T20 World Cup Final LIVE: Sanju Samson’s 89 Powers India To Massive Total Against New Zealand

India produced a stunning batting display in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as India national cricket team posted a huge total against the New Zealand national cricket team at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

Star opener Sanju Samson played a brilliant innings, scoring 89 runs and setting a new record for the highest individual score in a T20 World Cup final. The Kerala batter narrowly missed out on a century but delivered a crucial knock that powered India towards a huge total.

Samson’s innings came off just 44 balls and included a series of powerful shots, including multiple sixes that thrilled the crowd. At one stage, he smashed three consecutive sixes against Rachin Ravindra, accelerating India’s run rate.

Earlier in the innings, Abhishek Sharma gave India a flying start. He smashed the fastest fifty of the tournament, reaching his half-century in just 18 balls. Sharma scored 52 runs before being dismissed by Ravindra.

Big-Match Samson: Kerala Star Sanju Smashes Third Straight Fifty In T20 World Cup 2026

Following the strong opening partnership, Ishan Kishan continued the aggressive approach. The left-hander scored a quick 54 off 25 balls, helping India cross the 200-run mark in just 15 overs.

However, James Neesham provided some relief for New Zealand with a crucial spell. He dismissed Samson for 89 and later removed Kishan in the same over. Neesham also took the wicket of Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav, who was dismissed for a golden duck.

Despite the late wickets, India continued their aggressive batting with Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma at the crease during the final overs.

India also aimed to create history in the match. A victory would make them the first team to defend the T20 World Cup title, win the tournament three times and lift the trophy on home soil.