What was supposed to be a final challenge turned into a coronation as India dominated New Zealand in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

India exorcised the demons of 2023, when they had lost the ODI World Cup final at the very stadium, as they defeated the Black Caps by 96 runs. It culminated a brilliant run at the tournament, as India have lost just one match in the last two T20 World Cups.

New Zealand were blown away by the power-packed Indian batting line-up, who posted 255/5, the highest total at a T20 World Cup final. In response, the Black Caps folded at 159 in 19 overs.

The victory ensured India became the first team to defend their T20 World Cup title, the first to triumph at a home championship, and the first to win three T20 World Cup titles.

Meanwhile, New Zealand suffered their fifth straight defeat, in 11 years, in the final of an ICC white-ball world event.

After a lull in scoring, India picked up the pace yet again in the last two overs. Shivam Dube struck three fours and two sixes to plunder 24 runs off the last over and take India past the 250-mark.

In total, India clobbered 19 fours and 18 sixes to earn 184 runs in boundaries.

SANJU SAMSON ADJUDGED T20 WORLD CUP PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT:

India opener Sanju Samson completed a remarkable turnaround to be named the Player of the Tournament at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

Samson played a major role in helping India to a third T20 World Cup title, with the right-hander amassing 321 runs from five innings with an average of 80.25 and an imposing strike rate of 199.37.

The 31-year-old scored half-centuries in India's last three matches at the T20 World Cup, chiming in with a pair of Player of the Match performances against the West Indies and England before yet another impressive innings in the title decider against New Zealand.

GAMBHIR REVEALS KEY BEHIND INDIA'S T20 WORLD CUP SUCCESS:

India coach Gautam Gambhir has revealed the fearless plan that helped deliver an unprecedented third title for his country at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

Gambhir's side won their second T20 World Cup in succession and third overall with a commanding 96-run victory over New Zealand in Ahmedabad on Sunday, delivering the India coach his second consecutive major title following their victory in the ICC Champions Trophy event last year.

For Gambhir it also meant he became the first person to win a Men's T20 World Cup as a player (2007) and coach (2026), with the former India batter revealing post-match the key ingredient behind the side's success.

"The plan was very simple as I am a different kind of character. Every person sees cricket differently. It’s not fair to compare what kind of a team I have made – I always believe that high risk, high reward is the only way to play a T20 format, and you don’t fear to lose a game of cricket to win a game of cricket," Gambhir said.

President, Prime Minister greet Men in Blue:

President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have congratulated the Indian Cricket Team for winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

In a social media post, President Murmu said India has the proud distinction of being the only country to win the cup three times, and it is also the only team to win the cup twice in a row. The President said, this brings immense joy and pride to our cricket-loving people, and it is also a marker of the rich talent pool we have among our youth in diverse fields. She added that every single player, the entire management and the support staff deserve the highest praise for this collective triumph. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that by winning the T20 Cricket World Cup, Team India has proven that the confluence of determination, restraint, and self-confidence is the fundamental mantra for success in life. Sharing a Sanskrit shloka in a social media post, Modi said that the victory showcases that with hard work in the right direction, every goal can be achieved. The Prime Minister advised every citizen to constantly and steadily follow their aspirations.

The Winning Feeling: