India successfully defended its T20 World Cup title by defeating New Zealand by 96 runs in the final held on March 8, 2026. With this victory, India became the first team to win the T20 World Cup three times and the first host nation to lift the trophy. New Zealand, meanwhile, suffered its second defeat in a T20 World Cup final.

Batting first, India posted a commanding total of 255 for 5 in 20 overs, led by Sanju Samson’s 89, Ishan Kishan’s 54, and Abhishek’s 52. In reply, New Zealand managed 159 in 19 overs, with Tim Seifert scoring 52 and Mitchell Santner adding 43. Jasprit Bumrah took four wickets for 15 runs, earning the Player of the Match award, while Samson was named Player of the Series.

The result reinforced India’s dominance in the T20 format and marked a historic milestone as the first team to win consecutive T20 World Cups and the first host to claim the title.