IND vs NZ: India Post 255/5 In T20 World Cup Final, New Zealand Face Record Chase At Narendra Modi Stadium

8th March 2026 at 9:00 PM

1 minute read

IND vs NZ: India Post 255/5 In T20 World Cup Final, New Zealand Face Record Chase At Narendra Modi Stadium — BCCI

A blistering batting display powered India to a mammoth 255/5 in 20 overs against New Zealand in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, March 8, setting the highest-ever target in the history of the tournament’s title clash.

Openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma laid a dominant foundation for India’s innings. Sharma wasted no time, racing to a fifty off just 17 balls, while Samson anchored the top order with a spectacular 89 off 46 balls, an innings studded with eight sixes and five fours. Ishan Kishan kept the momentum alive with a brisk 54 off 25 balls, hammering four sixes and four fours in the process.

India looked set for an even bigger total, but the 15th over changed the complexion of the innings dramatically. James Neesham triggered a brief collapse for New Zealand, removing three batters in a single over including a golden duck for captain Suryakumar Yadav and also ending the well-constructed innings of both Samson and Kishan.

However, Shivam Dube ensured India finished strongly, smashing an unbeaten 26 off just eight balls including three fours and two sixes to help India cross the 250-run mark. Neesham finished as New Zealand’s most effective bowler, claiming 3/46 in four overs. Matt Henry and Rachin Ravindra chipped in with one wicket apiece.

Also Read: IPL 2026 Season To Kick Off On March 28; Partial Schedule Expected Soon

New Zealand now face a historic challenge no side has ever successfully chased a total of this magnitude in a T20 World Cup final. The Black Caps, however, possess a formidable batting lineup, with Finn Allen and Tim Seifert currently in strong form, which sets up the potential for a thrilling run-chase.

Standing in their way is an equally potent Indian bowling attack, headlined by Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh. Whether New Zealand can rewrite the record books or India lift the trophy remains to be seen as the final enters its decisive phase.