IND vs NZ Live, T20 WC Final: India lift 3rd T20 WC title, Sanju Samson player of the tournament

IND vs NZ Live Score, T20 World Cup Final: India are the T20 world champions again and they will have the trophy before the Asia Cup trophy. India blew New Zealand away in the final by a record 96-run margin to defend the title and win it for a record third time. New Zealand folded for 159 in a massive 256-run chase as Jasprit Bumrah (4/15) and Axar Patel (3/27) kept things under control. But it was India’s batting unit that set the platform.

India posted a record 255/5 total in the T20 World Cup final in Ahmedabad. Abhishek Sharma (52 off 21) and Sanju Samson (89 off 46) set the stage, posting 92 in the powerplay. Then, Ishan Kishan took charge as India got to 203/1 in 15 overs. While James Neesham rocked India with a triple strike in the 16th over, removing Ishan, Sanju and Suryakumar Yadav, conceding just 1 run, Shivam Dube smashed 26 off 8 to take India to the highest total of a T20 WC final. Earlier, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and opted to bowl. India decided to go unchanged for the summit clash, while New Zealand brought back Jacob Duffy for Cole McConchie.

Highest successful chase at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad

Match Details

Match: India vs New Zealand, ICC T20 World Cup Final 2026
Date: March 8, 2026
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Start Time: 7:00 PM IST (2:30 AM NZ time), Toss at 6:30 PM IST
Toss: New Zealand opted to bowl
India innings: 255/5 in 20 ovs
New Zealand innings: 159/10 in 19 ovs
Captains: Suryakumar Yadav (India), Mitchell Santner (New Zealand)

IND vs NZ Playing XIs for T20 World Cup final

India Playing XI

Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson(w), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah

New Zealand Playing XI

Tim Seifert(w), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner(c), Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy

IND vs NZ Live Streaming Details for T20 World Cup final

In India:

TV Telecast: Star Sports Network
Live Streaming: JioHotstar app and website (free streaming available in some regions, or via subscription).

In New Zealand:

TV Telecast: Sky Sport NZ
Live Streaming: Sky Go app or Sky Sport Now

This Live Blog has Ended

T20 World Cup Final: The wait is over

09/03/2026 00:08

India lift their third T20 World Cup title and their second consecutive one. MS Dhoni did it in 2007, Rohit Sharma did it in 2024. And now, Suryakumar Yadav is the world cup winning captain.

T20 World Cup Final: Suryakumar Yadav, India captain

08/03/2026 23:58

"I think it'll take a little bit of time but I'm definitely very happy. Been a long journey. Started post the 2024 World Cup. Jay Shah, Rohit bhai, they all showed faith in me and gave me the opportunity to lead. From there, it's been a long journey and coming here and winning it. We have been playing good cricket in the last two years and we just wanted to follow the good cricketing habits that we had in the 2024 World Cup. Boys took it really well. I think it's really important to understand what they are capable of. And I knew they had the match winners in them. The timing was perfect. Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma are top players and we knew they would do something special, and they did it in the final. Bumrah is a once-in-a-generation bowler. I can call him a national treasure. He knows how it needs to be done, he is the best in the business."

T20 World Cup Final: Mitchell Santner, New Zealand captain

08/03/2026 23:50

"Proud of the boys to make it this far. Obviously we had some challenges throughout but at each stage we put up a good fight. Today we got outplayed by a great team in front of a great crowd. To see a big sea of blue, obviously India were home favourites. Playing a home World Cup comes with a lot of pressure. But yeah SKY and the boys should be very very proud. Different guys stood up at different stages. In the Super Eight and semi-finals we put up a good fight but tonight we were obviously outplayed."

T20 World Cup Final: List of awards

08/03/2026 23:46

Player of the Final: Jasprit Bumrah – India (4/15 in 4 overs)
Player of the Tournament: Sanju Samson – India (321 runs | 5 innings | Average: 80.25 | Strike Rate: 199.37)
Most Runs: Sahibzada Farhan – Pakistan (383 runs)
Most Wickets: Jasprit Bumrah – India (14 wickets)
Most sixes: Sanju Samson - India (24)
Best strike rate: Finn Allen - New Zealand (200.00)
Best economy rate: Jasprit Bumrah - India (6.21)

T20 World Cup Final: Time for the presentation ceremony

08/03/2026 23:40

After an hour-long wait, the presentation ceremony begins. India will lift the T20 World Cup trophy before they can lift the Asia Cup trophy.

T20 World Cup Final: Rohit Sharma congratulates India

08/03/2026 23:31

Rohit Sharma is a happy man as India lift the title following his template of ruthless cricket.

T20 World Cup Final: Player of the Series

08/03/2026 23:09

Sanju Samson | 321 runs in 5 innings | Avg: 80.25 | SR: 199.37

He was dropped from the Playing XI ahead of the T20 World Cup. But with Abhishek Sharma struggling with form, Sanju made a comeback and never looked back. He scored 97 in the crucial match against West Indies and then followed it up with 89 in the semifinal and another 89 in the final.

T20 World Cup Final: Player of the Match

08/03/2026 23:08

Jasprit Bumrah (4/15)

On a batting paradise, Jasprit Bumrah showed why he is still the No 1. He bowled an exceptional spell of 4/15 as other bowlers went for over 10 economy rate.

T20 World Cup Final: Virat Kohli reacts

08/03/2026 23:06

Virat Kohli reacts to India bagging the third T20 World Cup title.

Champions ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Phenomenal win for Team India in Ahmedabad. Absolutely no match for the explosive cricket played by us throughout the tournament. Brilliant character shown by the boys to keep fighting in tough situations and become world champions once again. Congratulations to…
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) March 8, 2026

T20 World Cup Winning Captains List

08/03/2026 23:04

Edition	Host(s)	Winner	Margin	Runners-up	Teams	Winning Captain
2007	South Africa	India	5 runs	Pakistan	12	MS Dhoni
2009	England	Pakistan	8 wickets	Sri Lanka	12	Younis Khan
2010	West Indies	England	7 wickets	Australia	12	Paul Collingwood
2012	Sri Lanka	West Indies	36 runs	Sri Lanka	12	Daren Sammy
2014	Bangladesh	Sri Lanka	6 wickets	India	16	Lasith Malinga
2016	India	West Indies	4 wickets	England	16	Daren Sammy
2021	UAE & Oman	Australia	8 wickets	New Zealand	16	Aaron Finch
2022	Australia	England	5 wickets	Pakistan	16	Jos Buttler
2024	West Indies & USA	India	7 runs	South Africa	20	Rohit Sharma
2026	India & Sri Lanka	India	96 runs	New Zealand	20	Suryakumar Yadav

T20 World Cup Winners List

08/03/2026 22:58

Edition	Host	Winner	Runners-up	Margin
2007-08	South Africa	India	Pakistan	5 runs
2009	England	Pakistan	Sri Lanka	8 wickets
2010	West Indies	England	Australia	7 wickets
2012-13	Sri Lanka	West Indies	Sri Lanka	36 runs
2013-14	Bangladesh	Sri Lanka	India	6 wickets
2015-16	India	West Indies	England	4 wickets
2021-22	United Arab Emirates	Australia	New Zealand	8 wickets
2022-23	Australia	England	Pakistan	5 wickets
2024	USA and West Indies	India	South Africa	7 runs
2026	India and Sri Lanka	India	New Zealand	96 runs

T20 World Cup final: Abhishek Sharma

08/03/2026 22:57

"I wanted to share before as well, but today is the best day. The captain and coach had faith in me. Even I was doubting myself. I had never experienced this before. It was a tough tournament. I was just doing my process, trying to take it one game after antoher, but it wasn't easy. But I love this team because the way they backed me. It wasn't easy for me because going through the whole year i was doing well for the team, but in the big tournament I wasn't able to. But the faith the team and management showed in me. I got emotional in the middle of the tournament and wanted to talk to the coach and captain and they said you will win us the big games. The crowd has supported us a lot even through tough times."

T20 World Cup final: Varun Chakaravarthy

08/03/2026 22:55

"Feels amazing. back-to-back trophies. Feel very happy for Abhishek, he scored today. We used to keep chatting that what's happening, nothing is working out for us, but yeah, now we've won the World Cup."

IND vs NZ Live Score: India lift T20 World Cup title.

08/03/2026 22:47

India repeat history and defeat history as Rohit Sharma wanted. India defend their T20 World Cup title successfully as they blow New Zealand away in the final by 96 runs.

Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma set the stage with 92 runs in the powerplay. Then, it was Ishan Kishan who carried it forward as India rushed to 203/1 in 15 overs. James Neesham did pull things back for New Zealand with three wickets in the 16th over. But Shivam Dube's 8-ball 26 meant India posted 255/5.

With the ball, India were clinical as well. Suryakumar Yadav made the perfect bowling changes. Axar Patel (3/27) set the ball rolling while Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional spell of 4/15 handed India their third T20 World Cup title.

IND vs NZ Live Score: Bumrah bags 4-fer

08/03/2026 22:42

Jasprit Bumrah cleans up Mitchell Santner with another slower delivery. And with that, he records the best bowling figures in a T20 World Cup final. He finishes his spell on a batting paradise with 4/15.

IND vs NZ Live Score: Bumrah with the clean-up job

08/03/2026 22:30

Another slower ball, another yorker length delivery and another New Zealand batter castled. Jasprit Bumrah is now on a hat-trick as he cleans up Matt Henry. New Zealand 8 down for 141.

IND vs NZ Live Score: Bumrah strikes

08/03/2026 22:28

Jasprit Bumrah bowls a slower loopy yorker and James Neesham had no chance there. He cleans up Neesham for his second wicket and New Zealand are 7 down for 141.

IND vs NZ Live Score: 5 overs to go

08/03/2026 22:25

Boundaries have been scarce and the scoring rate has dipped. With five overs left, New Zealand are running out of time. They need as many as 117 runs off the last 30 balls.

IND vs NZ Live Score: Ishan doesn't drop

08/03/2026 22:09

Axar Patel has his third wicket anyway as Daryl Mitchell gives away a straight catch to Ishan Kishan. New Zealand are 6 down for 124.

IND vs NZ Live Score: Hardik drops Mitchell

08/03/2026 22:09

Hardik Pandya does not drop catches often. But he has done it today to give Mitchell Santner a lifeline. And then he misfielded on the next delivery. Hardik should remember that he does not take dropped catches on his bowling very lightly. Not many have forgotten his altercation with Mohd Shami during Gujarat Titans days.

IND vs NZ Live Score: Mitchell not happy with Arshdeep

08/03/2026 22:01

There was no need for such aggression. But Arshdeep decided to throw it at Daryl Mitchell for no reason. And a fuming Mitchell charges back at Arshdeep. But Arshdeep just walked off nonchalantly without offering any apology. As Mitchell talks to Suryakumar Yadav, the umpire warns Arshdeep. At the end of the over, Arshdeep and Mitchell shake hands. That was poor from Arshdeep.

IND vs NZ Live Score: Mitchell on the charge

08/03/2026 21:57

With nothing to lose anymore, Daryl Mitchell takes on Arshdeep Singh for two consecutive sixes to put the pressure back on India. But the Kiwis are already 5 down and it would take 10 such overs to beat India. Do they have the batters?

IND vs NZ Live Score: New Zealand 88/5 in 10 overs

08/03/2026 21:55

New Zealand are 88/5 in 10 overs with 168 runs needed off the last 10. It's mission impossible at the moment. To reach anywhere close to the target, New Zealand need a miracle knock by someone.

IND vs NZ Live Score: New Zealand 5 down

08/03/2026 21:47

Ishan Kishan takes another fine catch as Varun Chakaravarthy strikes in his second over. It's the set batter Tim Seifert who departs as he tries to pull Chakaravarthy. And that might as well be game over for New Zealand.

IND vs NZ Live Score: Chapman falls

08/03/2026 21:45

New Zealand are in further trouble as Hardik Pandya cleans up Mark Chapman. Hardik bowled outside off and as Chapman tried to go for a shot, the ball took an inside edge and hit the stumps. New Zealand are 70/4.

IND vs NZ Live Score: 50 for Tim Seifert

08/03/2026 21:41

Tim Seifert smashes second consecutive half-century. He hit one in the semifinal against South Africa. And now, he gets to the mark off 23 balls.

IND vs NZ Live Score: New Zealand 52/3 in powerplay

08/03/2026 21:35

New Zealand are way behind India in the powerplay. India scored 92/0 in 6 overs. New Zealand have managed just 52/3. Tim Seifert has been the only batter to respond to India's bowling attack with Axar Patel and Jasprit Bumrah striking.

IND vs NZ Live Score: Axar Patel strikes again

08/03/2026 21:32

Axar Patel now has two wickets in the powerplay as he cleans up Glenn Phillips, another dangerman after getting hit for a six and a four. New Zealand are in trouble now as they are 47/3.

IND vs NZ Live Score: Bumrah strikes

08/03/2026 21:30

Jasprit Bumrah strikes off the first ball and he has dismissed Rachin Ravindra. Bumrah bowled a slower delivery and as Ravindra tried to club it in the fine leg, he skied the chance for Ishan Kishan, who fumbled but ended up taking the catch. New Zealand 32/2.

IND vs NZ Live Score: Finn Allen departs

08/03/2026 21:30

Axar Patel has removed the dangerman Finn Allen. He received an early lifeline when Shivam Dube dropped his catch. But Tilak Varma made no mistake. Allen tried to hammer it over the long on but could only hit with the toe end of the bat. New Zealand 31/1.

IND vs NZ Live Score: India eye wickets

08/03/2026 21:15

Hardik Pandya starts the second over of the innings and Seifert gets the first six of the innings. India need to get in some good overs by the sixth bowler/s. Make it two in a row. 21 runs come from the over.

IND vs NZ Live Score: Arshdeep Singh starts

08/03/2026 21:06

And the second inings gets underway. Arshdeep Singh in the one who starts, and early wickets will seal the win for India. He is getting the ball to curl in. Shivam Dube has dropped a sitter. Allen has a lifeline.

IND vs NZ Live Score: India post 255/5

08/03/2026 20:46

Shivam Dube hammers 24 runs off the last over of James Neesham as India post 255/5, the highest team total in a T20 World Cup final. This is the third-highest total in a T20 World Cup. Now, it will be up to Jasprit Bumrah & Co to defend. Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan set the stage with a blazing 43-ball 98-run stand. As Abhishek fell, Ishan Kishan took the charge, adding 105 runs with Sanju off 48 balls. Neesham brought New Zealand back with three wickets for just 1 run in the 16th over. But Shivam Dube's 8-ball 26 blitz helped India post a good total.

IND vs NZ Live Score: Dube punishes Kiwis

08/03/2026 20:41

After the dropped catch, Shivam Dube took on James Neesham for two consecutive sixes. One flew over the deep mid-wicket and the next one over the extra cover.

IND vs NZ Live Score: Dube survives and gets a 4

08/03/2026 20:39

Another low and slow full toss from James Neesham and Shivam Dube mistimed it. However, Mitchell Santner got his hands to it but could not hold on. Instead, the ball went for a four.

IND vs NZ Live Score: Last over coming up

08/03/2026 20:38

At one point, it seemed 300 was possible. But in the last four overs, India have scored just 28 runs, losing four wickets in the process. With Shivam Dube and Tilak Varma on the crease in the last over, how much can India score?

IND vs NZ Live Score: Hardik Pandya departs

08/03/2026 20:35

Hardik Pandya did not have a good stay as he struggled to connect the deliveries. He miscued another shot against Matt Henry for an easy catch to Mitchell Santner. India lose their 5th wicket for 226 as Hardik falls for 18 off 13.

IND vs NZ Live Score: Boundary at last

08/03/2026 20:31

India have a boundary after 16 balls and it comes from Hardik Pandya's bat as he pulls James Neesham. The wicket has slowed down a bit and both Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya have struggled. 250 is now a wild dream. India 220/4 in 18.

IND vs NZ Live Score: Tilak Varma survives

08/03/2026 20:26

India could have been 207/5 but Finn Allen dropped a straight catch of Tilak Varma. The Indian batter smashed it straight to the point but Allen was slow to react.

IND vs NZ Live Score: Duck for Suryakumar Yadav

08/03/2026 20:23

What an over from James Neesham. He has bowled an exceptional 16th over, conceding just 1 run for three big wickets. He removed two set batters Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan. And then, on the last delivery, Suryakumar Yadav tried to play his soopla shot on a short delivery, only to give away a straight catch to Rachin Ravindra. Surya falls for a golden duck and India are suddenly 203/1 to 204/4.

IND vs NZ Live Score: Ishan Kishan departs

08/03/2026 20:21

New Zealand make a comeback as James Neesham bowls another slow low full toss and Ishan Kishan tried to hammer it, just like Sanju Samson. But he did not have enough timing. Ishan falls for 54 off 25. India 204/3.

IND vs NZ Live Score: No century for Sanju Samson

08/03/2026 20:16

After 97, 89, Sanju Samson has been dismissed for 89 again. He tried to go for a big shot against James Neesham but substitute fielder Cole McConchie took an excellent catch at the boundary line. The partnership is broken as India lose their 2nd wicket for 203.

IND vs NZ Live Score: 50 for Ishan Kishan

08/03/2026 20:14

Ishan Kishan scores his third half-century of this T20 World Cup. Today, his 50 comes off 23 deliveries. The other two came against Namibia and Pakistan. With the fifty, he also brings up 100-run stand with Sanju Samson off just 45 balls.

IND vs NZ Live Score: Samson moves to 80s

08/03/2026 20:08

Whatever he has hit has gone the distance. Sanju Samson hits his 8th six of the match to move to third consecutive 80+ score. Rachin Ravindra went for three sixes in the over as India scored 191/1 in 14 overs.

IND vs NZ Live Score: Ishan Kishan closing in on 50

08/03/2026 20:03

For the first time, India's top 3 have fired together. Ishan Kishan has moved to 42 off just 18 balls as Sanju Samson plays a composed knock. India 171/1 in 13 overs.

IND vs NZ Live Score: Sanju-Ishan dominate

08/03/2026 20:00

Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan dominate Lockie Ferguson once again as he goes for 24 runs in the 12th over. Sanju hit him for a six and a four.

IND vs NZ Live Score: Another 50 for Sanju Samson

08/03/2026 19:57

Sanju Samson brings up third consecutive half-century. He scored 97 and 89 in the other two games. Today, he was rather slow, getting to the milestone off 33 balls. With that, he has also become only the third player after Virat Kohli (2014) and Shahid Afridi (2007) to score a 50+ score in the semifinal and final.

IND vs NZ Live Score: India 127/1 in 10 overs

08/03/2026 19:52

After scoring at 15.33 in the powerplay, India have scored 35/1 since, managing 127/1 in 10 overs at 12.7. If India can hold the scoring rate in the middle overs, 250 will be a realistic total.

IND vs NZ Live Score: Scoring rate dips

08/03/2026 19:48

Sanju Samson has taken a backseat with Ishan Kishan leading the boundary charts since he came on. The scoring rate has dipped after Abhishek Sharma's wicket.

IND vs NZ Live Score: Abhishek Sharma departs

08/03/2026 19:41

Rachin Ravindra has broken the opening partnership. He bowled a wide delivery and as Abhishek Sharma tried to follow that, he edged it to the wicketkeeper. Abhishek departs for 52 off 21.

T20 World Cup: Highest powerplay scores

08/03/2026 19:37

India go past West Indies' 92/1 to post the highest powerplay score in a T20 World Cup.

Highest PP scores in T20 WCs

92/0 - IND vs NZ, Ahmedabad, 2026 Final
92/1 - WI vs AFG, Bridgetown, 2024
91/1 - NED vs IRE, Sylhet, 2014
89/3 - ENG vs SA, Mumbai WS, 2016
86/1 - IND vs NAM, Delhi, 2026

IND vs NZ Live Score: India 92/0 in powerplay

08/03/2026 19:36

New Zealand made all the mistakes in the powerplay and Abhishek Sharma hammered all over the park. India post the highest powerplay score in T20 World Cup history with 92/0.

India in powerplay

1st over: 7 runs
2nd over: 5 runs
3rd over: 15 runs
4th over: 24 runs
5th over: 21 runs
6th over: 20 runs

IND vs NZ Live Score: 50 for Abhishek Sharma

08/03/2026 19:34

Abhishek Sharma smashes an 18-ball 50 and repays the trust Gautam Gambhir put in him. He was not in form and there were questions over his spot in the final. But he kept his place. With New Zealand making all the mistakes in the powerplay, Abhishek gets to the milestone with six fours and 3 sixes.

IND vs NZ Live Score: New Zealand go wide

08/03/2026 19:26

Simon Doull calls the strategy rubbish as New Zealand bowlers bowl 8 wide deliveries in the powerplay. The slower deliveries are going for fours and sixes and so are the fast ones.

IND vs NZ Live Score: Sanju Samson rides on his luck

08/03/2026 19:21

145kph delivery from Lockie Ferguson and Sanju Samson had no clue. As he tried to play the shot in the leg side, it took a leading edge and guess what, it sailed away for a six. Ferguson ends up conceding 24 runs. Sanju also brings up his 50-run stand with Abhishek Sharma in the 4th over.

IND vs NZ Live Score: 4th bowler in the powerplay

08/03/2026 19:16

New Zealand have made another change in bowling with Lockie Ferguson coming in. And Abhishek Sharma says thank you as he gets a four on the first ball through an edge. Then, he clobbered it for a six. Abhishek is back.

IND vs NZ Live Score: 3rd bowler for Kiwis

08/03/2026 19:12

Not Matt Henry, New Zealand have brought in Jacob Duffy for the 3rd over. And as Duffy bowls on the leg, Abhishek clears the in-field for a four over the extra cover. He takes on again for a four straight on the fuller delivery.

IND vs NZ Live Score: Glenn Phillips bowls 2nd over

08/03/2026 19:07

With Abhishek Sharma set to be on strike, New Zealand have brought in Glenn Phillips for the 2nd over. Abhishek has struggled against off-spin. Can he break that jinx today?

IND vs NZ Live Score: Good start by Henry

08/03/2026 19:04

Sanju Samson looks under pressure from the beginning as he begins with four dot balls in a row. But on the 5th delivery, he takes on Matt Henry for a six over the mid-on.

IND vs NZ Live Score: Abhishek-Sanju begin

08/03/2026 18:59

One last time this T20 World Cup, Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson begin for India. All eyes will be on Abhishek but the expectations will be a lot higher from Sanju.

IND vs NZ Live Score: Time for national anthems

08/03/2026 18:59

Kavitha Krishnamurthy sings India's national anthems. Both teams line up.

IND vs NZ Live Score: Dhoni-Rohit bring in T20 WC trophy

08/03/2026 18:56

India's two T20 World Cup-winning captains, MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, bring in the T20 World Cup trophy one last time.

IND vs NZ Live Score: All eyes on Abhishek Sharma

08/03/2026 18:51

India have kept their trust in Abhishek Sharma for the summit clash despite his repeated failures this T20 World Cup. With Sanju Samson scoring two consecutive 80+ scores, one cannot expect him to make it three in a row. So, Abhishek must fire.

IND vs NZ Live Score: New Zealand Playing XI

08/03/2026 18:41

While every team has brought in off-spinners to tackle Indian lefties, New Zealand have dropped Cole McConchie for Jacob Duffy.

Tim Seifert(w), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner(c), Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy

IND vs NZ Live Score: India Playing XI

08/03/2026 18:40

India have gone unchanged, keeping their faith in two out-of-form World No 1s, Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakarvarthy.

Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson(w), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah

IND vs NZ Live Score: New Zealand opt to bowl

08/03/2026 18:37

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner wins the toss and opts to bowl first at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Just a reminder, India also batted first in the 2023 World Cup final at the same venue against Australia.

IND vs NZ Live Score: Warm-up begins

08/03/2026 18:31

Both teams begin their warm-ups as the Closing Ceremony is over. Gautam Gambhir is inspecting the pitch one last time and so are the New Zealand players.

IND vs NZ Live Score: Toss coming up

08/03/2026 18:23

The T20 World Cup closing ceremony ends with Ricky Martin's performance. The toss is coming up soon.

IND vs NZ live: Dignitaries arrive

08/03/2026 18:17

Ahmedabad is going to be a packed house tonight

Ahmedabad, Gujarat: Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrives in Ahmedabad pic.twitter.com/dF1SlfsYax
— IANS (@ians_india) March 8, 2026

IND vs NZ live: Ricky Martin is here

08/03/2026 18:12

Ricky Martin performing on his famous song Maria! This is a sensational start to the World Cup final here.

The crowd in Ahmedabad grooves to Sukhbir's 𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘲 𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢 𝘵𝘢𝘥𝘱𝘢𝘷𝘦 ahead of the #T20WorldCup Final 🎵🕺

Catch the performances LIVE, broadcast details ▶️ https://t.co/NPykWM7qqY pic.twitter.com/MfOeNqzajR
— ICC (@ICC) March 8, 2026

IND vs NZ live: Performances start

08/03/2026 18:06

Here you go

Sky going live with the closing ceremony in the backdrop. Falguni Pathak followed by Ricky Martin. Cricket the great unifier #T20WorldCup #T20WorldCupFinal pic.twitter.com/aKt1DSR36l
— Rasesh Mandani (@rkmrasesh) March 8, 2026

IND vs NZ live: Toss at 6.30 PM

08/03/2026 18:04

Toss is only half an hour away, and somehow the broadcasters aren't showing the performances. Hopefully, India wins the toss.

T20 World Cup 2026 final LIVE: Who will will win IND vs NZ tie?

08/03/2026 17:54

T20 World Cup 2026 final LIVE: The rise of Tilak Varma - the finisher

08/03/2026 17:44

Tilak Varma is striking at 2️⃣8️⃣4️⃣ with the bat in the slog overs in T20 World Cup 2026 💥🏏#TilakVarma #DasunShanaka #MitchellSantner #T20WorldCup #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/qdEA5cfUIo
— InsideSport (@InsideSportIND) March 8, 2026

T20 World Cup 2026 final LIVE: Crowd builds up in Ahmedabad

08/03/2026 17:42

Have just made into the stadium.
Crowd is building up! pic.twitter.com/wqxnFcW9tW
— ~ U D I T ~ (@Merovaeous) March 8, 2026

T20 World Cup final Live: Rohit Sharma in Ahmedabad

08/03/2026 17:30

Defending T20 World Cup champions captain and the T20 World Cup 2026 brand ambassador, Rohit Sharma, arrive in Ahmedabad. He will be at the stands today.

VIDEO | Ahmedabad, Gujarat: Former India captain Rohit Sharma arrives at the airport along with his wife ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 final.

(Full video available on https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/qj8dqqERCP
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 8, 2026

IND vs NZ Live Score: Another Hardik Pandya show?

08/03/2026 17:23

Hardik Pandya has a great record in Ahmedabad. He has nearly 500 runs and 17 wickets. Will he be the man today, again?

IND vs NZ Live Score: Should India stick to Abhishek Sharma?

08/03/2026 17:18

With scores of 0, 0, 0, 15, 55, 10 and 9, another World No 1, Abhishek Sharma, has been a big disappointment. But with the title on the line, should India bring in a more reliable batter like Rinku Singh? Both Mohd Kaif and Sunil Gavaskar want the team to drop Abhishek for the T2o World Cup final.

"Team management has to take a tough call on Abhishek Sharma. Some say he should play today since an out-of-form Kohli won the final for India last time. But then Kohli is king of ICC events. Some say he should be replaced by Rinku who like Sanju Samson can make a grand comeback. DUVIDHA!!!" Mohd Kaif tweeted.

T20 World Cup Final Live: Defeat history or repeat history?

08/03/2026 17:15

November 19, 2023: India lost to Australia in the ODI World Cup final. Today, they play another final. Can India defeat history or the history will repeat itself?

🤐🤐🤐#T20WorldCup #INDvsNZ #T20WC2026Final pic.twitter.com/RmyV0fOyNo
— Ankan Kar (@AnkanKar) March 8, 2026

T20 World Cup Final Live: Stat attack for IND vs NZ

08/03/2026 17:10

Are New Zealand slightly ahead of India? Check out what stats say.

India vs NZ head to head analytics by Cricket Scholar Sunil Yash Kalra. pic.twitter.com/VJ1mnWNedO
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 8, 2026

T20 World Cup Final Live: Teams depart from hotel

08/03/2026 17:06

Team India and New Zealand depart from their hotels for the stadium. They will also enjoy the Closing Ceremony before beginning warm-ups.

#WATCH | Gujarat: Team India leaves from their hotel in Ahmedabad for Narendra Modi Stadium where they will face New Zealand in #ICCT20WorldCupfinal this evening. pic.twitter.com/X2sjnwXyTb
— ANI (@ANI) March 8, 2026

T20 World Cup prize money

08/03/2026 16:57

Position	Prize Money (USD)	Approx. INR
Champions	$3,000,000	₹27.48 crore
Runners-up	$1,600,000	₹14.65 crore
Losing Semi-finalists (each)	$790,000	₹7.24 crore
Super 8 Teams (each)	$380,000	₹3.48 crore
Group Stage Teams (each)	$250,000	₹2.29 crore

T20 World Cup Closing Ceremony Live

08/03/2026 16:56

Some glimpses of the rehearsal by Ricky Martin yesterday in Ahmedabad.

Ricky Martin is getting ready for his performance at the T20 World Cup 2026 Final.

He will perform at the closing ceremony ahead of the big final today. 🎤🔥 pic.twitter.com/XoFkNa6QKi
— Sonu (@Cricket_live247) March 8, 2026

T20 World Cup Closing Ceremony Live

08/03/2026 16:46

The Narendra Modi Stadium is preparing for the grand closing ceremony. The field has been covered with the artists taking their place.

🎤 The stage keeps getting bigger!
Joining Global Superstar Ricky Martin at the Closing Ceremony before the #T20WorldCup Final are music icons Sukhbir and Falguni Pathak!

Get ready for global hits and desi anthems as these legendary artists light up the biggest night in cricket.… pic.twitter.com/8kMK7yg31b
— ICC (@ICC) March 7, 2026

T20 World Cup final Live: Will India go for Kuldeep?

08/03/2026 16:40

With Varun Chakaravarthy struggling for form, India have a dilemma. Chakarvarthy conceded 47 runs for just one wicket against South Africa the last time India played in Ahmedabad. Against England in the semifinal, he ended up with 1/64. Kuldeep has played just one game, against Pakistan in Colombo, conceding only 14 runs for a wicket. While Ahmedabad won't be anything like Colombo, should India entertain the thought of tinkering with the Winning combination?

T20 World Cup final Live: Fans assemble at NMS

08/03/2026 16:25

The gates were opened at 3:30 PM IST and fans have already started entering the stadium. But with the temperature in Ahmedabad already touching 38 degrees Celsius, there is little shade for them.

Fans have started entering the Stands, trying to get Shelter in this Heat. #INDvsNZ #t20worldcup2026 pic.twitter.com/DSPbpmZEwF
— Ankan Kar (@AnkanKar) March 8, 2026

T20 World Cup final Live: Preity Zinta in Ahmedabad

08/03/2026 16:18

It's going to be a star-studded event. Punjab Kings co-owner and former Bollywood actress Preity Zinta arrives in Ahmedabad for the final. There will be many more celebrities at the stands today.

#WATCH | Gujarat: Actor Preity G Zinta arrives in Ahmedabad to watch the India vs New Zealand #ICCT20WorldCup final at Narendra Modi Stadium this evening. pic.twitter.com/N8eJBfkVG4
— ANI (@ANI) March 8, 2026

T20 World Cup final: Should IND fans be worried about Ahmedabad stadium?

08/03/2026 16:13

Ashwin sums it up beautifully. “You can lose a game at a venue and win the next one. What is there in this? We have won a lot of games in that stadium. Don’t make a stadium like this taboo. I don’t think it should come into the way. I am sure, after a point of time, that monkey on the back will be there. But now, I don’t think the team will be thinking on those lines."

In short, IND only has to play well to win.

IND vs NZ Live: Under 3 hours to go

08/03/2026 16:07

The wait somehow is just not ending. The match starts in little under 3 hours, and the closing ceremony is an hour away only. Get your party started already though.

IND vs NZ Live: MSD in the house

08/03/2026 15:59

MS Dhoni reaches Ahmedabad for the final

#WATCH | Gujarat | Former Captain of the Indian Cricket Team Mahendra Singh Dhoni arrives at Ahmedabad

ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 final between India and New Zealand, to be played today at the Narendra Modi Stadium. pic.twitter.com/5Q6gNuIcsQ
— ANI (@ANI) March 8, 2026

T20 World Cup Final Live: Can Surya be in elite league?

08/03/2026 15:54

Winning a World Cup is a testimony of excellent leadership skills -- and MSD and Rohit have shown that in the past. Can SKY be in that list too? He has done all the right things as captain for now.

T20 World Cup Final Live: Who will win?

08/03/2026 15:49

Pat doesn't know who's winning

Pat Cummins on the T20 World Cup 2026 Final. (Sky Sports)

"The home team is always hard to beat. New Zealand has been fantastic. Finn Allen’s 100 off 30 balls was insane. So I will be watching, it’s going to be a great one." pic.twitter.com/ubyxEnkm6z
— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) March 8, 2026

T20 World Cup Final Live: Pressure on IND

08/03/2026 15:41

Even though India might have the stronger team on paper, but what really helps the Kiwis is, lesser weight of expectations. They played the entire tournament as underdogs, and the final will be no different.

T20 World Cup Final Live: 4500 security personnel deployed

08/03/2026 15:32

Massive security arrangements in place

VIDEO | Ahmedabad, Gujarat: Joint Commissioner of Police Neeraj Kumar Badgujar says, “Around 4,500 police personnel have been deployed for security arrangements at the Narendra Modi Stadium for the T20 World Cup final.”

(Full video available on https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/pgrh7BgSiL
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 8, 2026

T20 World Cup Final Live: The Surya problem

08/03/2026 15:26

Despite having a decent IND vs NZ series before the T20 World Cup, skipper SKY is due for big runs in the tournament. What has been the major concern is, his strike rate of 137 only.

T20 World Cup Final Live: NZ has two ICC titles, both vs..

08/03/2026 15:19

Not many might know, but the Kiwis have two ICC trophies to their name, and on both occasions, they have beaten India to lay their hands on the silverware. In 2000, they beat us in the final of the ICC Knockout. And then more recently, they beat us in the final of the World Test Championship, four years back.

T20 World Cup Final Live: No home team has ever won

08/03/2026 15:13

In 2007 — hosts South Africa did not reach the semis. England were poor in the 2008 edition. West Indies could not do it in 2010, Sri Lanka failed in 2012. Moving on to Bangladesh in 2014, they were no good in 2014, while India lost to West Indies in semis in 2016. 2021 edition was hosted by the UAE and Oman, who are still minnows. Australia were not in the semis for 2022 edition, while 2024 was held in USA & West Indies, and both teams did not qualify for semis. So, it could be difficult to change the trend.

T20 World Cup Final Live: IND has never beaten NZ

08/03/2026 15:06

Can you imagine, Team India has never beaten the Kiwis in the T20 World Cup; the story dates back to 2007 — where we lost in Johannesburg, while chasing 191. Then the next loss was at the home WC of 2016, where NZ spinners were just too good against the Indian batting. And then in 2021, India were beaten in Dubai; there India were restricted to 110 only.

T20 World Cup Final Live: 5 reason why NZ are favorites to win

08/03/2026 15:04

1. Pressure of 132,000 spectators in Ahmedabad

It is just not easy to play in front of over a lakh people, cheering for you, expecting you to win. And the pressure of final is something else. As an Indian, the 2023 WC final loss hurt badly. And the horror of that final has not gone away. Every fan would be hoping for a happy ending this time around.

T20 World Cup Final Live: 4 hours to go

08/03/2026 15:00

The clock is ticking, and our coverage has started early, looking at the magnitude of the event. 4 hours to go until action begins between India and New Zealand.

T20 World Cup Final Live: IPL schedule announcement

08/03/2026 14:55

There is an expectation that the 1st phase of the IPL 2026 could be announced before the start of the final between India and New Zealand, so stay tuned.

T20 World Cup Final Live: Police rehearsal

08/03/2026 14:50

All arrangements are in place, including security

ICC Men's T20 ક્રિકેટ વર્લ્ડ કપ 2026

અમદાવાદ શહેરમાં આવતીકાલે યોજાનાર T20 ક્રિકેટ વર્લ્ડ કપ 2026 ની ફાઇનલ મેચના પોલીસ બંદોબસ્તનું આજરોજ ગ્રાન્ડ રિહર્સલ કરવામા આવ્યું.

અમદાવાદ પોલીસ કમિશ્નરશ્રી જી.એસ.મલિકનાઓએ સમગ્ર પોલીસ બંદોબસ્તના આયોજન અંગે સમીક્ષા કરી અને સ્ટેડિયમ બંદોબસ્ત… pic.twitter.com/rWIw6wGawT
— Ahmedabad Police અમદાવાદ પોલીસ (@AhmedabadPolice) March 7, 2026

T20 World Cup Final Live: Advantage India?

08/03/2026 14:46

It's home ground with 130,000 people cheering, India got to be the favourites, right? Maybe, not. At the Narendra Modi Stadium, India have a 65% winning percentage. Even though in T20Is, India have won 7 out of 10 matches, their only loss this T20 World Cup has also come at this venue. South Africa crushed India by 76 runs in the Super 8 match. Considering India have already lost a World Cup final at this venue when Pat Cummins & Co silenced the 130,000 people. Now, it's time for India to defeat history and not repeat it.

Narendra Modi Stadium Pitch Report

08/03/2026 14:38

The Narendra Modi Stadium pitch is typically batsman-friendly in T20s. The black-soil pitch offers batters the best platform. It has true bounce and pace. But as the match progresses, it tends to slow down significantly. In fact, in T20Is, no team has ever chased down a 200-run target. The highest successful chase at this venue remains 176 when New Zealand did so against South Africa in the Super 8 stage. In IPL, the highest successful chase at this venue is 205.

Highest successful chase at Narendra Modi Stadium in T20I

Team	Score	Target	Opposition	Date
South Africa	178/3	176	New Zealand	14 Feb 2026
India	166/3	165	England	14 Mar 2021
England	158/2	157	India	16 Mar 2021
England	130/2	125	India	12 Mar 2021

IND vs NZ Head-to-Head in T20Is

08/03/2026 14:36

India and New Zealand have faced off in 30 T20I matches. India lead with 16 wins, while New Zealand have 11 victories. Three matches ended up in ties, all in New Zealand. But in T20 World Cups, New Zealand hold a perfect 3-0 record over India.

IND vs NZ Match Preview: New Zealand

08/03/2026 14:33

New Zealand, the perennial underdogs, have always punched above their weight. Not many made them favourites to win a T20 World Cup title. But here they are. Finn Allen played a knock of a lifetime in the semifinal to humiliate South Africa. Their batting all-rounder, Rachin Ravindra, is their highest wicket-taker. Hence, they can hope of silencing the 1,30,000-strong Narendra Modi Stadium again as their neighbours Australia did in 2023.

Mitchell Santner needs his team to rally behind one another for a perfect match. But it won’t be easy. Even though Finn Allen and Tim Seifert offered them the best start ever in the last game, both need the backing of the middle-order, which has been shaky. Their bowling isn’t of the highest order either. India’s left-hander-heavy batting line-up will be taking on Santner. Hence, Phillips and Ravindra must step up as the bowlers. Pacers James Neesham, Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry also must bowl a consistent line to take on India.

IND vs NZ Match Preview: India

08/03/2026 14:32

Shaky and underwhelming throughout the tournament, Team India reached the final, thanks to individual brilliance. England almost chased down a 254-run target in the semifinal, but Jasprit Bumrah’s brilliance saved them the match. With Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakaravarthy both out of form, India will be tempted to utilise the bench. Even captain Suryakumar Yadav hasn’t done well since his 84 against the USA in the T20 World Cup opener.

However, there is optimism. The fielding and catching, which let them down on many occasions throughout the campaign, finally clicked in the semifinal. Even as Arshdeep Singh went for aplenty, Hardik Pandya stood up with the ball in the death overs to assist Bumrah. India would need another such show from the big guns to beat New Zealand.

T20 World Cup closing ceremony

08/03/2026 14:31

Who are performing today?

Falguni Pathak
Sukhbir Singh
Ricky Martin

When does it start?
The T20 World Cup closing ceremony will begin at 5:30 PM IST.

When Ricky Martin meets Sukhbir’s Punjabi beats… and suddenly it’s Oh Ho Ho Ho all the way! 🕺🔥

See you guys at the mega Closing Ceremony of the Final Showdown !

Gates Open: 3.30 PM
Performances Begin: 5:30 PM

See you there !#T20WorldCup #FeelTheThrill pic.twitter.com/AquxbTSG9E
— ICC (@ICC) March 8, 2026

IND vs NZ Live Score: New Zealand Squad

08/03/2026 14:22

Tim Seifert (WK), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner(c), Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Devon Conway, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy

IND vs NZ Live Score: India Squad

08/03/2026 14:22

Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson(w), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav

Cricket ICC T20 World Cup India vs New Zealand India Cricket New Zealand Cricket Mitchell Santner Suryakumar Yadav