T20 World Cup final: India roar to 255 after fiery start, James Neesham keeps New Zealand in hunt with key wickets

India set an ambitious target of 256 runs for England to reach in the final against New Zealand in the ICC T20 World Cup, setting the stage for a thrilling second-half high voltage chase after a strong opening performance by the hosts was cut short by Neesham's clinical bowling.

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Abhishek provided the early fireworks, smashing 52 off just 21 balls in a blistering knock that included six fours and three sixes. His aggressive start ensured India raced through the early overs before he was caught by Tim Seifert off the bowling of Rachin Ravindra.


Samson then anchored the innings with a powerful display, hammering 89 off 46 deliveries. The wicketkeeper-batter struck five fours and eight sixes, dominating the New Zealand attack before being caught by a substitute fielder off James Neesham.

Kishan continued the aggressive approach in the middle overs, scoring 54 off 25 balls with four boundaries and four sixes. However, his stay ended when he was caught by Mark Chapman off Neesham.

India suffered a brief setback when captain Suryakumar Yadav fell for a duck, caught by Ravindra off Neesham, while Hardik Pandya remained unbeaten on 1.

The final at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium adds another chapter to the venue’s growing legacy of hosting major cricket events. The stadium has staged several high-profile international matches since its redevelopment and remains one of the most prominent venues in world cricket.

India vs New Zealand Final Runs Stats

Batter	Runs	Balls	4s	6s	Strike Rate	Dismissal
Sanju Samson	89	46	5	8	193.48	James Neesham
Abhishek Sharma	52	21	6	3	247.62	Rachin Ravindra
Ishan Kishan	54	25	4	4	216.00	James Neesham
Hardik Pandya	18	13	1	1	138.46	Matt Henry
Suryakumar Yadav	0	1	0	0	0.00	James Neesham
Tilak Varma	8	6	—	—	133.33
Shivam Dube	26	8	—	—	325

Neesham takes three crucial wickets

James Neesham emerged as the standout bowler for New Zealand national cricket team in the final, picking up three crucial wickets to pull his side back into the contest after India’s explosive start.

Neesham first provided the breakthrough by dismissing the in-form Sanju Samson, who had been dominating the New Zealand attack with an aggressive 89 off 46 balls. Samson’s innings, which included five fours and eight sixes, ended when he was caught by a substitute fielder off Neesham’s bowling.

The all-rounder continued to make an impact by removing Ishan Kishan shortly after the batter had brought up his half-century. Kishan, who scored 54 off 25 balls, was caught by Mark Chapman as Neesham struck again to slow India’s momentum.

Also Read: Abhishek Sharma blitz helps India post fastest 50 of season in final against New Zealand

Neesham then delivered another key moment by dismissing India captain Suryakumar Yadav for a duck, with the batter caught by Rachin Ravindra. His timely strikes helped New Zealand regain some control in the latter stages of India’s innings.

India vs New Zealand Final Wickets

Batter	Runs	Balls	Bowler	Dismissal
Tilak Varma	8	6	—	Not Out
Shivam Dube	26	8	—	Not Out
Sanju Samson	89	46	James Neesham	c sub
Abhishek Sharma	52	21	Rachin Ravindra	c Tim Seifert
Ishan Kishan	54	25	James Neesham	c Mark Chapman
Hardik Pandya	18	13	Matt Henry	c Mitchell Santner
Suryakumar Yadav	0	1	James Neesham	c Rachin Ravindra

ICC T20 World Cup winners: Year-wise list

The ICC Men's T20 World Cup, since 2007, has seen several teams lift the trophy over the years. India national cricket team won the inaugural edition in 2007, defeating Pakistan national cricket team in the final.

Since then, the tournament has produced multiple champions. England cricket team have lifted the title twice, winning in 2010 and 2022, while West Indies cricket team also claimed two titles in 2012 and 2016.

Other winners include Pakistan national cricket team (2009), Sri Lanka national cricket team (2014), and Australia national cricket team (2021). India most recently won the title in 2024 after defeating South Africa national cricket team in the final.

The 2026 final once again features India, this time against New Zealand national cricket team, with both sides aiming to add another chapter to the tournament’s history.

The ICC Men's T20 World Cup has grown significantly since its inaugural edition in 2007, evolving into one of cricket’s most competitive global tournaments. Over the years, teams from different continents have lifted the trophy, reflecting the format’s unpredictability and the rise of aggressive, fast-paced cricket.

Defending champions India national cricket team entered the 2026 edition looking to retain the title they won in 2024, while New Zealand national cricket team aimed to secure their maiden T20 World Cup crown after coming close in previous ICC tournaments.