Lockie Ferguson is a fearsome fast bowler capable of performing at the highest level, but the T20 World Cup final began in the worst possible way for him: three wides and 24 runs conceded in his very first over. It was an expensive start from which New Zealand never recovered, as India built their total to 255 and ran out winners by 96 runs to retain the world title. For Ferguson and his teammates, the final was a night to forget.
India’s powerplay of 92 for no loss equalled the World Cup record and established the foundation for their massive total. Abhishek Sharma’s 50 off 18 was the defining innings of the opening six overs, and Sanju Samson (89 off 46) and Ishan Kishan (54 off 25) ensured the scoring rate remained extremely high through the middle overs. At the drinks break after 14 overs, India had already reached 191 for one.
A late wobble brought four wickets in five overs, including Suryakumar Yadav’s golden duck and Ishan Kishan’s eventual dismissal for 54. But Shivam Dube’s extraordinary cameo of 26 off eight balls — going from 2 off 2 to 26 off 8 in one final over — cushioned the total and confirmed 255 as India’s final score. New Zealand needed that or more to win.
Bumrah’s three-wicket haul with slow yorkers was the decisive bowling performance, and New Zealand were eventually dismissed for 159. Their top four contributed barely anything, with only Seifert’s half-century providing any meaningful resistance.
India are world champions for the second year running. Their achievement is historic, their performances throughout the tournament have been breathtaking, and their future looks as bright as any team in international cricket.