India delivered a commanding performance to defeat New Zealand by 96 runs in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final on Sunday, securing a record third title and successfully defending their crown. Batting first in the summit clash, India produced an explosive display to post 255 for five in 20 overs, the highest total ever recorded in a T20 World Cup final. The innings was built around a superb knock from Sanju Samson, who scored 89 off 46 balls with a series of powerful strokes. Samson received strong support from Abhishek Sharma, who struck a rapid 52 off just 21 deliveries, and Ishan Kishan, who added 54 from 25 balls. The aggressive trio dominated the powerplay as Samson and Abhishek stitched together a 98-run opening stand in only 7.1 overs. India continued to maintain the momentum through the middle overs, crossing the 200-run mark by the 15th over. New Zealand briefly pulled things back when James Neesham claimed three wickets in a single over, dismissing Samson, Kishan and captain Suryakumar Yadav in quick succession. …