the dive but the ball drops short. Phillips does well to get his body behind the ball and prevents the ball from going past him. Just a single.

19:12 IST:

2.3: Jacob Duffy to Abhishek Sharma, FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries for the southpaw. Duffy stays full, on middle. Abhishek holds his shape and swings through the line. He does not try to overhit this one and lifts it back over the bowler's head for four more.

19:11 IST:

2.2: Jacob Duffy to Abhishek Sharma, FOUR! Up and over! Fuller in length, on middle and leg. Abhishek clears the front leg and clubs it over wide mid on. Not quite from the middle of the bat, but enough to clear the in-field and fetch Sharma his first boundary.

19:11 IST:

2.2: Jacob Duffy to Abhishek Sharma, Wide! Duffy pushes it across the left-hander, on a back of a length. Abhishek Sharma jumps out of the crease but the ball is out of his reach and he lets it go. The ball goes just beyond the tramline for a wide.

19:10 IST:

2.1: Jacob Duffy to Sanju Samson, A hint of away shape, on a good length, on off and middle. Samson waits back and turns it through square leg for a single.

19:10 IST:

Third over and New Zealand bring in their third bowler as well. Jacob Duffy replaces Matt Henry.

Score 12/0

BatsmanAbhishek Sharma 3(4b 0*4 0*6)

BowlerGlenn Phillips 1-0-5-0

19:09 IST:

1.6: Glenn Phillips to Abhishek Sharma, Great effort! Floated up by Glenn Phillips, full and on middle. Sharma does not move his feet much and just extends his hands into the drive. Plays it between extra cover and long off. Daryl Mitchell is quick across the ground at long off, to his right, and dives to push the ball away from the fence. He saves a couple of runs for his side. A tidy start from Phillips.

19:11 IST:

Saurabh

Glenn Phillips bowls an excellent over as Abhishek taking his time

Glenn Phillips kept things tight in the second over as India’s openers opted for caution rather than taking the aerial route. Sanju Samson rotated the strike with two singles, while Abhishek Sharma took his time to settle in, defending a full delivery solidly before getting off the mark with a push to long-off. Abhishek then drove sweetly through cover for a couple, only to be denied a boundary by a brilliant effort from Daryl Mitchell at long-off, ensuring Phillips finished an economical over.

19:08 IST:

1.5: Glenn Phillips to Sanju Samson, No air given by Glenn Phillips, on a good length, outside off. Samson knocks it watchfully to long on and gets to the other end.

19:08 IST:

1.4: Glenn Phillips to Abhishek Sharma, This is flatter and shorter, on off. Abhishek rides the bounce and taps it to long on. He is off the mark with a single.

19:07 IST:

1.3: Glenn Phillips to Abhishek Sharma, Angled in from wide of the crease, full and on middle and leg. Abhishek Sharma lunges and defends it out.

19:07 IST:

1.2: Glenn Phillips to Abhishek Sharma, From around the wicket for the left-hander. This is tossed up slightly, on off. A hint of turn, Sharma eases the drive to cover.

19:06 IST:

1.1: Glenn Phillips to Sanju Samson, Starts on a nagging length, on top of off, Samson punches it off the back foot to long on and crosses over.

19:06 IST:

A good battle between bat and ball in the first over! First big move in the final already. Mitchell Santner brings in Glenn Phillips to bowl some offies now.

Score 7/0

BatsmanSanju Samson 7(6b 0*4 1*6)

BowlerMatt Henry 1-0-7-0

19:05 IST:

0.6: Matt Henry to Sanju Samson, Good cricket! Matt pitches it up, on off and middle. Sanju presses forward and taps it with soft hands in front of mid on and scampers to the other end. 7 runs off the first over!

19:06 IST:

Saurabh

Sanju gets off the mark with trademark six

Sanju Samson got off the mark in style, launching Matt Henry for a stunning six to open his account. The ball wasn’t particularly short, but Samson quickly got under the length delivery and muscled it flat over long-on with a confident pull shot, barely needing to go onto the back foot. It was a statement stroke early in his innings, showing India’s intent on what appears to be a good batting surface, with the hosts clearly unwilling to wait for the early seam movement to fade before taking on the bowlers.

19:04 IST:

0.5: Matt Henry to Sanju Samson, SIX! Sanju Samson and India are underway! Henry pulls the length back, outside off. This is fractionally short, but Samson is quick to pounce on it. He stands tall and thumps it off the front foot over the man at mid on for a flat six.

19:03 IST:

0.4: Matt Henry to Sanju Samson, Make that four dots. Henry pushes the length up, not a lot of movement in the air or off the deck. Samson plays it all along the ground to mid on.

19:03 IST:

0.3: Matt Henry to Sanju Samson, Around the off stump, on a length, Sanju hangs back and angles it to point from the crease. Three dots in a row.

19:03 IST:

0.2: Matt Henry to Sanju Samson, A loud shout for LBW, turned down! Mitchell Santner gestures that there was bat involved and New Zealand do not go upstairs. The UltraEdge confirms the inside edge. Nipping back in, on a good length, at the sticks. Samson brings his bat out in front and ekes out an inside edge onto the pads.

19:02 IST:

0.1: Matt Henry to Sanju Samson, Henry is right on the money! Angled in, on a good length, on middle. Samson is standing deep in his crease and he pats it back to the bowler with a straight bat.

19:01 IST:

Everything is set now for the grand finale! The stadium in Ahmedabad is a sea of blue, with over 100,000 fans filling the stands, while a few pockets of black signal support for the Kiwis. The New Zealand players gather in a quick huddle before spreading out to take their fielding positions. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma walk out to open the innings for India. Matt Henry has the new ball in hand and looks ready to charge in. Let's play...

18:59 IST:

We are just a few minutes away from the first ball, but before that, it is time for the national anthems. The legends of the Indian cricket team, and two of the T20 World Cup winning captains, Rohit Sharma, who is also the brand ambassador of this tournament, and MS Dhoni, carefully carry the glittering trophy and place it on the pedestal. The giant flags of both nations are unveiled in the center. And now, both teams walk out through the fireworks for the anthems. Jaedyn Randell, the famous New Zealand singer, gets the honor of singing the New Zealand national anthem. And it will be the iconic Kavita Krishnamurthy to sing the Indian national anthem.

18:53 IST:

Who's next? Daryl Mitchell, it is. He shares that he is really excited to be part of the final. He says the team has been in India for a couple of months now, and there is no other place he would rather be at this moment. Mitchell adds that they know the challenge that lies ahead, and the focus is simply to get out there, enjoy the contest and make the most of the 240 balls of cricket ahead of them. On the concern of being undercooked down the order with the openers scoring the bulk of the runs, Mitchell responds that there are plenty of players in the lineup capable of putting their hands up and helping the team. For them, it doesn't matter who does the job, as long as someone steps up when the team needs it.

18:49 IST:

Up for a quick word - Tilak Varma, on being asked about blocking out the outside noise and staying focused, admits that it isn’t easy, but points out that India have already been through similar high-pressure situations in their last three games, all of which were virtual knockouts. Having navigated those challenges, he says the team understands how to perform on the big stage. He underlines the pressure that comes with playing a final, and adds that the focus remains on sticking to their plans and playing together as a unit. On whether the team is treating the final like just another game, Varma says that while the importance of the occasion is always at the back of their minds, the focus is on keeping things simple and following the basics. Speaking about the flexibility in the batting order, he details that the players have been preparing for such situations for nearly a year and a half and are comfortable batting in different positions. Varma also points out that he himself has batted at number 5 and 6 in some series, highlighting the team’s readiness to adapt depending on the situation. On his approach after stepping onto the ground, Varma shares that he will stick to his usual routines, including assessing the surface before forming his gameplan for the final.

18:41 IST:

India's captain - Suryakumar Yadav shares that he is happy to bat first as that has been working for them. Believes that whether it is a semifinal or the final, it is good to have runs on the board. SKY mentions that it feels good to have the tag of the defending champions, but that is history now. Tells that the stands are packed already and he hopes to give them a good show tonight. Informs that they are unchanged for the final.

18:45 IST:

The captain of New Zealand - Mitchell Santner says that it looks like a good wicket and they hope to restrict India to a chasable total. Adds that this is why they play the game, playing in front of such a big crowd. Says that it's gonna be a great night, and they hope to put on a good show. Mentions that making the semis is a great occasion and they were very impressive against South Africa, but this is a new challenge. Says that you have to peak at the right time, and they have been doing exactly that. He expects a lot of runs in this game. Informs that Cole McConchie misses out and Jacob Duffy replaces him in the team.

18:41 IST:

New Zealand (Playing XI) - Tim Seifert (WK), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (C), James Neesham, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy (In for Cole McConchie).

18:40 IST:

India (Unchanged Playing XI) - Sanju Samson (WK), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.