Samson’s blitz ends as India continues the carnage in T20 World Cup final against New Zealand
Ahmedabad: India received a blistering start in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday as hosts raced to a commanding total, but their star opener Sanju Samson was eventually dismissed after coming agonisingly close to a century.
Samson was punishing the Black Caps’ attack from the outset, entertaining the packed crowd with powerful strokeplay. The in‑form wicket‑keeper batter reached a superb 89 off 45 balls, dispatching the boundary ropes with authority before he was finally dismissed, bringing an end to a superb innings that flirted with three figures.
His departure came with India well placed at 203 for 1 in the 15th over, having already laid the platform for a potentially massive total. Samson’s partner in crime, Ishan Kishan, played a dazzling supporting role, racing to 52 off 24 balls, including a half‑century in just 21 deliveries.
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Samson’s innings is now officially the highest individual score ever recorded in a T20 World Cup final. He surpassed records of Kane Williamson (NZ) 86 in 2021 and Marlon Samuels (WI) 85* in 2016.
Earlier, opener Abhishek Sharma set the tone with an explosive cameo, racing to his fifty in only 18 balls and finishing with 52 from 21 deliveries before falling. His assault helped India post a rapid start after being sent in by New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner.
The Kiwis, in response, introduced pacer Jacob Duffy into their XI in place of all‑rounder Luke McConchie, but India’s batting display has put the defending champions firmly in the driver’s seat.
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India chose the same XI that defeated England in the semi‑final in Mumbai, underlining their confidence in the batting unit that has been in scintillating form throughout the campaign.
Samson’s innings was a perfect illustration of his tournament form — aggressive yet controlled — though the elusive century narrowly slipped from his grasp in this final.