India scores imposing 255-5 in T20 World Cup final against New Zealand

By Canadian Press on March 8, 2026.

AHMEDABAD, India (AP) — India scored an imposing 255-5 in the final of cricket’s T20 World Cup against New Zealand on Sunday but could be forgiven for leaving the field disappointed at not getting even more runs.

The tournament co-hosts had reached 203-1 in only 15 overs before James Neesham (3-46) took three key wickets in the 16th over at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, the largest cricket ground in the world with a crowd in excess of 100,000 on Sunday.

Neesham dismissed Indian opener Sanju Samson for a brilliant 46-ball 89, which included eight sixes and five boundaries, and also claimed the wickets of Ishan Kishan (54 in 25) and captain Suryakumar Yadav, for a golden duck.

Abhishek Sharma hit a 21-ball 52 and Shivam Dube needed only eight deliveries in his 26 not out.

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner had won the toss and chosen to bat against the defending champions.

New Zealand is aiming for its first T20 World Cup triumph. It finished as runner-up in the 2021 final, losing to Australia in Dubai.

India could become the first team to lift this trophy for a third time.

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AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket

The Associated Press

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