There was nothing comfortable about becoming the first men’s team in history to win back-to-back T20 World Cups, even if the scoreline suggested otherwise. India’s 96-run victory over New Zealand in Sunday’s final was the product of months of meticulous preparation, bold selection, and performances under pressure that only the very best teams can sustain.
India’s batting in the final was brilliant from the first over to the last, even accounting for the mid-innings wobble. The powerplay delivered 92 for no loss in six overs, equalling the World Cup record. The top three — Sharma, Samson, and Kishan — all scored fifties. After the 14th over with India on 191 for one, the total could have been anything.
Four wickets in five overs temporarily slowed the charge, but Dube’s aggressive final over ensured the total reached 255. New Zealand’s bowlers had given everything and conceded 255 anyway. India’s batting depth and quality meant that even a collapse of four wickets couldn’t prevent a world-class final total from being posted.
New Zealand’s chase folded under pressure. Their openers were expected to be electric — Allen’s semi-final century off 33 balls had raised expectations enormously — but Allen managed just nine and his opening partner added little more. Bumrah was in his element, three wickets, Man of the Match, and another masterclass in how to bowl in T20 cricket’s biggest moments.
India stood 96 runs ahead at the final whistle, champions of the world for the second consecutive time. The achievement is simple to state and extraordinary to comprehend — no men’s team had done it before, and India made it look easy.
