Legacy-defining performances require a stage worthy of them, and Sunday’s T20 World Cup final provided exactly that. India’s 96-run demolition of New Zealand in front of 100,000 fans was more than just a result — it was a statement about which team sits at the very top of the T20 world, and why they have now won back-to-back World Cup titles.
From the very first ball of the powerplay, India were in control. Their openers bat with a clarity of purpose that is rare in T20 cricket, starting cautiously before simultaneously shifting into overdrive and leaving bowlers completely helpless. By over six, 92 runs were on the board without loss. Sharma had already passed fifty, and Samson was in full flow.
Three fifties in the top order were followed by a wild middle phase in which India lost four wickets in five overs, including Suryakumar’s golden duck. But the total they had already built made these losses inconsequential, and Dube’s late striking closed proceedings at 255 — one fewer than India scored against Zimbabwe but still well above what New Zealand could realistically chase.
Chasing 256, New Zealand were restricted to 159. Allen failed. Their middle order crumbled. Seifert’s fighting fifty was the one bright moment in an otherwise bleak reply. Bumrah was imperious, collecting three wickets with slow yorkers of immaculate accuracy. Even Kishan contributed to the New Zealand chaos with his miracle catch to dismiss Ravindra.
India have now won three of the last four T20 World Cups and are the only men’s side to have retained the title. This team is cricket’s definitive T20 dynasty, and Sunday’s final was their most convincing championship performance yet.
