India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday 8 March 2026. Sanju Samson’s 89 anchored a record-breaking total of 255 for 5, before Jasprit Bumrah took 4 for 15 as the Black Caps were skittled for 159. India became the first team ever to retain the Men’s T20 World Cup and the first to lift the trophy on home soil.
What is the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Final?
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Final is the climax of cricket’s biennial Twenty20 world championship, organised by the International Cricket Council since 2007. The tournament determines the world’s best T20I international side and features 20 teams across roughly a month of competition, with the final a showpiece single-day event. India entered the 2026 final as defending champions, having beaten South Africa in the 2024 final in Barbados.
The 2026 final was the tenth in the tournament’s history, and the first ever played at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s largest cricket ground.
When did it take place?
The final was played on Sunday 8 March 2026, with a first ball shortly after 7pm Indian Standard Time (13:30 GMT). New Zealand had won the toss and elected to bowl, a decision which proved costly as India posted a mammoth total batting first.
Where was it held?
The match was staged at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera, Ahmedabad, the largest cricket venue in the world with a capacity of 132,000. Opened in its current form in 2020 following a complete rebuild, the stadium has become India’s flagship venue for major international fixtures, including the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup Final.
Results
India 255 for 5 in 20 overs (Sanju Samson 89 off 46 balls, Abhishek Sharma 58 off 30 balls, Ishan Kishan 50* off 24 balls) beat New Zealand 159 all out in 17.3 overs (Mitchell Santner 42, Jasprit Bumrah 4 for 15, Axar Patel 3 for 27) by 96 runs. India’s 255 was the highest total in any T20 World Cup final, eclipsing Sri Lanka’s 260 for 6 at Bridgetown in 2010 (which was not a final) and every previous final total. Sanju Samson was named Player of the Match for his innings under pressure, while Jasprit Bumrah’s opening spell dismantled the New Zealand top order and all but ended the contest inside the powerplay.
Background and form going in
India had gone through the tournament unbeaten, producing a string of commanding performances through the group, Super Eight and semi-final stages. New Zealand, meanwhile, had also been in superb form under captain Kane Williamson, beating Australia in a Super Over during the Super Eights and then outplaying England in their semi-final. The final was billed as a potential final tournament appearance for several senior New Zealand players including Williamson, Tim Southee and Trent Boult, adding emotional stakes to the contest.
History and Records
India became the first team to win three Men’s T20 World Cup titles after previously lifting the trophy in 2007 and 2024. They also became the first team to defend the trophy and the first host nation to win it. New Zealand had reached the semi-finals of every major ICC tournament since 2019 but had never previously contested a Men’s T20 World Cup final. The 96-run margin of victory was the largest in any Men’s T20 World Cup final, eclipsing Sri Lanka’s 68-run win in 2014.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2026 T20 World Cup Final?
India, who beat New Zealand by 96 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday 8 March 2026.
When was the final played?
Sunday 8 March 2026.
Where was the final held?
At the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India.
Who was the Player of the Match?
India’s Sanju Samson, for his 89 off 46 balls in the first innings.
Is this India’s third T20 World Cup title?
Yes. India have now won the Men’s T20 World Cup in 2007, 2024 and 2026.