India have become the first men's team to defend the T20 World Cup, thrashing New Zealand by 96 runs in the final in front of 100,000 fans. The hosts posted 255 for six, their third total above 250 in the tournament, before bowling out New Zealand for 159 to seal a comprehensive victory.
Sanju Samson top-scored with 89 off 46 balls, while Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan also struck half-centuries. New Zealand's bowlers struggled, with Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry both conceding more than 20 runs in an over. The Black Caps' chase never got going, losing early wickets and never recovering.
India's powerplay score of 92 without loss equalled the highest in World Cup history. The win marks India's second consecutive T20 World Cup title, having won the previous edition in 2022. New Zealand, meanwhile, have now lost four World Cup finals across formats since 2015.
