A powerful batting display led by Sanju Samson helped India national cricket team pile up an imposing 255-5 against the New Zealand national cricket team in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
Samson produced a stunning knock of 89 off just 46 balls, striking five boundaries and eight sixes to entertain a packed crowd of more than 100,000 spectators at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
India are chasing several milestones in the final, aiming to become the first team to successfully defend the T20 World Cup title, the first to win the tournament on home soil and the first side to claim three T20 world titles.
Strong opening partnership
India’s innings got off to a flying start thanks to an aggressive opening stand between Samson and Abhishek Sharma. The pair added 98 runs for the first wicket, setting a strong foundation for a massive total.
Abhishek played a rapid knock of 52 off just 21 balls before he was dismissed by Rachin Ravindra, who broke the partnership with his left-arm spin as the opener edged a catch behind after reaching his second half-century of the tournament.
India dominated the powerplay, racing to 92 runs in the first six overs when fielding restrictions allowed only two fielders outside the circle.
Samson and Kishan accelerate
After Abhishek’s dismissal, Samson continued the assault alongside Ishan Kishan. The pair kept up the scoring momentum, putting New Zealand’s bowlers under heavy pressure.
Kishan contributed a brisk 54, while Samson brought up his third consecutive fifty in the tournament. The wicketkeeper-batter further intensified the attack by smashing Ravindra for three consecutive sixes.
Late wickets and strong finish
New Zealand briefly regained control when Jimmy Neesham struck three times in a single over. He dismissed Samson, Kishan and Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav — the latter two falling on consecutive deliveries.
Despite the setback, Shivam Dube ensured India finished strongly. He blasted an unbeaten 26 off just eight balls, hitting three fours and two sixes, including a series of boundaries off Neesham in the final over.
India’s total of 255-5 stands among the highest scores of the tournament and leaves New Zealand facing a daunting task. The Black Caps will need to produce a record run chase if they are to claim their first T20 World Cup title.