AHMEDABAD: In a commanding display of batting firepower and bowling precision, India defended their ICC Men's T20 World Cup title by crushing New Zealand by 96 runs in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium here on Sunday. The victory marks India's third T20 World Cup triumph (2007, 2024, 2026), making them the first team to successfully defend the crown and the first to win it on home soil.

Electing to bat after New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss, India posted a formidable 255/5 in their 20 overs. Opener Sanju Samson stole the show with a blistering 89 off 46 balls, his third consecutive 80-plus score in the tournament, earning him the Player of the Tournament award. Ishan Kishan contributed a fiery 54 off 25, while Abhishek Sharma and Shivam Dube added explosive cameos to propel India past the 250-run mark on a flat pitch.

New Zealand's chase never gained momentum. Jasprit Bumrah, in a masterclass of pace and control, claimed 4/15, dismantling the top order and earning Player of the Match honors. Axar Patel struck early in the powerplay, removing key wickets including Daryl Mitchell, while Hardik Pandya and Varun Chakravarthy chipped in with crucial breakthroughs. The Black Caps were bundled out for 159 in 19 overs, collapsing under relentless pressure from India's varied attack.

The triumph caps a near-perfect campaign for Suryakumar Yadav's side, who entered as defending champions after their 2024 win over South Africa in Barbados. India won 14 of their last 15 T20 World Cup matches, showcasing big-match temperament honed through recent ICC successes, including the Champions Trophy and Asia Cup. Coach Gautam Gambhir praised the team's professionalism and bravery, noting the blend of experience and youth.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the achievement as a reflection of "exceptional skills, determination, and teamwork." Celebrations erupted nationwide, with fans flooding streets in Mumbai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad. Fireworks lit up the sky as millions watched the match live, with digital viewership reportedly exceeding 75 crore.

This win solidifies India's dominance in white-ball cricket. They now stand alone with three T20 World Cup titles, surpassing West Indies and England (two each). Records tumbled: first back-to-back winners, first home triumph, and Sanju Samson's prolific run spree. Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill, among others, took to social media to congratulate the squad, with Kohli calling it "world domination complete."

The final, witnessed by over 1.25 lakh spectators at the world's largest stadium, delivered high drama and joy. New Zealand, runners-up for the first time in a T20 World Cup final, fought valiantly but couldn't match India's depth. As the team lifted the trophy amid thunderous cheers, India etched another golden chapter in cricket history, proving their status as the format's preeminent force.