India Chase Title Defence as Kiwis Stand in the Way
After a month of thrilling action, India meet New Zealand in the T20 World Cup 2026 final in Ahmedabad on March 8.
After a month of thrilling action, India meet New Zealand in the T20 World Cup 2026 final in Ahmedabad on March 8.
India reached the final after beating England with 253 runs, powered by Sanju Samson’s 89 and Shivam Dube’s 43. New Zealand advanced after comfortably chasing South Africa’s 169.
Ishan Kishan has impressed in the tournament, scoring 263 runs in eight matches, including a 39-run knock against England. Fans will be hoping for another strong performance from him in the final.
Sanju Samson has been in explosive form, scoring 232 runs in four matches this tournament, including a blistering 89 against England at a strike rate above 211.
Hardik Pandya, a premier all-rounder, made a strong impact against England, scoring 27 off 12 balls and taking two wickets. He will be expected to deliver another key performance in the final.
Finn Allen is in red-hot form this tournament, scoring 289 runs in eight innings, including a blistering 100 off just 33 balls against South Africa in the semi-final.
Tim Seifert has been in fine touch this tournament, scoring 274 runs in eight matches, including a solid 58 against South Africa in the semi-final.
Rachin Ravindra has impressed as an all-rounder, taking 11 wickets in his last six matches, including two against South Africa in the semi-final.
India and New Zealand have faced each other 30 times in T20Is, with India winning 16 matches and New Zealand 11, while three ended in a tie or no result.