E-Paper
Sign In
Sanju Samson leads India to record 255 against New Zealand in T20 World Cup 2026 final
India’s top three all hit fifties as the defending champions smash the highest score in a T20 World Cup final against the Kiwis
- PUBLISHED: Sun 8 Mar 2026, 7:38 PM
India produced a record-breaking batting display to post 255/5 against New Zealand in the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
The massive total is now the highest T20 score ever recorded in Ahmedabad and the highest score in a T20 World Cup final, while also ranking as the third-highest team total in the history of the tournament.
Recommended For You
At one stage, India looked on course to break the 300-run barrier after a blistering start from their top order. However, a dramatic spell from all-rounder Jimmy Neesham in the 16th over briefly slowed the charge. Neesham picked up three wickets in the over, halting India’s momentum just when the innings seemed set for an even bigger total.
India eventually regained control in the death overs thanks to a late push from Shivam Dube, ensuring the defending champions still finished with a mammoth total that leaves New Zealand facing a daunting chase of 256 runs.
Samson, Sharma and Kishan power India
India’s innings was built on an extraordinary performance from captain Sanju Samson, who smashed 89 off just 46 balls. The innings continues Samson’s remarkable run in the tournament, marking his third consecutive score above 80.
Despite playing only half the tournament, Samson has already hit 24 sixes, the most by any player in a single T20 World Cup. New Zealand opener Finn Allen remains the closest challenger with 20 sixes in the tournament so far.
At the top of the order, Abhishek Sharma delivered a lightning start, scoring 52 off just 21 balls. His half-century is the fastest in this World Cup and the quickest ever in a World Cup knockout match.
India’s top-order dominance continued with Ishan Kishan blasting 54 off 25 balls, meaning all three of India’s top batters scored half-centuries — the first time a team’s top three have all reached fifty in a World Cup knockout match.
Six-hitting record
The innings also set another milestone for India. The team became the first side to hit 100 sixes in any ICC limited-overs tournament, taking their tally to 106 sixes in the competition.
The previous record was 99 sixes by the South Africa national cricket team during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023.
With 256 required to win, New Zealand must now produce the highest successful chase in a T20 World Cup final if they are to deny India a historic title defence.
