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England great James Anderson feels there’s none like Jasprit Bumrah in this world; no bowler, man or woman, can bowl six brilliant Yorkers he bowled in the 18th over against England in Mumbai. Bumrah nailed it to perfection against Sam Curran and Jacob Bethell, conceding just six runs and putting England’s back against the wall. While England were there in the run chase, needing 44 off the last 18 balls at a time when Bumrah came to bowl, his final over sealed the win for India and qualified for the T20 World Cup final.&nbsp;Known for his effortless art of swinging the ball at any venue at will, Anderson was all but stunned by Bumrah’s ability to strike gold with his Yorkers every time. &nbsp;"The thing about Bumrah is, I look at him and think, I don't think you can learn anything from him. Like, he's an absolute freak. There's not one bowler in the world in any format, men or women, who can bowl six Yorkers out of six and absolutely nail it every time. Even one of the Yorkers, he bowled [vs England] in his last over, was a slow ball. So, he's nailed five fast Yorkers and one slowball yorker, like you can't hit them anywhere," Anderson said of Bumrah on a BBC podcast.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jemimah-rodrigues-heartfelt-message-to-india-ahead-of-t20-world-cup-final-vs-new-zealand-ahmedabad-1772968624058">‘Bring it Home!’ Jemimah Rodrigues’ heartfelt message to Indian Team ahead of T20 World Cup final vs NZ</a> &nbsp;Bumrah was the reason Bethell’s brilliance went in vain, as the Indian speedster conceded just 33 runs in a game that saw 499 runs being scored across both innings. While his first-ball masterclass, a slower ball that accounted for captain Harry Brook, won hearts, his last over was the final nail in the coffin, which cost England the game.<h3>‘Curran, Bethell handled Bumrah well’</h3>Anderson, meanwhile, lauded the batting pair for their strategy against Bumrah, which was to see him and not target him, only to help save a wicket and attack someone else. Although they succeeded against gifting him a wicket, leaving too much to score in the last two overs caught them off guard. &nbsp;"England did really well to get six [balls] off the hole, like they squeezed the ball out. They actually played it pretty well because they thought we know that we can't get boundaries off it, or it's going to be really hard to get boundaries off him.&nbsp; &nbsp;"So, we'll just take our chances against the other two at the other end. And they saw at the end Shivam Dube bowl in the last over went for 22 with Jofra Archer smacking him. I know the game was gone then, but he was trying to bowl a yorker and was missing by a decent amount. So, it's just a ridiculous skill. There's no one, or certainly in T20 cricket, there's no one better than him,"&nbsp;Anderson explained.

England legend James Anderson reacts to Jasprit Bumrah’s "ridiculous" six-yorker over that dismantled England in the T20 World Cup semifinal. From nailing five fast Yorkers to a deceptive slow ball, see why Anderson claims there is "no one better" than the Indian speedster.

England great James Anderson feels there’s none like Jasprit Bumrah in this world; no bowler, man or woman, can bowl six brilliant Yorkers he bowled in the 18th over against England in Mumbai. Bumrah nailed it to perfection against Sam Curran and Jacob Bethell, conceding just six runs and putting England’s back against the wall. While England were there in the run chase, needing 44 off the last 18 balls at a time when Bumrah came to bowl, his final over sealed the win for India and qualified for the T20 World Cup final. Known for his effortless art of swinging the ball at any venue at will, Anderson was all but stunned by Bumrah’s ability to strike gold with his Yorkers every time. "The thing about Bumrah is, I look at him and think, I don't think you can learn anything from him. Like, he's an absolute freak. There's not one bowler in the world in any format, men or women, who can bowl six Yorkers out of six and absolutely nail it every time. Even one of the Yorkers, he bowled [vs England] in his last over, was a slow ball. So, he's nailed five fast Yorkers and one slowball yorker, like you can't hit them anywhere," Anderson said of Bumrah on a BBC podcast. Also read | ‘Bring it Home!’ Jemimah Rodrigues’ heartfelt message to Indian Team ahead of T20 World Cup final vs NZ Bumrah was the reason Bethell’s brilliance went in vain, as the Indian speedster conceded just 33 runs in a game that saw 499 runs being scored across both innings. While his first-ball masterclass, a slower ball that accounted for captain Harry Brook, won hearts, his last over was the final nail in the coffin, which cost England the game. ‘Curran, Bethell handled Bumrah well’ Anderson, meanwhile, lauded the batting pair for their strategy against Bumrah, which was to see him and not target him, only to help save a wicket and attack someone else. Although they succeeded against gifting him a wicket, leaving too much to score in the last two overs caught them off guard. "England did really well to get six [balls] off the hole, like they squeezed the ball out. They actually played it pretty well because they thought we know that we can't get boundaries off it, or it's going to be really hard to get boundaries off him. "So, we'll just take our chances against the other two at the other end. And they saw at the end Shivam Dube bowl in the last over went for 22 with Jofra Archer smacking him. I know the game was gone then, but he was trying to bowl a yorker and was missing by a decent amount. So, it's just a ridiculous skill. There's no one, or certainly in T20 cricket, there's no one better than him," Anderson explained.

England legend James Anderson reacts to Jasprit Bumrah’s "ridiculous" six-yorker over that dismantled England in the T20 World Cup semifinal. From nailing five fast Yorkers to a deceptive slow ball, see why Anderson claims there is "no one better" than the Indian speedster.

‘He’s a Freak!’ James Anderson stunned by Bumrah’s six-yorker masterclass vs ENG in Mumbai

India were given a perfect start by the batting duo of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma as they scored 92 runs in the Powerplay of the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand on Sunday (Mar 8). Playing at the Narendra Modi Stadium against New Zealand in the final, Abhishek completed his fifty in 18 balls as India set the tone for the final. Abhishek’s innings comes after he was underfire for a poor batting show at the start of the tournament.<h2>Abhishek-Sanju make perfect start</h2>With pressure on his shoulders, it was Abhishek who silenced his critics as he scored an 18-ball fifty to give India a perfect start. The 92-run stand was the highest ever for India in a T20 World Cup. Abhishek was soon dismissed by Rachin Ravindra for 52 off 21 as he helped the Men in Blue get a perfect start. His innings consisted of 6 fours and 3 sixes and averaged almost three runs per ball.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185">Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</a><h2>Highest PP scores in T20 WCs</h2>92/0 - IND vs NZ, Ahmedabad, 2026 Final92/1 - WI vs AFG, Bridgetown, 202491/1 - NED vs IRE, Sylhet, 201489/3 - ENG vs SA, Mumbai WS, 201686/1 - IND vs NAM, Delhi, 2026&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691">From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</a><h2>Team management shows faith in duo</h2>Despite issues facing issues with the form, the team management showed faith in Varun and Abhishek. While Abhishek was expected to retain, there were question marks on his stay in the Playing XI with Kuldeep Yadav in the frame. However, Kuldeep had to once again settle for a place on the bench as he played no role in India’s campaign on home soil, with his only opportunity coming in the Pakistan contest in Colombo.

Playing at the Narendra Modi Stadium against New Zealand in the final, Abhishek completed his fifty in 18 balls as India set the tone for the final. Abhishek Sharma innings comes after he was underfire for a poor batting show at the start of the tournament.

India were given a perfect start by the batting duo of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma as they scored 92 runs in the Powerplay of the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand on Sunday (Mar 8). Playing at the Narendra Modi Stadium against New Zealand in the final, Abhishek completed his fifty in 18 balls as India set the tone for the final. Abhishek’s innings comes after he was underfire for a poor batting show at the start of the tournament. Abhishek-Sanju make perfect start With pressure on his shoulders, it was Abhishek who silenced his critics as he scored an 18-ball fifty to give India a perfect start. The 92-run stand was the highest ever for India in a T20 World Cup. Abhishek was soon dismissed by Rachin Ravindra for 52 off 21 as he helped the Men in Blue get a perfect start. His innings consisted of 6 fours and 3 sixes and averaged almost three runs per ball. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli Highest PP scores in T20 WCs 92/0 - IND vs NZ, Ahmedabad, 2026 Final 92/1 - WI vs AFG, Bridgetown, 2024 91/1 - NED vs IRE, Sylhet, 2014 89/3 - ENG vs SA, Mumbai WS, 2016 86/1 - IND vs NAM, Delhi, 2026 ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds Team management shows faith in duo Despite issues facing issues with the form, the team management showed faith in Varun and Abhishek. While Abhishek was expected to retain, there were question marks on his stay in the Playing XI with Kuldeep Yadav in the frame. However, Kuldeep had to once again settle for a place on the bench as he played no role in India’s campaign on home soil, with his only opportunity coming in the Pakistan contest in Colombo.

Playing at the Narendra Modi Stadium against New Zealand in the final, Abhishek completed his fifty in 18 balls as India set the tone for the final. Abhishek Sharma's innings comes after he was underfire for a poor batting show at the start of the tournament.

IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup final: Abhishek-Sanju give India perfect start with 92 runs in powerplay

India named an unchanged Playing XI for the final of the T20 World Cup 2026 as they retained faith in Varun Chakaravarthy and Abhishek Sharma despite poor form. Playing at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India, showed faith in both Abhishek and Varun, who have endured poor form in the later stages of the tournament. At the time of writing, New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl first, meaning both teams will retain their semifinal roles if they are to win the World Cup.<h2>India retain faith in struggling duo</h2>Despite issues facing issues with the form, the team management showed faith in Varun and Abhishek. While Abhishek was expected to retain, there were question marks on his stay in the Playing XI with Kuldeep Yadav in the frame. However, Kuldeep had to once again settle for a place on the bench as he played no role in India’s campaign on home soil, with his only opportunity coming in the Pakistan contest in Colombo.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691">From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</a><h2>Varun’s poor form</h2>Varun’s return of 186/4 in 16 overs in his last four matches had seen him attract critics and could face the heat in the final. His economy rate has become a huge concern for the team management considering India have looted runs against Zimbabwe and England in their recent encounters. In fact, India narrowly avoided a defeat against England in the semis despite scoring 253 runs.&nbsp;New Zealand, on the other hand, made one change as they brought in Jacob Duffy in place of Cole McConchie.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185">Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</a><h2>Teams&nbsp;</h2>India&nbsp;(Playing XI): Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson(w), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah.&nbsp;New Zealand&nbsp;(Playing XI): Tim Seifert(w), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner(c), Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy.&nbsp;

Playing at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India, showed faith in both Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakaravarthy, who have endured poor form in the later stages of the tournament. 

India named an unchanged Playing XI for the final of the T20 World Cup 2026 as they retained faith in Varun Chakaravarthy and Abhishek Sharma despite poor form. Playing at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India, showed faith in both Abhishek and Varun, who have endured poor form in the later stages of the tournament. At the time of writing, New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl first, meaning both teams will retain their semifinal roles if they are to win the World Cup. India retain faith in struggling duo Despite issues facing issues with the form, the team management showed faith in Varun and Abhishek. While Abhishek was expected to retain, there were question marks on his stay in the Playing XI with Kuldeep Yadav in the frame. However, Kuldeep had to once again settle for a place on the bench as he played no role in India’s campaign on home soil, with his only opportunity coming in the Pakistan contest in Colombo. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds Varun’s poor form Varun’s return of 186/4 in 16 overs in his last four matches had seen him attract critics and could face the heat in the final. His economy rate has become a huge concern for the team management considering India have looted runs against Zimbabwe and England in their recent encounters. In fact, India narrowly avoided a defeat against England in the semis despite scoring 253 runs. New Zealand, on the other hand, made one change as they brought in Jacob Duffy in place of Cole McConchie. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli Teams India (Playing XI): Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson(w), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah. New Zealand (Playing XI): Tim Seifert(w), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner(c), Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy.

Playing at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India, showed faith in both Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakaravarthy, who have endured poor form in the later stages of the tournament.&nbsp;

IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup final: Underfire Varun, Abhishek retain spot in Playing XI as India go unchanged

From MS Dhoni to Suryakumar Yadav, here is a look at five captains to lead India in a World Cup final, men’s senior only. The honourable list also features the likes of Kapil Dev, Sourav Ganguly and Rohit Sharma.

From MS Dhoni to Suryakumar Yadav, here is a look at five captains to lead India in a World Cup final, men’s senior only. The honourable list also features the likes of Kapil Dev, Sourav Ganguly and Rohit Sharma.

From MS Dhoni to Suryakumar Yadav, 5 captains to lead India in a World Cup final (men’s senior only)

New Zealand domestic bowler Brett Randell made history on Sunday (Mar 8) by becoming the first cricketer in the 254-year history of first-class cricket to take five wickets in five consecutive balls. He achieved this while playing for Central Districts against Northern Districts during a Plunket Shield match at McLean Park in Napier. According to records kept by the Association of Cricket Statisticians and Historians, this achievement has never been recorded since the first recognised First-Class match was played in 1772.&nbsp;In another format, Ireland's Curtis Campher had taken five wickets in five balls during a domestic T20 match last year, becoming the first player to do so in a professional game.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jemimah-rodrigues-heartfelt-message-to-india-ahead-of-t20-world-cup-final-vs-new-zealand-ahmedabad-1772968624058">‘Bring it Home!’ Jemimah Rodrigues’ heartfelt message to Indian Team ahead of T20 World Cup final vs NZ</a>&nbsp;Randell began his remarkable spell by bowling out Henry Cooper with the final ball of his second over. In his next over, he dismissed the former New Zealand Test batter Jeet Raval. He then took three more wickets with the next three deliveries, with the historic fifth wicket coming when all-rounder Kristian Clarke was bowled.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/ind-vs-nz-t20-world-cup-final-kuldeep-yadav-in-varun-chakaravarthy-out-will-india-pull-the-plug-for-high-stakes-contest-1772958869538">IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup final: Kuldeep in, Varun out; will India pull the plug?</a>&nbsp;Randell added two more wickets in the following over, helping bowl out Northern Districts for 82 runs after Central Districts had scored 373.&nbsp;The 30-year-old finished with seven wickets for 25 runs, the best bowling figures of his nine-year First-Class career across 38 matches.&nbsp;

The 30-year-old finished with seven wickets for 25 runs, the best bowling figures of his nine-year First-Class career across 38 matches

New Zealand domestic bowler Brett Randell made history on Sunday (Mar 8) by becoming the first cricketer in the 254-year history of first-class cricket to take five wickets in five consecutive balls. He achieved this while playing for Central Districts against Northern Districts during a Plunket Shield match at McLean Park in Napier. According to records kept by the Association of Cricket Statisticians and Historians, this achievement has never been recorded since the first recognised First-Class match was played in 1772. In another format, Ireland's Curtis Campher had taken five wickets in five balls during a domestic T20 match last year, becoming the first player to do so in a professional game. Also Read - ‘Bring it Home!’ Jemimah Rodrigues’ heartfelt message to Indian Team ahead of T20 World Cup final vs NZ Randell began his remarkable spell by bowling out Henry Cooper with the final ball of his second over. In his next over, he dismissed the former New Zealand Test batter Jeet Raval. He then took three more wickets with the next three deliveries, with the historic fifth wicket coming when all-rounder Kristian Clarke was bowled. Also Read - IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup final: Kuldeep in, Varun out; will India pull the plug? Randell added two more wickets in the following over, helping bowl out Northern Districts for 82 runs after Central Districts had scored 373. The 30-year-old finished with seven wickets for 25 runs, the best bowling figures of his nine-year First-Class career across 38 matches.

The 30-year-old finished with seven wickets for 25 runs, the best bowling figures of his nine-year First-Class career across 38 matches

New Zealand bowler takes five wickets in five balls, sets new first-class record

The Indian women’s cricket team stars Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma, alongside team coach Amol Mazumdar, sent heartfelt wishes to the Men in Blue for their ICC T20 World Cup final against New Zealand in Ahmedabad on Sunday (Mar 8). The Suryakumar-led Indian Team will defend its T20 crown on home soil, vying to become the first team to win back-to-back T20 WCs, at home and for the record third time. Meanwhile, the Kiwis are chasing their first ICC white-ball trophy since the 1998 Champions Trophy title.&nbsp;With Indian Cricket booming since the past three years, including winning the 2024 T20 World Cup edition, next year’s Champions Trophy and the maiden Women’s ODI World Cup, bagging a fourth ICC title in two years would be no less than a massive achievement.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/-50-percent-pressure-50-percent-excitement-suryakumar-yadav-ahead-of-t20-world-cup-2026-final-1772958121962">’50 percent pressure, 50 percent excitement’: Suryakumar Yadav ahead of T20 World Cup 2026 final</a> &nbsp;Meanwhile, the members of the Women’s ODI World Cup winning team - Rodrigues, Sharma and even Sneh Rana, wished good luck to the men’s side. In a video uploaded by the BCCI, captioned, “From one #TeamIndia that clinched a World Cup at home 🙌 To the other going for 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗖𝘂𝗽 𝗴𝗹𝗼𝗿𝘆 at home tonight 🏆🎥 From the #WomenInBlue to the #MenInBlue 💙 🇮🇳,” the above-mentioned players left motivating messages. &nbsp;"I would like to wish everyone all the very best. In Narendra Modi Stadium, there will be a huge crowd. Fantastic ambience to play the World Cup Finals," Muzumdar said.&nbsp; &nbsp;"All the best men in blue for the World Cup Finals. We all are supporting you. Go get it," Deepti Sharma said, while Jemimah Rodrigues added, “Let's bring this home. We are rooting for you.”&nbsp;WATCH VIDEO -

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">From one <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> that clinched a World Cup at home 🙌 To the other going for 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗖𝘂𝗽 𝗴𝗹𝗼𝗿𝘆 at home tonight 🏆 🎥 From the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WomenInBlue?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WomenInBlue</a> to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MenInBlue?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MenInBlue</a> 💙 🇮🇳<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Final?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Final</a> <a href="https://t.co/MRq4Kl92gF">pic.twitter.com/MRq4Kl92gF</a>&mdash; BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCIWomen/status/2030510776235257937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h3>Indian Team chases history</h3>No team has won the T20 World Cup three times, with three teams tied with two titles each: India, England, and the West Indies. Enroute to the tournament final, also co-hosted by Sri Lanka, India beat the mighty West Indies in their last Super 8 game before narrowly beating England in the second semifinal in Mumbai to enter successive finals. &nbsp;New Zealand, on the other hand, were the second-best side in Group 2 in Super 8s and made it to the final by beating the Proteas in a lop-sided contest in Kolkata. It’s the second time they have made the final of a T20 World Cup, having earlier qualified during the 2021 edition in the UAE, where they lost to Australia in the summit clash.&nbsp;

Jemimah Rodrigues and the Women's ODI World Cup champions rally behind the Men in Blue for the IND vs NZ T20 World Cup Final in Ahmedabad. Can Suryakumar Yadav's India make history with a record third title? Read the heartfelt messages from the stars.

The Indian women’s cricket team stars Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma, alongside team coach Amol Mazumdar, sent heartfelt wishes to the Men in Blue for their ICC T20 World Cup final against New Zealand in Ahmedabad on Sunday (Mar 8). The Suryakumar-led Indian Team will defend its T20 crown on home soil, vying to become the first team to win back-to-back T20 WCs, at home and for the record third time. Meanwhile, the Kiwis are chasing their first ICC white-ball trophy since the 1998 Champions Trophy title. With Indian Cricket booming since the past three years, including winning the 2024 T20 World Cup edition, next year’s Champions Trophy and the maiden Women’s ODI World Cup, bagging a fourth ICC title in two years would be no less than a massive achievement. Also read | ’50 percent pressure, 50 percent excitement’: Suryakumar Yadav ahead of T20 World Cup 2026 final Meanwhile, the members of the Women’s ODI World Cup winning team - Rodrigues, Sharma and even Sneh Rana, wished good luck to the men’s side. In a video uploaded by the BCCI, captioned, “From one #TeamIndia that clinched a World Cup at home 🙌 To the other going for 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗖𝘂𝗽 𝗴𝗹𝗼𝗿𝘆 at home tonight 🏆🎥 From the #WomenInBlue to the #MenInBlue 💙 🇮🇳,” the above-mentioned players left motivating messages. "I would like to wish everyone all the very best. In Narendra Modi Stadium, there will be a huge crowd. Fantastic ambience to play the World Cup Finals," Muzumdar said. "All the best men in blue for the World Cup Finals. We all are supporting you. Go get it," Deepti Sharma said, while Jemimah Rodrigues added, “Let's bring this home. We are rooting for you.” WATCH VIDEO -

Jemimah Rodrigues and the Women's ODI World Cup champions rally behind the Men in Blue for the IND vs NZ T20 World Cup Final in Ahmedabad. Can Suryakumar Yadav's India make history with a record third title? Read the heartfelt messages from the stars.

‘Bring it Home!’ Jemimah Rodrigues’ heartfelt message to Indian Team ahead of T20 World Cup final vs NZ

Team India will step into the final of the T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday (Mar 8) as they take on New Zealand in the summit clash. The event at the Narendra Modi Stadium is likely to raise eyebrows, as India has two weak spots to address, with Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakaravarthy out of form. However, it is the latter’s position that looks in jeopardy as Team India might do the unthinkable and bring in Kuldeep Yadav.<h2>Kuldeep in, Varun out for T20 World Cup final?</h2>So far in the T20 World Cup, Varun has scalped 13 wickets and on paper, it looks like a good return for the Indian team’s investment. However, it is Varun’s predictable nature with the ball that could see him walk the flame for a place in the Playing XI. In his last four innings with the ball, he has been smashed for a combined 186 runs while scalping just four wickets.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691">From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</a>&nbsp;Varun’s return of 186/4 in 16 overs has seen him attract critics and could face the heat in the final. His economy rate has become a huge concern for the team management considering India have looted runs against Zimbabwe and England in their recent encounters. In fact, India narrowly avoided a defeat against England in the semis despite scoring 253 runs.&nbsp;Kuldeep, on the other hand, is yet to feature in a T20 World Cup contest on Indian soil. His only T20 World Cup game was against Pakistan in Colombo, where he had figures of 14/1.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185">Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</a>&nbsp;So it will be interesting to see who gets the nod in the final, as India are favourites to win. They have enjoyed a stellar run in the tournament, having lost only one match so far, which was against South Africa in the Super 8. India are also bidding to become the first team to defend their T20 World Cup title, which they also won in 2024.

Varun Chakaravarthy's return of 186/4 in 16 overs has seen him attract critics and could face the heat in the final. His economy rate has become a huge concern for the team management considering India have looted runs against Zimbabwe and England in their recent encounters. 

Team India will step into the final of the T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday (Mar 8) as they take on New Zealand in the summit clash. The event at the Narendra Modi Stadium is likely to raise eyebrows, as India has two weak spots to address, with Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakaravarthy out of form. However, it is the latter’s position that looks in jeopardy as Team India might do the unthinkable and bring in Kuldeep Yadav. Kuldeep in, Varun out for T20 World Cup final? So far in the T20 World Cup, Varun has scalped 13 wickets and on paper, it looks like a good return for the Indian team’s investment. However, it is Varun’s predictable nature with the ball that could see him walk the flame for a place in the Playing XI. In his last four innings with the ball, he has been smashed for a combined 186 runs while scalping just four wickets. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds Varun’s return of 186/4 in 16 overs has seen him attract critics and could face the heat in the final. His economy rate has become a huge concern for the team management considering India have looted runs against Zimbabwe and England in their recent encounters. In fact, India narrowly avoided a defeat against England in the semis despite scoring 253 runs. Kuldeep, on the other hand, is yet to feature in a T20 World Cup contest on Indian soil. His only T20 World Cup game was against Pakistan in Colombo, where he had figures of 14/1. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli So it will be interesting to see who gets the nod in the final, as India are favourites to win. They have enjoyed a stellar run in the tournament, having lost only one match so far, which was against South Africa in the Super 8. India are also bidding to become the first team to defend their T20 World Cup title, which they also won in 2024.

Varun Chakaravarthy's return of 186/4 in 16 overs has seen him attract critics and could face the heat in the final. His economy rate has become a huge concern for the team management considering India have looted runs against Zimbabwe and England in their recent encounters.&nbsp;

IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup final: Kuldeep in, Varun out; will India pull the plug for high-stakes contest?

From Ish Sodhi to Mitchell Santner, here's a look at the top five New Zealand bowlers with most T20I wickets vs India. This list also includes Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson

From Ish Sodhi to Mitchell Santner, here's a look at the top five New Zealand bowlers with most T20I wickets vs India. This list also includes Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson

Meet top 5 New Zealand bowlers with most T20I wickets vs India

Ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final, India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav and New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner expressed about how pressure feels when playing on the biggest stage in international cricket. For Suryakumar, playing a World Cup final at home brings more than just excitement. He said the match creates a mix of emotions, including pressure and nervousness. Even though expectations are high for both the teams, he believes there is a balance between excitement and stress. He said there is about “50 percent pressure and 50 percent excitement” and admitted that the players do feel nervous before such an important game.&nbsp;The 35-year-old also said that India reached the final because of teamwork. Instead of relying on one or two players to perform brilliantly, the team succeeded because many players made small but important contributions during matches. He explained that the team values these moments and often remembers them in the dressing room, which helps build a strong team spirit.&nbsp;&nbsp;“There are a lot of moments from game one till we reached the final,” he said. “When we are in the dressing room, we don’t forget those small contributions. That’s what makes this team special and more team-oriented.”&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-t20-world-cup-2026-final-who-will-decide-the-winner-match-ups-which-could-define-outcome-1772950996279">IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026 Final | Match-ups which could decide winner</a>&nbsp;Suryakumar also praised India’s star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and jokingly said that if the ICC ever allowed a player to bowl six or eight overs in a T20 match, Bumrah would be the perfect choice. According to him, Bumrah is a rare talent and a “once-in-a-generation” bowler who is extremely valuable for the country.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Mitchell Santner highlighted New Zealand’s strong team effort throughout the tournament. He said he is very proud of the players and their determination to reach the final. Since New Zealand has not won many major trophies, making it to the final is a big achievement for the team.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Obviously first things, very proud of this group,” Santner stated. “The boys have been playing some good cricket, and to make it this far, I’m really proud.”&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-postpones-doha-meeting-amid-middle-east-conflict-reports-1772955310545">ICC postpones Doha meeting amid Middle East conflict: Reports</a>&nbsp;Although India is considered the favourite because the final is being played at home, Santner added that New Zealand is comfortable being the underdog. He explained that the team enjoys the challenge and plans to put India under as much pressure as possible during the game to see how things unfold.&nbsp;“It’s fair to say we are underdogs for the final, but we don’t mind it. Our job is to try and put India under as much pressure as we can and see what happens," Santner added.&nbsp;

Suryakumar Yadav and Mitchell Santner have both spoken about how momentous the T20 World Cup final is in their own different ways.

Ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final, India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav and New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner expressed about how pressure feels when playing on the biggest stage in international cricket. For Suryakumar, playing a World Cup final at home brings more than just excitement. He said the match creates a mix of emotions, including pressure and nervousness. Even though expectations are high for both the teams, he believes there is a balance between excitement and stress. He said there is about “50 percent pressure and 50 percent excitement” and admitted that the players do feel nervous before such an important game. The 35-year-old also said that India reached the final because of teamwork. Instead of relying on one or two players to perform brilliantly, the team succeeded because many players made small but important contributions during matches. He explained that the team values these moments and often remembers them in the dressing room, which helps build a strong team spirit. “There are a lot of moments from game one till we reached the final,” he said. “When we are in the dressing room, we don’t forget those small contributions. That’s what makes this team special and more team-oriented.” Also Read - IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026 Final | Match-ups which could decide winner Suryakumar also praised India’s star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and jokingly said that if the ICC ever allowed a player to bowl six or eight overs in a T20 match, Bumrah would be the perfect choice. According to him, Bumrah is a rare talent and a “once-in-a-generation” bowler who is extremely valuable for the country. Meanwhile, Mitchell Santner highlighted New Zealand’s strong team effort throughout the tournament. He said he is very proud of the players and their determination to reach the final. Since New Zealand has not won many major trophies, making it to the final is a big achievement for the team. “Obviously first things, very proud of this group,” Santner stated. “The boys have been playing some good cricket, and to make it this far, I’m really proud.” Also Read - ICC postpones Doha meeting amid Middle East conflict: Reports Although India is considered the favourite because the final is being played at home, Santner added that New Zealand is comfortable being the underdog. He explained that the team enjoys the challenge and plans to put India under as much pressure as possible during the game to see how things unfold. “It’s fair to say we are underdogs for the final, but we don’t mind it. Our job is to try and put India under as much pressure as we can and see what happens," Santner added.

Suryakumar Yadav and Mitchell Santner have both spoken about how momentous the T20 World Cup final is in their own different ways.

’50 percent pressure, 50 percent excitement’: Suryakumar Yadav ahead of T20 World Cup 2026 final

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has postponed its three-day meeting that was scheduled to be held in Doha, Qatar, from March 25 to 27. The decision was taken due to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. According to reports, the meeting has now been rescheduled for next month on the same continent. A formal communication regarding the change was sent to ICC members on Saturday, a day before the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 between the India and New Zealand at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;The meeting was expected to be attended by ICC board directors, chief executives, committee members, and other senior officials. It is part of the organisation’s regular governance schedule and typically provides a platform to discuss key issues related to the present and future of international cricket.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2026-final-what-happens-if-rain-disrupts-ind-vs-nz-in-ahmedabad-1772868225345">T20 World Cup 2026 Final: What happens if rain disrupts IND vs NZ in Ahmedabad?</a>&nbsp;The ICC had chosen Qatar as the venue because of the country’s increasing involvement in the sport. In a statement released on Feb 22, the council said its partnership with the Qatar Cricket Association and the Qatar Olympic Committee has helped cricket grow quickly in Qatar in recent years.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The ICC’s support of and collaboration with the Qatar Cricket Association and Olympic Committee, Cricket in Qatar has fuelled remarkable progress for the sport in recent years,” the ICC had said in a release.

A formal communication regarding the change was sent to ICC members on Saturday, a day before the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 between the India and New Zealand at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has postponed its three-day meeting that was scheduled to be held in Doha, Qatar, from March 25 to 27. The decision was taken due to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. According to reports, the meeting has now been rescheduled for next month on the same continent. A formal communication regarding the change was sent to ICC members on Saturday, a day before the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 between the India and New Zealand at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The meeting was expected to be attended by ICC board directors, chief executives, committee members, and other senior officials. It is part of the organisation’s regular governance schedule and typically provides a platform to discuss key issues related to the present and future of international cricket. Also Read - T20 World Cup 2026 Final: What happens if rain disrupts IND vs NZ in Ahmedabad? The ICC had chosen Qatar as the venue because of the country’s increasing involvement in the sport. In a statement released on Feb 22, the council said its partnership with the Qatar Cricket Association and the Qatar Olympic Committee has helped cricket grow quickly in Qatar in recent years. “The ICC’s support of and collaboration with the Qatar Cricket Association and Olympic Committee, Cricket in Qatar has fuelled remarkable progress for the sport in recent years,” the ICC had said in a release.

A formal communication regarding the change was sent to ICC members on Saturday, a day before the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 between the India and New Zealand at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

ICC postpones Doha meeting amid Middle East conflict: Reports

India vs New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026 final is set to be played on Sunday (Mar 8) at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Both the teams last met in an ICC white-ball tournament final in Champions Trophy 2025 where India emerged victorious. In T20 WCs, however, India have never beaten New Zealand but it could change on Sunday, shall Surkyakumar Yadav's men defend their title. With multiple match-winners on both sides, it is the one-on-one match ups which could decide the winner.<h2>IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026 Final - Match-ups which could decide winner</h2>The pitch in Ahmedabad is expected to be a similar to the one on Wankhede in Mumbai where India came out winners against England in a high-scoring thriller. If the mixed soil pitch at Narendra Modi Stadium turns out as good as Wankhede, the fans can expected a cracker of a final with plenty of runs on the board. While a batting surface makes bowlers' life tougher than it already is, it gives them a chance to taking more wickets if batters going in ultra-attack mode. Below are the match-ups which could decide the winner in the final:Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2026-final-ahmedabad-gears-up-for-ind-vs-nz-as-fans-hope-to-erase-memories-of-the-2023-heartbreak-1772947429977">T20 WC 2026 Final | Ahmedabad gears up to erase memories of 2023 heartbreak</a>Sanju Samson vs Matt Henry: The Indian wicketkeeper-batter, in the last two matches, has proven his worth and repaid the faith shown in him by the team management. Henry, on the other hand, has not been at his best but could roar back to form in any match. This early showdown will dictate the pace of Indian run scoring which has been crucial in all their wins of the tournament.Jasprit Bumrah vs Finn Allen &amp; Tim Seifert: Both the Kiwi openers have been the bedrock of Blackcaps reaching the final. In the semis against SA, Allen showed how destructive he can be while Seifert played the second-fiddle and still scoring a blistering 58. Bumrah, Indi's cheat-code bowler in crunch situations, will be tasked with taming these two and it could very well decide the direction of the match.Rachin Ravindra vs India middle order: The Kiwi batting all-rounder has been phenomenal with the ball and his left-arm spin could be the key for New Zealand against a shaky Indian middle order. No one except Shivam Dube has been consistent and if Ravindra gets going, it could spell doom for India while trying to keep up with the temp in middle and slog overs.Varun Chakaravarthy vs New Zealand middle order: Just like India, New Zealand have also been dealing with middle order crises with only Glenn Phillips being somewhat consistent. While Chakaravarthy's form is a cause of concern, he still remains the best T20I bowler in the ICC Rankings and could very well change the game for India.

With multiple match-winners on both sides, it is the one-on-one match ups which could decide the winner in IND vs NZ T20 World Cup 2026 final on Sunday (Mar 8) at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

India vs New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026 final is set to be played on Sunday (Mar 8) at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Both the teams last met in an ICC white-ball tournament final in Champions Trophy 2025 where India emerged victorious. In T20 WCs, however, India have never beaten New Zealand but it could change on Sunday, shall Surkyakumar Yadav's men defend their title. With multiple match-winners on both sides, it is the one-on-one match ups which could decide the winner. IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026 Final - Match-ups which could decide winner The pitch in Ahmedabad is expected to be a similar to the one on Wankhede in Mumbai where India came out winners against England in a high-scoring thriller. If the mixed soil pitch at Narendra Modi Stadium turns out as good as Wankhede, the fans can expected a cracker of a final with plenty of runs on the board. While a batting surface makes bowlers' life tougher than it already is, it gives them a chance to taking more wickets if batters going in ultra-attack mode. Below are the match-ups which could decide the winner in the final: Also Read - T20 WC 2026 Final | Ahmedabad gears up to erase memories of 2023 heartbreak Sanju Samson vs Matt Henry: The Indian wicketkeeper-batter, in the last two matches, has proven his worth and repaid the faith shown in him by the team management. Henry, on the other hand, has not been at his best but could roar back to form in any match. This early showdown will dictate the pace of Indian run scoring which has been crucial in all their wins of the tournament. Jasprit Bumrah vs Finn Allen & Tim Seifert: Both the Kiwi openers have been the bedrock of Blackcaps reaching the final. In the semis against SA, Allen showed how destructive he can be while Seifert played the second-fiddle and still scoring a blistering 58. Bumrah, Indi's cheat-code bowler in crunch situations, will be tasked with taming these two and it could very well decide the direction of the match. Rachin Ravindra vs India middle order: The Kiwi batting all-rounder has been phenomenal with the ball and his left-arm spin could be the key for New Zealand against a shaky Indian middle order. No one except Shivam Dube has been consistent and if Ravindra gets going, it could spell doom for India while trying to keep up with the temp in middle and slog overs. Varun Chakaravarthy vs New Zealand middle order: Just like India, New Zealand have also been dealing with middle order crises with only Glenn Phillips being somewhat consistent. While Chakaravarthy's form is a cause of concern, he still remains the best T20I bowler in the ICC Rankings and could very well change the game for India.

With multiple match-winners on both sides, it is the one-on-one match ups which could decide the winner in IND vs NZ T20 World Cup 2026 final on Sunday (Mar 8) at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026 Final | Who will decide the winner? Match-ups which could define outcome

Ahmedabad is buzzing with excitement as the city prepares to host the much-anticipated T20 World Cup 2026 final between India and New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday (Mar 8). Tricolour Indian flags and cricket jerseys featuring names of stars like Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan alongside that of now 2024 champions Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma can be seen lining the roads for nearly 3-4 kilometres around the stadium.The world’s largest cricket stadium is already sold out, with fans travelling from different parts of the country to witness the historic final. Demand for tickets and hotel rooms in the city has surged dramatically, with some fans even offering three to four times the original ticket price in hopes of securing a seat inside the stadium.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-t20-world-cup-2026-final-ace-players-to-watch-out-for-in-title-showdown-1772944773187">IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026 Final | Ace players to watch out for</a>“IND vs NZ T20 World Cup final has everyone buzzing. Some of my friends are planning cafe screenings while others are hosting projector watch parties at home. People are calling me and begging for tickets at three to four times the price. And personally, I don’t want another 2023 final heartbreak at this stadium, we Ahmedabad people want to change that today,” Hardik, a cricket fan from Ahmedabad, said.However, the Narendra Modi Stadium hasn’t been particularly kind to India in recent World Cups. The Men in Blue have played two major World Cup matches here and lost both, the 2023 ODI World Cup final and the group-stage match against South Africa in the ongoing tournament.Despite that history, fans remain optimistic that the trend will change in the T20 World Cup final.“The curse will definitely break tomorrow and we will win. That’s it. I’ve been extremely excited since India reached the final. The Ahmedabad curse will definitely end because 1.4 billion people are praying for the nation to win,” said fan Shivi Gupta, who had come to the stadium area to soak in the atmosphere.The excitement is not limited to the stadium alone. Across the city, fans are planning watch parties at cafes and homes, with many opting for big-screen projector screenings to experience the final together.At the same time, supporters are aware that New Zealand remain a formidable opponent in ICC tournaments.“New Zealand are a tough side and definitely not easy to beat. With Seifert in fiery form, Allen coming off a century, and players like Santner, Mitchell and Phillips capable of changing the game, they have plenty of match-winners. India’s recent history against them in big tournaments hasn’t been easy. But if India get through the powerplay without damage and someone anchors the middle overs, they’ll be in a strong position,” said another Ahmedabad-based cricket fan Harshdev Parmar.With anticipation building across the city and the stadium packed to capacity, Ahmedabad is set for a thrilling night of cricket as India look to lift the T20 World Cup trophy on home soil.

The world’s largest cricket stadium is already sold out, with fans travelling from different parts of the country to witness the historic final. Demand for tickets and hotel rooms in the city has surged dramatically, with some fans even offering three to four times the original ticket price.

Ahmedabad is buzzing with excitement as the city prepares to host the much-anticipated T20 World Cup 2026 final between India and New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday (Mar 8). Tricolour Indian flags and cricket jerseys featuring names of stars like Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan alongside that of now 2024 champions Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma can be seen lining the roads for nearly 3-4 kilometres around the stadium. The world’s largest cricket stadium is already sold out, with fans travelling from different parts of the country to witness the historic final. Demand for tickets and hotel rooms in the city has surged dramatically, with some fans even offering three to four times the original ticket price in hopes of securing a seat inside the stadium. Also Read - IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026 Final | Ace players to watch out for “IND vs NZ T20 World Cup final has everyone buzzing. Some of my friends are planning cafe screenings while others are hosting projector watch parties at home. People are calling me and begging for tickets at three to four times the price. And personally, I don’t want another 2023 final heartbreak at this stadium, we Ahmedabad people want to change that today,” Hardik, a cricket fan from Ahmedabad, said. However, the Narendra Modi Stadium hasn’t been particularly kind to India in recent World Cups. The Men in Blue have played two major World Cup matches here and lost both, the 2023 ODI World Cup final and the group-stage match against South Africa in the ongoing tournament. Despite that history, fans remain optimistic that the trend will change in the T20 World Cup final. “The curse will definitely break tomorrow and we will win. That’s it. I’ve been extremely excited since India reached the final. The Ahmedabad curse will definitely end because 1.4 billion people are praying for the nation to win,” said fan Shivi Gupta, who had come to the stadium area to soak in the atmosphere. The excitement is not limited to the stadium alone. Across the city, fans are planning watch parties at cafes and homes, with many opting for big-screen projector screenings to experience the final together. At the same time, supporters are aware that New Zealand remain a formidable opponent in ICC tournaments. “New Zealand are a tough side and definitely not easy to beat. With Seifert in fiery form, Allen coming off a century, and players like Santner, Mitchell and Phillips capable of changing the game, they have plenty of match-winners. India’s recent history against them in big tournaments hasn’t been easy. But if India get through the powerplay without damage and someone anchors the middle overs, they’ll be in a strong position,” said another Ahmedabad-based cricket fan Harshdev Parmar. With anticipation building across the city and the stadium packed to capacity, Ahmedabad is set for a thrilling night of cricket as India look to lift the T20 World Cup trophy on home soil.

The world’s largest cricket stadium is already sold out, with fans travelling from different parts of the country to witness the historic final. Demand for tickets and hotel rooms in the city has surged dramatically, with some fans even offering three to four times the original ticket price.

T20 World Cup 2026 Final | Ahmedabad gears up for IND vs NZ as fans hope to erase memories of the 2023 heartbreak

India and New Zealand will be facing off each other in the T20 World Cup 2026 Final on Sunday (Mar 8) at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The two teams had also met in the last ICC white-ball tournament final, Champions Trophy 2025, and India had emerged victorious. In T20 WCs though, India have never beaten New Zealand. Also, the venue does not have great memories for the Indian fans when it comes to the ICC white-ball tournament finals - remember 2023 ODI World Cup final? Both the side, however, have a lot of match winners who can turn the game on their own and whichever team handles pressure well, will going to be crowned the champions.<h2>IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026 Final - Players to watch out for</h2>Both, India and New Zealand have been scrappy in the tournament so far. The Kiwis, however, played a near-perfect game in the semis against South Africa while India escaped England's fightback by just seven runs. None of the previous matches will matter though, but the final brings the added pressure and below are the players who can win the match for their team:Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-t20-wc-2026-final-india-skipper-suryakumar-reveals-if-varun-chakaravarthy-will-play-or-not-1772895102001">IND vs NZ, T20 WC Final | India skipper SKY reveals if Varun will play or not</a>Sanju Samson (India): The Indian wicketkeeper-batter has played the innings of his life in the last two matches, taking India to the final almost single-handedly. With his partner Abhishek Sharma out of form, Samson would be the key for India at the top order and he gets going, India will definitely have better chances to winning the match.Finn Allen (New Zealand) - Everyone was focused on Tim Seifert at the top order but then came a 33-ball ton in the semis. Allen's innings against South Africa in the previous match has made him the talk of the town and New Zealand will be hoping for similar fireworks in the final against India as well.Varun Chakaravarthy (India) - He may be out of form but still remains the number 1 T10I bowler in the ICC rankings. The mystery spinner has been crucial to India ever since T20 World Cup 2024 and one bad day isn't going to make him any less of a trump player. His bowling in the middle overs will definitely impact India's chances to win the final.Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand) - He's mainly a batter but his 11 wickets with left-arm spin has ensured that Ravindra is counted as an ace player while bowling as well. Ravindra's bowling could prove effective against a sort-of patchy Indian middle order and the spinner can take a couple of wickets, he'll certainly boost his team's chances to win the trophy.Jasprit Bumrah (India) - The cheat code bowler India have in their ranks. Bumrah's four overs are going to as crucial as anything in the match and he'll certainly be a deciding factor in India defending the title or not.Matt Henry (New Zealand) - The pacer hasn't been effective so far in the tournament but can very much call the match in the powerplay itself. With the India top and middle order a big scratchy, Henry will definitely will be hoping to make inroads early on and help his team.

Both, India and New Zealand have been scrappy in the tournament so far. The Kiwis, however, played a near-perfect game in the semis against SA while India escaped England's fightback by just seven runs. Both the side, however, have a lot of match winners who can turn the game on their own.

India and New Zealand will be facing off each other in the T20 World Cup 2026 Final on Sunday (Mar 8) at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The two teams had also met in the last ICC white-ball tournament final, Champions Trophy 2025, and India had emerged victorious. In T20 WCs though, India have never beaten New Zealand. Also, the venue does not have great memories for the Indian fans when it comes to the ICC white-ball tournament finals - remember 2023 ODI World Cup final? Both the side, however, have a lot of match winners who can turn the game on their own and whichever team handles pressure well, will going to be crowned the champions. IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026 Final - Players to watch out for Both, India and New Zealand have been scrappy in the tournament so far. The Kiwis, however, played a near-perfect game in the semis against South Africa while India escaped England's fightback by just seven runs. None of the previous matches will matter though, but the final brings the added pressure and below are the players who can win the match for their team: Also Read - IND vs NZ, T20 WC Final | India skipper SKY reveals if Varun will play or not Sanju Samson (India): The Indian wicketkeeper-batter has played the innings of his life in the last two matches, taking India to the final almost single-handedly. With his partner Abhishek Sharma out of form, Samson would be the key for India at the top order and he gets going, India will definitely have better chances to winning the match. Finn Allen (New Zealand) - Everyone was focused on Tim Seifert at the top order but then came a 33-ball ton in the semis. Allen's innings against South Africa in the previous match has made him the talk of the town and New Zealand will be hoping for similar fireworks in the final against India as well. Varun Chakaravarthy (India) - He may be out of form but still remains the number 1 T10I bowler in the ICC rankings. The mystery spinner has been crucial to India ever since T20 World Cup 2024 and one bad day isn't going to make him any less of a trump player. His bowling in the middle overs will definitely impact India's chances to win the final. Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand) - He's mainly a batter but his 11 wickets with left-arm spin has ensured that Ravindra is counted as an ace player while bowling as well. Ravindra's bowling could prove effective against a sort-of patchy Indian middle order and the spinner can take a couple of wickets, he'll certainly boost his team's chances to win the trophy. Jasprit Bumrah (India) - The cheat code bowler India have in their ranks. Bumrah's four overs are going to as crucial as anything in the match and he'll certainly be a deciding factor in India defending the title or not. Matt Henry (New Zealand) - The pacer hasn't been effective so far in the tournament but can very much call the match in the powerplay itself. With the India top and middle order a big scratchy, Henry will definitely will be hoping to make inroads early on and help his team.

Both, India and New Zealand have been scrappy in the tournament so far. The Kiwis, however, played a near-perfect game in the semis against SA while India escaped England's fightback by just seven runs. Both the side, however, have a lot of match winners who can turn the game on their own.

IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026 Final | Ace players to watch out for in title showdown

The T20 World Cup 2026 final is all set to take centre stage on Sunday (Mar 8) as India and New Zealand meet at the Narendra Modi Stadium. In what will be a major final, India could script history as they could become the first nation to win back-to-back T20 World Cups, while New Zealand can add their first major men’s senior accolade. So ahead of the huge final, here are all the details, including where and how to watch and other key details.<h2>What can we look forward to?</h2>India will be heavily relying on their batting order with Sanju Samson in great form after scoring back-to-back fifties. He will be given a good helping hand by Abhishek Sharma as he looks to find form in the summit clash. Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan and others will be looking to add fulcrum to the middle order.&nbsp;India’s biggest concern, however, will be the bowling options as Varun Chakaravarthy remains off form. While he is touted to be replaced in the final, Kuldeep Yadav remains in the line-up. We expect Varun to retain his place. India are not expecting any more changes in the rest of the Playing XI.&nbsp;New Zealand are also expected to go with an unchanged Playing XI as they look to rely on the services of Finn Allen and Tim Siefert at the top. Captain Mitchell Santner will be adding width to the attack with the ball and then with the bat. Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson should be good enough to go with the new ball as Ahmedabad will offer the required swing.&nbsp;Where to watch: The India vs New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026 final match will be shown live on the Star Sports Network in India. Fans can watch the live streaming of the India vs New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026 final match on the JioHotstar app and website in India.&nbsp;When: India vs New Zealand, final, March 8, 7 PM IST&nbsp;Where: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691">From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</a><h2>IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026 final -&nbsp;Predicted Playing XI</h2>India (Playing XI): Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson(w), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.&nbsp;New Zealand (Playing XI): Tim Seifert(w), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner(c), Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185">Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</a><h2>IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026 final - Squads</h2>India:&nbsp;Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh.&nbsp;New Zealand:&nbsp;Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Adam Milne, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi.

India will be heavily relying on their batting order with Sanju Samson in great form after scoring back-to-back fifties. He will be given a good helping hand by Abhishek Sharma as he looks to find form in the summit clash. 

The T20 World Cup 2026 final is all set to take centre stage on Sunday (Mar 8) as India and New Zealand meet at the Narendra Modi Stadium. In what will be a major final, India could script history as they could become the first nation to win back-to-back T20 World Cups, while New Zealand can add their first major men’s senior accolade. So ahead of the huge final, here are all the details, including where and how to watch and other key details. What can we look forward to? India will be heavily relying on their batting order with Sanju Samson in great form after scoring back-to-back fifties. He will be given a good helping hand by Abhishek Sharma as he looks to find form in the summit clash. Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan and others will be looking to add fulcrum to the middle order. India’s biggest concern, however, will be the bowling options as Varun Chakaravarthy remains off form. While he is touted to be replaced in the final, Kuldeep Yadav remains in the line-up. We expect Varun to retain his place. India are not expecting any more changes in the rest of the Playing XI. New Zealand are also expected to go with an unchanged Playing XI as they look to rely on the services of Finn Allen and Tim Siefert at the top. Captain Mitchell Santner will be adding width to the attack with the ball and then with the bat. Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson should be good enough to go with the new ball as Ahmedabad will offer the required swing. Where to watch: The India vs New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026 final match will be shown live on the Star Sports Network in India. Fans can watch the live streaming of the India vs New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026 final match on the JioHotstar app and website in India. When: India vs New Zealand, final, March 8, 7 PM IST Where: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026 final - Predicted Playing XI India (Playing XI): Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson(w), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah. New Zealand (Playing XI): Tim Seifert(w), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner(c), Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026 final - Squads India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh. New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Adam Milne, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi.

India will be heavily relying on their batting order with Sanju Samson in great form after scoring back-to-back fifties. He will be given a good helping hand by Abhishek Sharma as he looks to find form in the summit clash.&nbsp;

IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026 final preview: Will India defend their crown or will Kiwis come in handy?

India and New Zealand are all set to square off in the final of the T20 World Cup 2026 as the two meet on Sunday (Mar 8) at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. With a shot at glory on hands, India and New Zealand will be eager to win the final and add another trophy to their cabinet. India could also become the first team to defend the T20 World Cup, while New Zealand can win their first men's senior cricket World Cup. Ahead of the T20 World Cup final clash between India and New Zealand, here is all you need to know about the sides, including live streaming, broadcast, squads and other key details.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2026-attack-on-national-team-sl-reminds-pak-of-2009-terror-attack-asks-to-reconsider-india-match-boycott-1770345581353">T20 WC 2026 | SL reminds PAK of 2009 terror attack, asks to reconsider boycott</a><h2>IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026 final - Live streaming details</h2><h2>When will IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026 final start?</h2>The India vs New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026 final match start at 7:00 p.m. with toss taking place at 6:30 p.m IST.&nbsp;<h3>Where to watch IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026 final live?</h3>The India vs New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026 final match will be shown live on the Star Sports Network in India.<h3>Where to livestream IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026 final match?</h3>The fans can watch the live streaming of the India vs New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026 final match on the JioHotstar app and website in India.<h2>IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026 final - Head-to-head&nbsp;</h2>India and New Zealand have played 30 T20I matches, with India holding a superior overall record of 18 wins compared to New Zealand's 10 (2 matches ended as no result or tie). However, New Zealand has a dominant 3-0 record over India in T20 World Cup meetings.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2026-pacer-josh-hazlewood-out-in-major-blow-for-australia-1770360268836">T20 World Cup 2026 | Major blow for Australia as star player out with injury</a><h3>IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026 final - Pitch Report</h3>The pitch at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad usually supports batters and often produces high-scoring games. Spinners may find limited assistance, but fast bowlers who stick to good lines and lengths can still make an impact. Teams batting first generally score between 180 and 200 runs.<h2>IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026 final - Weather Report</h2>Ahmedabad is expected to have clear weather on match day, with daytime temperatures around 26°C and cooler conditions at night, dropping below 23°C. No rain is expected, so a full match should be played as no showers are predicted.&nbsp;<h2>IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026 final - Squads</h2>India:&nbsp;Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh.&nbsp;New Zealand:&nbsp;Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Adam Milne, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi.

With a shot at glory on hands, India and New Zealand will be eager to win the final and add another trophy to their cabinet. India could also become the first team to defend the T20 World Cup, while New Zealand can win their first mens senior cricket World Cup. 

India and New Zealand are all set to square off in the final of the T20 World Cup 2026 as the two meet on Sunday (Mar 8) at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. With a shot at glory on hands, India and New Zealand will be eager to win the final and add another trophy to their cabinet. India could also become the first team to defend the T20 World Cup, while New Zealand can win their first men's senior cricket World Cup. Ahead of the T20 World Cup final clash between India and New Zealand, here is all you need to know about the sides, including live streaming, broadcast, squads and other key details. Also Read - T20 WC 2026 | SL reminds PAK of 2009 terror attack, asks to reconsider boycott IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026 final - Live streaming details When will IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026 final start? The India vs New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026 final match start at 7:00 p.m. with toss taking place at 6:30 p.m IST. Where to watch IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026 final live? The India vs New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026 final match will be shown live on the Star Sports Network in India. Where to livestream IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026 final match? The fans can watch the live streaming of the India vs New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026 final match on the JioHotstar app and website in India. IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026 final - Head-to-head India and New Zealand have played 30 T20I matches, with India holding a superior overall record of 18 wins compared to New Zealand's 10 (2 matches ended as no result or tie). However, New Zealand has a dominant 3-0 record over India in T20 World Cup meetings. Also Read - T20 World Cup 2026 | Major blow for Australia as star player out with injury IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026 final - Pitch Report The pitch at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad usually supports batters and often produces high-scoring games. Spinners may find limited assistance, but fast bowlers who stick to good lines and lengths can still make an impact. Teams batting first generally score between 180 and 200 runs. IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026 final - Weather Report Ahmedabad is expected to have clear weather on match day, with daytime temperatures around 26°C and cooler conditions at night, dropping below 23°C. No rain is expected, so a full match should be played as no showers are predicted. IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026 final - Squads India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh. New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Adam Milne, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi.

With a shot at glory on hands, India and New Zealand will be eager to win the final and add another trophy to their cabinet. India could also become the first team to defend the T20 World Cup, while New Zealand can win their first men's senior cricket World Cup.&nbsp;

IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup final: Check live streaming details, head-to-head, pitch & weather report

India captain Suryakumar Yadav, on the eve of T20 World Cup final 2026 against New Zealand in Ahmedabad, appeared relaxed during the pre-match press conference. Leading India for the first time at a World Cup, the skipper admitted there is pressure, but also expressed excitement ahead of the summit clash.“As a leader, there would be pressure; I cannot deny that. Definitely, there would be added pressure, the excitement is there of playing a World Cup final that too in India,” acknowledged SKY, as he is fondly called, while answering the question about Varun Chakaravarthy's place in the Playing XI for the final.<h2>Will Varun Chakravarthy be dropped from India's Playing XI in the final?</h2>The Indian captain addressed Varun Chakravarthy’s recent dip in form in the press conference as well. The mystery spinner, currently ranked number 1 in T20Is, was exceptional during the group stage of the tournament - &nbsp;picking up nine wickets in four innings at an average of 6.88 and an economy rate of 5.16. Come Super 8, he has managed just four wickets in three matches, averaging 46.50, while his economy rate has climbed to 11.62.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-final-how-will-ahmedabad-pitch-play-in-ind-vs-nz-clash-1772858139556">T20 World Cup 2026 Final: How will Ahmedabad pitch play in IND vs NZ clash?</a>Chakravarthy finished with figures of 1 for 64 in four overs against England in the semi-final, the most expensive spell by an Indian bowler in T20 World Cup history. Despite the statistics, Suryakumar dismissed concerns about the spinner’s form.“Varun’s form is not a concern for us. Our focus is on winning games. He is the world’s No. 1 bowler and knows how to help this team win. We just want to keep things simple,” Suryakumar told reporters.When asked whether Chakravarthy could make changes to the playing XI for the final, the Indian captain responded with a cheeky remark, asking to “see the changes tomorrow. You want to know everything right away."<h2>Suryakumar responds to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-t20-world-cup-2026-final-kiwis-not-favourites-but-ready-to-break-hearts-says-nz-skipper-santner-1772892922034">Santner’s ‘silencing’ remark</a></h2>The Indian skipper also brushed aside Mitchell Santner’s remarks about silencing the crowd and said: “Everyone is now saying the same thing. Come up with something new."“The mood in the camp is very relaxed. Leading such a wonderful side on home soil. It's a special feeling, and everyone is excited for the T20 World Cup final,” he added.A similar statement had previously been made by Australia captain Pat Cummins ahead of the 2023 Cricket World Cup final at the same venue, which Australia eventually won. India and New Zealand have both enjoyed impressive campaigns in the tournament, overcoming occasional setbacks to reach the highly anticipated final.The two teams are also familiar with each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Earlier this year, India hosted New Zealand in a five-match T20I series, which the hosts won 4-1. The upcoming encounter will also mark the second consecutive white-ball final between the two teams, following their meeting in the Champions Trophy 2025 summit clash.<h2>Suryakumar admits not watching New Zealand’s matches</h2>Interestingly, the Indian skipper admitted that he has not followed New Zealand’s matches closely during the tournament. “I haven't watched their T20 World Cup matches on television. We played them recently; the team is similar to the one we faced in the bilateral series. They have been playing some good cricket. We are also playing good cricket so that it will be a good match,” said the right-handed batter.<h2>India eye historic T20 World Cup title at home</h2>India, which have already created history by becoming the first defending champions to reach another T20 World Cup final, now aim to go one step further and become the first team to win the title at home. Shall they win, they would also be the first team to win three T20 WC titles, and the first to defend the title as well.Meanwhile, New Zealand would be eyeing to claim their maiden T20 World Cup title.

Varun, currently ranked number 1 in T20Is, was exceptional during the group stage of the tournament -  picking up 9 wickets in four innings. Come Super 8, he has managed just 4 wickets in 3 matches, and in last match vs England in semis, he finished with 1/64 in 4 overs.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav, on the eve of T20 World Cup final 2026 against New Zealand in Ahmedabad, appeared relaxed during the pre-match press conference. Leading India for the first time at a World Cup, the skipper admitted there is pressure, but also expressed excitement ahead of the summit clash. “As a leader, there would be pressure; I cannot deny that. Definitely, there would be added pressure, the excitement is there of playing a World Cup final that too in India,” acknowledged SKY, as he is fondly called, while answering the question about Varun Chakaravarthy's place in the Playing XI for the final. Will Varun Chakravarthy be dropped from India's Playing XI in the final? The Indian captain addressed Varun Chakravarthy’s recent dip in form in the press conference as well. The mystery spinner, currently ranked number 1 in T20Is, was exceptional during the group stage of the tournament - picking up nine wickets in four innings at an average of 6.88 and an economy rate of 5.16. Come Super 8, he has managed just four wickets in three matches, averaging 46.50, while his economy rate has climbed to 11.62. Also Read - T20 World Cup 2026 Final: How will Ahmedabad pitch play in IND vs NZ clash? Chakravarthy finished with figures of 1 for 64 in four overs against England in the semi-final, the most expensive spell by an Indian bowler in T20 World Cup history. Despite the statistics, Suryakumar dismissed concerns about the spinner’s form. “Varun’s form is not a concern for us. Our focus is on winning games. He is the world’s No. 1 bowler and knows how to help this team win. We just want to keep things simple,” Suryakumar told reporters. When asked whether Chakravarthy could make changes to the playing XI for the final, the Indian captain responded with a cheeky remark, asking to “see the changes tomorrow. You want to know everything right away." Suryakumar responds to Santner’s ‘silencing’ remark The Indian skipper also brushed aside Mitchell Santner’s remarks about silencing the crowd and said: “Everyone is now saying the same thing. Come up with something new." “The mood in the camp is very relaxed. Leading such a wonderful side on home soil. It's a special feeling, and everyone is excited for the T20 World Cup final,” he added. A similar statement had previously been made by Australia captain Pat Cummins ahead of the 2023 Cricket World Cup final at the same venue, which Australia eventually won. India and New Zealand have both enjoyed impressive campaigns in the tournament, overcoming occasional setbacks to reach the highly anticipated final. The two teams are also familiar with each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Earlier this year, India hosted New Zealand in a five-match T20I series, which the hosts won 4-1. The upcoming encounter will also mark the second consecutive white-ball final between the two teams, following their meeting in the Champions Trophy 2025 summit clash. Suryakumar admits not watching New Zealand’s matches Interestingly, the Indian skipper admitted that he has not followed New Zealand’s matches closely during the tournament. “I haven't watched their T20 World Cup matches on television. We played them recently; the team is similar to the one we faced in the bilateral series. They have been playing some good cricket. We are also playing good cricket so that it will be a good match,” said the right-handed batter. India eye historic T20 World Cup title at home India, which have already created history by becoming the first defending champions to reach another T20 World Cup final, now aim to go one step further and become the first team to win the title at home. Shall they win, they would also be the first team to win three T20 WC titles, and the first to defend the title as well. Meanwhile, New Zealand would be eyeing to claim their maiden T20 World Cup title.

Varun, currently ranked number 1 in T20Is, was exceptional during the group stage of the tournament - &nbsp;picking up 9 wickets in four innings. Come Super 8, he has managed just 4 wickets in 3 matches, and in last match vs England in semis, he finished with 1/64 in 4 overs.

IND vs NZ, T20 WC 2026 Final | India skipper Suryakumar reveals if Varun Chakaravarthy will play or not

All eyes will be on Ahmedabad on Sunday (Mar 8) when defending champions India take on New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in T20 World Cup 2026 final. The stadium with a capacity of over 132,000 will be filled with the fans of the Men in Blue. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner, however, has only one goal, that is "to silence the crowd."Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-final-how-will-ahmedabad-pitch-play-in-ind-vs-nz-clash-1772858139556">T20 World Cup 2026 Final: How will Ahmedabad pitch play in IND vs NZ clash?</a>"T20 cricket is fickle at times. We've seen South Africa playing very good cricket all the way through and then had a little hiccup against us and out. So I think for us, it's taking confidence from that and if we go about our business the same way, we can upset another big team," said Santner at the press conference on the eve of the final.New Zealand will take confidence from their performances in the tournament so far. They thrashed South Africa to win the semi-finals by nine wickets, thanks to Finn Allen, who blasted a 33-ball century - the fastest ever in the history of the tournament. However, the Black Caps did suffer defeats earlier in the competition against South Africa and England.<h2>Why does Santner aim to silence the crowd in the T20 World Cup 2026 final?</h2>The Kiwi skipper is aware that they aren’t the favourites to win the tournament but they are looking to break some hearts just like Pat Cummins’ Australia did in 2023 when they defeated India in the ODI World Cup final at the same venue.“It's going to be obviously a challenge. Everyone knows we're probably not the favorites, But we don't mind. We know we can, if we do our little things well and put in a strong team performance, put us in a pretty good position to hopefully lift the trophy. But yeah, I wouldn't mind breaking a few hearts to lift the trophy for once,” the New Zealand Captain said.<h2>What's at stake for India?</h2>India, the co-hosts and the defending champions, are aiming to become the first team to retain the T20 World Cup title and the first to lift the trophy on home soil. If Suryakumar Yadav's men manages to defeat New Zealand on Sunday, India would also become the first team to win the title three times.Meanwhile, New Zealand last reached a T20 final in 2021 when they lost to Australia and they have never won a white-ball World Cup.“I think there's obviously a lot of pressure on India to win this World Cup at home. I mean it would be, I guess if we don't win it'd be pretty cool to win a home World Cup so I think that comes with a lot of added pressure as well. So if we can go out there and try to put, I guess, the added pressure on them and see what happens,” Santner added on India's chances.

The Kiwi skipper is aware that they aren’t the favourites to win the tournament but they are looking to break some hearts just like Pat Cummins’ Australia did in 2023.

All eyes will be on Ahmedabad on Sunday (Mar 8) when defending champions India take on New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in T20 World Cup 2026 final. The stadium with a capacity of over 132,000 will be filled with the fans of the Men in Blue. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner, however, has only one goal, that is "to silence the crowd." Also Read - T20 World Cup 2026 Final: How will Ahmedabad pitch play in IND vs NZ clash? "T20 cricket is fickle at times. We've seen South Africa playing very good cricket all the way through and then had a little hiccup against us and out. So I think for us, it's taking confidence from that and if we go about our business the same way, we can upset another big team," said Santner at the press conference on the eve of the final. New Zealand will take confidence from their performances in the tournament so far. They thrashed South Africa to win the semi-finals by nine wickets, thanks to Finn Allen, who blasted a 33-ball century - the fastest ever in the history of the tournament. However, the Black Caps did suffer defeats earlier in the competition against South Africa and England. Why does Santner aim to silence the crowd in the T20 World Cup 2026 final? The Kiwi skipper is aware that they aren’t the favourites to win the tournament but they are looking to break some hearts just like Pat Cummins’ Australia did in 2023 when they defeated India in the ODI World Cup final at the same venue. “It's going to be obviously a challenge. Everyone knows we're probably not the favorites, But we don't mind. We know we can, if we do our little things well and put in a strong team performance, put us in a pretty good position to hopefully lift the trophy. But yeah, I wouldn't mind breaking a few hearts to lift the trophy for once,” the New Zealand Captain said. What's at stake for India? India, the co-hosts and the defending champions, are aiming to become the first team to retain the T20 World Cup title and the first to lift the trophy on home soil. If Suryakumar Yadav's men manages to defeat New Zealand on Sunday, India would also become the first team to win the title three times. Meanwhile, New Zealand last reached a T20 final in 2021 when they lost to Australia and they have never won a white-ball World Cup. “I think there's obviously a lot of pressure on India to win this World Cup at home. I mean it would be, I guess if we don't win it'd be pretty cool to win a home World Cup so I think that comes with a lot of added pressure as well. So if we can go out there and try to put, I guess, the added pressure on them and see what happens,” Santner added on India's chances.

India play NZ in T20 World Cup 2026 Final on Sunday (Mar 8) at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.NZ skipper Santner aims to ‘break hearts’ like Pat Cummins' Australia in 2023 ODI World Cup final.India looking to become 1st team to defend as well as win 1st T20 WC title at home.

IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026 Final | Kiwis not favourites but ready to 'break hearts', says NZ skipper Santner

India and New Zealand will face off in the final of the T20 World Cup 2026 as the duo meet to decide the Championship at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday (Mar 8). The clash will be crucial for both India and New Zealand as India try to script history by becoming the first team to defend their T20 World Cup, while New Zealand can win their maiden World Cup at the men’s senior level. However, it is the weather gods that could also influence the outcome of the World Cup final. So here is a look at what the weather will be like and how it could influence the outcome and whether rain will play spoilsport.<h2>What is the weather like in Ahmedabad?</h2>According to the latest forecast, conditions during the night match will remain clear and warm, with temperatures dropping to around 23°C, which will also feel close to the actual temperature.&nbsp;Winds are expected from the northwest at around 9 km/h, with gusts reaching 20 km/h. Importantly, the probability of precipitation and thunderstorms stands at 0%, with no cloud cover and no rainfall expected. This means weather interruptions are highly unlikely during the final.<h2>What can we look forward to?</h2>India will be heavily relying on their batting order with Sanju Samson in great form after scoring back-to-back fifties. He will be given a good helping hand by Abhishek Sharma as he looks to find form in the summit clash. Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan and others will be looking to add fulcrum to the middle order.&nbsp;India’s biggest concern, however, will be the bowling options as Varun Chakaravarthy remains off form. While he is touted to be replaced in the final, Kuldeep Yadav remains in the line-up. We expect Varun to retain his place. India are not expecting any more changes in the rest of the Playing XI.<h2>IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026 final -&nbsp;Predicted Playing XI</h2>India (Playing XI): Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson(w), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.&nbsp;New Zealand (Playing XI): Tim Seifert(w), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner(c), Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson.

It is the weather gods that could also influence the outcome of the World Cup final in Ahmedabad. So here is a look at what the weather will be like and how it could influence the outcome and whether rain will play spoilsport.

India and New Zealand will face off in the final of the T20 World Cup 2026 as the duo meet to decide the Championship at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday (Mar 8). The clash will be crucial for both India and New Zealand as India try to script history by becoming the first team to defend their T20 World Cup, while New Zealand can win their maiden World Cup at the men’s senior level. However, it is the weather gods that could also influence the outcome of the World Cup final. So here is a look at what the weather will be like and how it could influence the outcome and whether rain will play spoilsport. What is the weather like in Ahmedabad? According to the latest forecast, conditions during the night match will remain clear and warm, with temperatures dropping to around 23°C, which will also feel close to the actual temperature. Winds are expected from the northwest at around 9 km/h, with gusts reaching 20 km/h. Importantly, the probability of precipitation and thunderstorms stands at 0%, with no cloud cover and no rainfall expected. This means weather interruptions are highly unlikely during the final. What can we look forward to? India will be heavily relying on their batting order with Sanju Samson in great form after scoring back-to-back fifties. He will be given a good helping hand by Abhishek Sharma as he looks to find form in the summit clash. Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan and others will be looking to add fulcrum to the middle order. India’s biggest concern, however, will be the bowling options as Varun Chakaravarthy remains off form. While he is touted to be replaced in the final, Kuldeep Yadav remains in the line-up. We expect Varun to retain his place. India are not expecting any more changes in the rest of the Playing XI. IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026 final - Predicted Playing XI India (Playing XI): Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson(w), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah. New Zealand (Playing XI): Tim Seifert(w), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner(c), Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson.

It is the weather gods that could also influence the outcome of the World Cup final in Ahmedabad. So here is a look at what the weather will be like and how it could influence the outcome and whether rain will play spoilsport.

IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026 final: What role will weather play as India meet New Zealand in summit clash?

The crises in West Asia are unlikely to be eased in the coming days as Israel and the USA continue their strikes in Iran, while retaliation is also on its way. But amid those crisis it is the cricket teams that have been affected in recent times, with teams exiting the T20 World Cup stranded in India. However, in a major breakthrough, South Africa, England and the West Indies are now set to depart for their homeland.<h2>Stranded teams to leave</h2>The International Cricket Council (ICC) has arranged a chartered flight for the West Indies and South Africa, which will depart for Johannesburg. The flight will see both teams returning home via a stop in the financial capital of South Africa. While the Proteas will have direct one-way access to their nation, the West Indies side will then take a separate flight from Johannesburg to Antigua.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185">Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</a>&nbsp;For England, another charter flight has been arranged, which will take them from Mumbai to London with no halts.&nbsp;A section of the South African group, including members of the team management along with players Keshav Maharaj, Jason Smith and George Linde, will head to New Zealand on Sunday for a limited-overs tour beginning on March 15.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691">From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</a>&nbsp;Cricket West Indies released a statement on Thursday, clearing their stand on the situation and showing full support to the management.&nbsp;"During a high-level call earlier today involving CWI, ICC officials, a representative of team management, and a representative of the players, it was confirmed that a charter flight is currently being arranged for the team's departure from India, with the expected departure scheduled within the next 24 hours," CWI had said in a statement.&nbsp;"The departure time remains subject to final air traffic approvals. The team remains safe and well as arrangements continue to be finalized," the governing body had added.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has arranged a chartered flight for the West Indies and South Africa, which will depart for Johannesburg. The flight will see both teams returning home via a stop in the financial capital of South Africa. 

The crises in West Asia are unlikely to be eased in the coming days as Israel and the USA continue their strikes in Iran, while retaliation is also on its way. But amid those crisis it is the cricket teams that have been affected in recent times, with teams exiting the T20 World Cup stranded in India. However, in a major breakthrough, South Africa, England and the West Indies are now set to depart for their homeland. Stranded teams to leave The International Cricket Council (ICC) has arranged a chartered flight for the West Indies and South Africa, which will depart for Johannesburg. The flight will see both teams returning home via a stop in the financial capital of South Africa. While the Proteas will have direct one-way access to their nation, the West Indies side will then take a separate flight from Johannesburg to Antigua. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli For England, another charter flight has been arranged, which will take them from Mumbai to London with no halts. A section of the South African group, including members of the team management along with players Keshav Maharaj, Jason Smith and George Linde, will head to New Zealand on Sunday for a limited-overs tour beginning on March 15. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds Cricket West Indies released a statement on Thursday, clearing their stand on the situation and showing full support to the management. "During a high-level call earlier today involving CWI, ICC officials, a representative of team management, and a representative of the players, it was confirmed that a charter flight is currently being arranged for the team's departure from India, with the expected departure scheduled within the next 24 hours," CWI had said in a statement. "The departure time remains subject to final air traffic approvals. The team remains safe and well as arrangements continue to be finalized," the governing body had added.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has arranged a chartered flight for the West Indies and South Africa, which will depart for Johannesburg. The flight will see both teams returning home via a stop in the financial capital of South Africa.&nbsp;

England, West Indies and South Africa to board ICC's charter flight on their way home amid West Asia crisis

India will be all set to defend their T20 World Cup title as they take on New Zealand in the summit clash on Sunday (Mar 8) at the Narendra Modi Stadium. However, it was India’s emphatic win against England that made the headlines as India edged them in a high-scoring thriller at the Wankhede Stadium. But there was another record that made headlines as the India vs England T20 World Cup semifinal broke the record for highest viewership.<h2>India vs England semifinal breaks viewership record</h2>India's leading streaming platform JioHotstar recorded an unprecedented 65.2 million peak concurrent viewers during the high-stakes encounter, setting a new world record for the highest concurrency ever achieved for a live event across any digital platform in the world. The match also generated 619 million views on JioHotstar, making it the most-streamed T20 International match in history.&nbsp;The thrilling contest, which produced a remarkable 499 runs across both innings, captured the imagination of fans across India and beyond. The peak concurrency surpassed the previous global record of 65 million set by an international streaming platform in November 2024, a figure achieved through aggregated viewership across multiple markets.&nbsp;JioHotstar’s record, however, was driven entirely by audiences within a single market, underlining its position as a global leader in live streaming and its ability to handle peak demand while delivering a seamless viewing experience. This record also reiterates the aggregate capacity that a marquee ICC event delivers, buoyed by the combination of the Indian team’s popularity, the context of a “must-win” semi-final and scaled fan engagement initiatives.&nbsp;Across linear television and digital platforms, the semi-final delivered a combined reach exceeding 320 million viewers, while watch-time across screens crossed an extraordinary 23 billion minutes, making it the most-watched T20 International match ever.&nbsp;ICC Chairman Jay Shah said: “It is incredibly heartening to see the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup bringing together hundreds of millions of Cricket fans in India. The remarkable numbers recorded during the India vs England semi-final demonstrate not only the passion of cricket fans but also the tremendous progress being made in making the game more accessible and engaging for audiences everywhere. This World Cup will be remembered as much for its on- field play as it will be for the way millions of fans came together to celebrate the sport.”&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691">From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</a>&nbsp;JioStar Vice-Chairman Uday Shankar said: “This is testimony to JioStar's technological and creative excellence and ICC’s commitment to making the game of cricket even bigger. One in every three Indians tuned in to watch the second semi-final game on Thursday and when hundreds of millions of people tune in to watch the game, it takes the best of technology to deliver. This is what the future of entertainment is going to look like.”&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691">From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</a>&nbsp;At the back of scintillating exhibition from both sides, the 619 million views registered during the game eclipsed the 533 million views record set during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 final.&nbsp;

It was India’s emphatic win against England that made the headlines as India edged them in a high-scoring thriller at the Wankhede Stadium. But there was another record that made headlines as the India vs England T20 World Cup semifinal broke the record for highest viewership.

India will be all set to defend their T20 World Cup title as they take on New Zealand in the summit clash on Sunday (Mar 8) at the Narendra Modi Stadium. However, it was India’s emphatic win against England that made the headlines as India edged them in a high-scoring thriller at the Wankhede Stadium. But there was another record that made headlines as the India vs England T20 World Cup semifinal broke the record for highest viewership. India vs England semifinal breaks viewership record India's leading streaming platform JioHotstar recorded an unprecedented 65.2 million peak concurrent viewers during the high-stakes encounter, setting a new world record for the highest concurrency ever achieved for a live event across any digital platform in the world. The match also generated 619 million views on JioHotstar, making it the most-streamed T20 International match in history. The thrilling contest, which produced a remarkable 499 runs across both innings, captured the imagination of fans across India and beyond. The peak concurrency surpassed the previous global record of 65 million set by an international streaming platform in November 2024, a figure achieved through aggregated viewership across multiple markets. JioHotstar’s record, however, was driven entirely by audiences within a single market, underlining its position as a global leader in live streaming and its ability to handle peak demand while delivering a seamless viewing experience. This record also reiterates the aggregate capacity that a marquee ICC event delivers, buoyed by the combination of the Indian team’s popularity, the context of a “must-win” semi-final and scaled fan engagement initiatives. Across linear television and digital platforms, the semi-final delivered a combined reach exceeding 320 million viewers, while watch-time across screens crossed an extraordinary 23 billion minutes, making it the most-watched T20 International match ever. ICC Chairman Jay Shah said: “It is incredibly heartening to see the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup bringing together hundreds of millions of Cricket fans in India. The remarkable numbers recorded during the India vs England semi-final demonstrate not only the passion of cricket fans but also the tremendous progress being made in making the game more accessible and engaging for audiences everywhere. This World Cup will be remembered as much for its on- field play as it will be for the way millions of fans came together to celebrate the sport.” ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds JioStar Vice-Chairman Uday Shankar said: “This is testimony to JioStar's technological and creative excellence and ICC’s commitment to making the game of cricket even bigger. One in every three Indians tuned in to watch the second semi-final game on Thursday and when hundreds of millions of people tune in to watch the game, it takes the best of technology to deliver. This is what the future of entertainment is going to look like.” ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds At the back of scintillating exhibition from both sides, the 619 million views registered during the game eclipsed the 533 million views record set during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 final.

It was India’s emphatic win against England that made the headlines as India edged them in a high-scoring thriller at the Wankhede Stadium. But there was another record that made headlines as the India vs England T20 World Cup semifinal broke the record for highest viewership.

T20 World Cup 2026: India vs England semifinal 2 breaks record with unprecedented 65.2 million viewers

Team India is preparing for another major ICC final, their fourth appearance in a summit clash since 2023. The Men in Blue, captained by Suryakumar Yadav, will take on the New Zealand on Sunday (Mar 8) in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This clash is very important for India as they aim to achieve a historic result in the tournament. Meanwhile, New Zealand will also look to deliver a strong performance and challenge the co-hosts in the final.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2026-final-how-to-book-tickets-for-india-vs-new-zealand-at-narendra-modi-stadium-in-ahmedabad-1772857061140">T20 World Cup 2026 Final: How to book tickets for India vs New Zealand at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad</a><h2>What if rain affects the final?</h2>The weather in Ahmedabad could play a crucial role in determining whether the match proceeds as scheduled. If rain interrupts play on Sunday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has measures in place to manage the situation. If the match is stopped because of rain, play will restart from the same point once the ground is ready again.&nbsp;The ICC has also scheduled a reserve day in case the match cannot be completed on the scheduled day due to bad weather. However, officials will first try to finish the game on the scheduled day, even if there are delays.&nbsp;If rain prevents play on both the match day and the reserve day, then both teams will be declared joint winners.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/all-england-open-2026-lakshya-sen-enters-semis-after-beating-li-shi-feng-1772855161458">All England Open 2026: Lakshya Sen enters semis after beating Li Shi Feng</a><h2>What if the match ends in a tie?</h2>Another possibility is that the final could end with both teams scoring the same number of runs. In such a case, the winner will be decided through a Super Over.&nbsp;A Super Over is a tie-break method used in limited-overs cricket. Each team gets six balls to bat and only three batters and one bowler are involved. If a team loses two wickets, their innings ends immediately.&nbsp;The side that batted second in the main match will bat first in the Super Over, while the other team will chase the target. If the Super Over also ends in a tie, additional Super Overs will continue until a winner is named.

India will face New Zealand in their second consecutive T20 World Cup final to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

Team India is preparing for another major ICC final, their fourth appearance in a summit clash since 2023. The Men in Blue, captained by Suryakumar Yadav, will take on the New Zealand on Sunday (Mar 8) in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This clash is very important for India as they aim to achieve a historic result in the tournament. Meanwhile, New Zealand will also look to deliver a strong performance and challenge the co-hosts in the final. Also Read - T20 World Cup 2026 Final: How to book tickets for India vs New Zealand at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad What if rain affects the final? The weather in Ahmedabad could play a crucial role in determining whether the match proceeds as scheduled. If rain interrupts play on Sunday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has measures in place to manage the situation. If the match is stopped because of rain, play will restart from the same point once the ground is ready again. The ICC has also scheduled a reserve day in case the match cannot be completed on the scheduled day due to bad weather. However, officials will first try to finish the game on the scheduled day, even if there are delays. If rain prevents play on both the match day and the reserve day, then both teams will be declared joint winners. Also Read - All England Open 2026: Lakshya Sen enters semis after beating Li Shi Feng What if the match ends in a tie? Another possibility is that the final could end with both teams scoring the same number of runs. In such a case, the winner will be decided through a Super Over. A Super Over is a tie-break method used in limited-overs cricket. Each team gets six balls to bat and only three batters and one bowler are involved. If a team loses two wickets, their innings ends immediately. The side that batted second in the main match will bat first in the Super Over, while the other team will chase the target. If the Super Over also ends in a tie, additional Super Overs will continue until a winner is named.

India will face New Zealand in their second consecutive T20 World Cup final to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

T20 World Cup 2026 Final: What happens if rain disrupts IND vs NZ in Ahmedabad?

As the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 between India and New Zealand approaches in Ahmedabad, discussions about team combinations and player match-ups have intensified. However, another important factor that could influence the match is the pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium. This stadium is unique because it has three types of pitches, red soil, black soil and a mix of both. Each type behaves differently, as black-soil pitches are usually slower and tend to grip the ball, making it harder for batters to play freely. Red-soil pitches generally provide better bounce and pace, which often helps batsmen score more runs.&nbsp;India’s earlier experience in the tournament may also affect the final decision on the pitch. During the Super Eight stage, they suffered a heavy loss to South Africa on a black-soil pitch in Ahmedabad, where the surface slowed down and made scoring difficult as the match went on. Because of this, ground curators have been carefully considering which pitch to use for the final.&nbsp;According to the reports, the centre pitch, which is likely to host the match, is a hybrid surface made from both red and black soil. Such pitches usually provide a balance, enough bounce and speed for batting, along with some assistance for bowlers later in the game.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2026-final-how-to-book-tickets-for-india-vs-new-zealand-at-narendra-modi-stadium-in-ahmedabad-1772857061140">T20 World Cup 2026 Final: How to book tickets for India vs New Zealand at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad</a>&nbsp;Even by Friday evening, the final decision had not been officially confirmed. Normally, stump cameras are installed once the pitch is fixed, but broadcasters had not yet set them up, indicating that the surface was still being finalised.&nbsp;Interestingly, this pitch has hardly been used during the tournament. It hosted only one game, Canada vs South Africa on Feb 9, where South Africa scored 213 runs and won by 53 runs. Since then, the surface has remained mostly untouched, meaning the final could take place on a relatively fresh pitch.<h3>How the pitch could affect the final</h3>If the mixed-soil pitch performs as expected, the match could turn into a high-scoring and fast-paced contest. These surfaces usually offer good bounce and carry, which benefits aggressive batting as well as pace bowling.&nbsp;India’s fast bowlers, including Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, could take advantage of the new ball if the pitch offers movement under lights. Bumrah, known for his accuracy and ability to hit hard lengths, can be particularly dangerous on bouncy surfaces.&nbsp;In the spin department, India have several options such as Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel, while wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav could also be considered depending on the team’s strategy. Even if the pitch does not turn much, spinners can still play a key role during the middle overs.&nbsp;New Zealand’s bowling attack is also well suited for these conditions. Fast bowlers Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson can make use of bounce and pace, while James Neesham offers another seam option.&nbsp;Their spin attack is led by captain Mitchell Santner, with support from Rachin Ravindra and Cole McConchie, giving the team flexibility if the pitch starts gripping later in the match.<h2>Squads</h2>India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar and Rinku Singh New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi and Cole McConchie

As the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 between India and New Zealand approaches in Ahmedabad, discussions about team combinations and player match-ups have intensified. However, another important factor that could influence the match is the pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium. This stadium is unique because it has three types of pitches, red soil, black soil and a mix of both. Each type behaves differently, as black-soil pitches are usually slower and tend to grip the ball, making it harder for batters to play freely. Red-soil pitches generally provide better bounce and pace, which often helps batsmen score more runs. India’s earlier experience in the tournament may also affect the final decision on the pitch. During the Super Eight stage, they suffered a heavy loss to South Africa on a black-soil pitch in Ahmedabad, where the surface slowed down and made scoring difficult as the match went on. Because of this, ground curators have been carefully considering which pitch to use for the final. According to the reports, the centre pitch, which is likely to host the match, is a hybrid surface made from both red and black soil. Such pitches usually provide a balance, enough bounce and speed for batting, along with some assistance for bowlers later in the game. Also Read - T20 World Cup 2026 Final: How to book tickets for India vs New Zealand at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad Even by Friday evening, the final decision had not been officially confirmed. Normally, stump cameras are installed once the pitch is fixed, but broadcasters had not yet set them up, indicating that the surface was still being finalised. Interestingly, this pitch has hardly been used during the tournament. It hosted only one game, Canada vs South Africa on Feb 9, where South Africa scored 213 runs and won by 53 runs. Since then, the surface has remained mostly untouched, meaning the final could take place on a relatively fresh pitch. How the pitch could affect the final If the mixed-soil pitch performs as expected, the match could turn into a high-scoring and fast-paced contest. These surfaces usually offer good bounce and carry, which benefits aggressive batting as well as pace bowling. India’s fast bowlers, including Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, could take advantage of the new ball if the pitch offers movement under lights. Bumrah, known for his accuracy and ability to hit hard lengths, can be particularly dangerous on bouncy surfaces. In the spin department, India have several options such as Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel, while wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav could also be considered depending on the team’s strategy. Even if the pitch does not turn much, spinners can still play a key role during the middle overs. New Zealand’s bowling attack is also well suited for these conditions. Fast bowlers Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson can make use of bounce and pace, while James Neesham offers another seam option. Their spin attack is led by captain Mitchell Santner, with support from Rachin Ravindra and Cole McConchie, giving the team flexibility if the pitch starts gripping later in the match. Squads India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar and Rinku Singh New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi and Cole McConchie

T20 World Cup 2026 Final: How will Ahmedabad pitch play in IND vs NZ clash?

From Jasprit Bumrah to Yuzvendra Chahal, here's a look at the top five Indian bowlers with most T20I wickets against New Zealand. This list also includes Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh

From Jasprit Bumrah to Yuzvendra Chahal, here's a look at the top five Indian bowlers with most T20I wickets against New Zealand. This list also includes Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh

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From Jos Buttler to Glenn Maxwell, here's a look at the top five active batters with most sixes in T20Is. This list also includes Muhammad Waseem, Suryakumar Yadav and Rovman Powell

Meet top 5 active batters with most sixes in T20Is

After more than a month of exciting matches, the T20 World Cup 2026 has reached its final stage, with India set to face New Zealand in the final match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday (Mar 8). India secured their place in the final after defeating England by seven wickets in the semifinal at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. New Zealand also reached the final by beating South Africa by nine wickets at the Eden Gardens on Wednesday.<h3>India’s journey to the final</h3>India began their campaign with a 29-run win against the USA. They then defeated Namibia by 93 runs. After that, they beat their rivals Pakistan by 61 runs and finished the group stage with a 17-run victory over the Netherlands.&nbsp;In the Super Eights stage, India suffered a heavy 76-run loss to South Africa. However, they bounced back by defeating Zimbabwe by 72 runs and the West Indies by five wickets, which helped them reach the semifinals. In the semifinal, India comfortably beat England to enter the final.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/all-england-open-2026-lakshya-sen-enters-semis-after-beating-li-shi-feng-1772855161458">All England Open 2026: Lakshya Sen enters semis after beating Li Shi Feng</a><h3>New Zealand’s journey to the final</h3>New Zealand started the tournament with a five-wicket win against Afghanistan and then crushed the UAE by 10 wickets. They lost their next match to South Africa by seven wickets but later defeated Canada to qualify for the Super Eights.&nbsp;Their first Super Eights match against Pakistan was abandoned due to rain. After that, they defeated Sri Lanka by 61 runs but lost their final Super Eights match to England by four wickets. Despite the loss, New Zealand moved ahead of Pakistan on net run rate to reach the semifinals. In the semifinal, they dominated South Africa with a nine-wicket victory.<h3>How to book tickets for the final</h3>Fans who want to watch the final between India and New Zealand can buy tickets online at the official T20 World Cup ticket website (tickets.t20worldcup.com). After visiting the site, users will be redirected to BookMyShow, where they can select Ahmedabad and find the booking link for the final match.&nbsp;Ticket prices range from INR 2,000 to 4,000 for standard seats. Premium tickets cost INR 20,000 to 25,000, while hospitality suites are priced between INR 50,000 and 75,000.&nbsp;Also Check - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/5-indian-batters-with-most-sixes-in-t20is-rohit-sharma-suryakumar-yadav-virat-kohli-hardik-pandya-kl-rahul-1765533474751">Meet top 5 Indian batters with most sixes in T20Is</a><h3>Squads</h3>India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar and Rinku Singh New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi and Cole McConchie

Here's how you can purchase tickets for the high voltage final match between India and new Zealand at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

After more than a month of exciting matches, the T20 World Cup 2026 has reached its final stage, with India set to face New Zealand in the final match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday (Mar 8). India secured their place in the final after defeating England by seven wickets in the semifinal at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. New Zealand also reached the final by beating South Africa by nine wickets at the Eden Gardens on Wednesday. India’s journey to the final India began their campaign with a 29-run win against the USA. They then defeated Namibia by 93 runs. After that, they beat their rivals Pakistan by 61 runs and finished the group stage with a 17-run victory over the Netherlands. In the Super Eights stage, India suffered a heavy 76-run loss to South Africa. However, they bounced back by defeating Zimbabwe by 72 runs and the West Indies by five wickets, which helped them reach the semifinals. In the semifinal, India comfortably beat England to enter the final. Also Read - All England Open 2026: Lakshya Sen enters semis after beating Li Shi Feng New Zealand’s journey to the final New Zealand started the tournament with a five-wicket win against Afghanistan and then crushed the UAE by 10 wickets. They lost their next match to South Africa by seven wickets but later defeated Canada to qualify for the Super Eights. Their first Super Eights match against Pakistan was abandoned due to rain. After that, they defeated Sri Lanka by 61 runs but lost their final Super Eights match to England by four wickets. Despite the loss, New Zealand moved ahead of Pakistan on net run rate to reach the semifinals. In the semifinal, they dominated South Africa with a nine-wicket victory. How to book tickets for the final Fans who want to watch the final between India and New Zealand can buy tickets online at the official T20 World Cup ticket website (tickets.t20worldcup.com). After visiting the site, users will be redirected to BookMyShow, where they can select Ahmedabad and find the booking link for the final match. Ticket prices range from INR 2,000 to 4,000 for standard seats. Premium tickets cost INR 20,000 to 25,000, while hospitality suites are priced between INR 50,000 and 75,000. Also Check - Meet top 5 Indian batters with most sixes in T20Is Squads India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar and Rinku Singh New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi and Cole McConchie

Here's how you can purchase tickets for the high voltage final match between India and new Zealand at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

T20 World Cup 2026 Final: How to book tickets for India vs New Zealand at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad

From Hardik Pandya to Virat Kohli, here's a look at the top five Indian batters with most sixes in T20Is. This list also includes Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav and KL Rahul

From Hardik Pandya to Virat Kohli, here's a look at the top five Indian batters with most sixes in T20Is. This list also includes Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav and KL Rahul

Meet top 5 Indian batters with most sixes in T20Is

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Meet top 5 Indian batters with most sixes in T20Is