India clinched a record third T20 World Cup title with a commanding 96-run win over New Zealand on Sunday at the Narendra Modi Stadium, thrilling over 86,000 fans.

After losing the toss, India batted first and posted a massive 255-5. Opener Sanju Samson starred with a 46-ball 89, his third consecutive fifty, while Abhishek Sharma smashed a rapid 52 off just 21 balls. The pair’s blazing start helped India reach 92-0 in the power play, equaling the highest in T20 World Cup history. Ishan Kishan also contributed a quick fifty, with India crossing 200 by the 15th over. Shivam Dube’s 26 not out ensured India finished past 250.

In response, New Zealand never threatened. Tim Seifert hit a 26-ball 52 with five sixes, but India’s bowlers dominated. Jasprit Bumrah took 4-15, including a hat-trick chance, while Axar Patel claimed 3-27. Varun Chakravarthy and Kishan contributed with key wickets and catches as New Zealand were bowled out for 159 in 19 overs.

Samson’s 89 became the highest individual score in a men’s T20 World Cup final, earning him player of the tournament for 321 runs at an average of 80.25. Bumrah, named player of the match, celebrated his 40th T20 World Cup wicket, the most by any pacer.

India, which previously won in 2007 and 2024, became the first team to successfully defend a T20 World Cup title and the first to lift the trophy on home soil. Suryakumar Yadav joined MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma as Indian captains to claim the trophy, marking another historic day for Indian cricket.