New Zealand’s total of 159 in the T20 World Cup final might suggest they put up some kind of fight. They did not. Their innings was a hollow march through the overs, made to look slightly more respectable by Tim Seifert’s half-century and a couple of dropped catches from India’s fielders. The reality was that India’s 255 had made the final result inevitable from the moment the first innings ended. The 96-run margin was not flattering — it was accurate.
India’s batting in the first innings was exceptional in every department. Abhishek Sharma led the powerplay assault with 50 off 18 balls, contributing to a record-equalling 92 for no loss in six overs. Sanju Samson’s 89 off 46 was the performance of a batter in the prime of his powers, and Ishan Kishan’s 54 off 25 added yet more dimensions to an innings that had something for everyone.
New Zealand’s bowling was overwhelmed and undermined by wide deliveries, poor execution under pressure, and India’s clinical batting. Ferguson went for 24, Henry for 21, and Duffy for 15 in their respective opening overs. Neesham’s statistical curio of one run and three wickets remained an entertaining anomaly rather than a genuine game-changer.
Bumrah took three wickets with slow yorkers in the second innings, earning the man-of-the-match award for a performance that capped a brilliant tournament. New Zealand’s chase was never threatening, and the final result — confirmed when the last wicket fell with 96 still required — was the most just outcome imaginable.
India have made history. Two consecutive T20 World Cup titles. First on the list of achievers. Last to be forgotten. These are great champions.