Ahmedabad: India piled up a massive total against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final, riding on a stunning batting display led by Sanju Samson and supported by explosive knocks from Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma. Batting first, India posted a formidable 255 for 5 in 20 overs, setting a daunting target for the Kiwis at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Sanju Samson continued his sensational run in the tournament, delivering yet another breathtaking innings. Playing his third consecutive match with remarkable dominance, Samson hammered 89 runs off 46 balls, smashing eight towering sixes and five boundaries. His aggressive strokeplay kept the scoreboard ticking at a blistering pace and placed the Indian innings firmly in command.

Young opener Abhishek Sharma also rediscovered his explosive form on the biggest stage. The left-hander launched a fierce counterattack, scoring 52 runs from just 21 balls, laced with three sixes and six fours. His rapid-fire half-century gave India tremendous momentum during the powerplay and helped establish a strong platform for the middle order.

Ishan Kishan added further firepower with a brisk innings of 54 runs off 25 balls, striking four sixes and four boundaries. His aggressive approach ensured that India maintained a relentless scoring rate through the middle overs, leaving the New Zealand bowlers struggling to contain the run flow.

For New Zealand, James Neesham emerged as the most successful bowler, claiming three wickets, though the Indian batters largely dominated proceedings. In the closing overs, Hardik Pandya contributed 18 runs, while Shivam Dube chipped in with a useful 26, pushing India to an imposing total by the end of the innings.

Earlier, New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner won the toss and elected to field first. The Kiwi side made one change to their lineup, bringing back pacer Jacob Duffy in place of Cole McConchie.

India, meanwhile, retained the same playing XI that featured in the semi-final. Stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav later remarked that he too would have preferred to bat first had he won the toss, a decision that ultimately worked in India’s favour as their batters unleashed a relentless assault to set up a commanding total in the championship clash.