India posted a commanding 255-5 in Sunday’s T20 World Cup final against New Zealand, though the hosts may have hoped for an even bigger total.
Co-hosts India had raced to 203-1 in 15 overs before James Neesham (3-46) struck in the 16th over, taking three crucial wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium, which welcomed over 100,000 spectators.
Neesham dismissed opener Sanju Samson for 89 off 46 balls, including eight sixes and five boundaries, and also removed Ishan Kishan (54 in 25) and captain Suryakumar Yadav for a golden duck.
Abhishek Sharma contributed a 21-ball 52, while Shivam Dube finished unbeaten on 26 from eight deliveries.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner had won the toss and opted to bat first against the defending champions. The Kiwis are seeking their first T20 World Cup title, having finished runners-up in 2021, when they lost to Australia in Dubai.
India aims to become the first team to claim the trophy three times.