India lifted its 3rd T20 World Cup Trophy under the leadership of Surya Kumar Yadav after defeating New Zealand by 96 runs in the final at Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, creating history of becoming the first nation to win back-to- back titles.
Just like the semifinal against England, India was sent to bat first. With the help of brilliant batting display, India set a massive total of 255/5 in 20 overs, making it as one of the highest totals ever in a T20 World Cup final. A sensational batting display from Sanju Samson 89 (46) including 5 fours and 8 sixes with a strike rate of 193. On the other hand, Abhishek Sharma who was struggling to play a well- built innings, smashed 50 off just 18 balls and gave Sanju strong support from the other end. Their partnership gave India a strong base in the power play; later Ishan Kishan carried the momentum forward after Abhishek’s dismissal.
While chasing, New Zealand with their destructive openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen attempted a steady start but due to Indian bowlers’ steady breakthrough, The BlackCaps could not have an upper hand on the chase. With the ball, Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel led India’s bowling attack. Bumrah once again showed his class by claiming 4 wickets for 15 in four overs. On the other hand, Axar Patel gave good support from the other end with 3 wickets for 24 runs in 3 overs. Their steady and crucial bowling performance collapsed the Kiwis batting lineup as other important wickets fell at regular intervals.
Despite the counter attack from Tim Seifert 52 (26) New Zealand fell 96 runs short of the target as he did not get enough support from the other end.
And finally when the final wicket fell courtesy of Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Verma, the whole stadium consisting of 20,000 fans in blue erupted in celebration as India sealed the victory.
By Shovan Sundar Das
