India National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Match: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated the Indian cricket team after it defeated New Zealand to win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, praising the players’ skill, determination and teamwork throughout the tournament.
India, the defending champion, became the first host nation to win the tournament after beating New Zealand by 96 runs in the final at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Chasing a daunting target of 256, New Zealand collapsed to 159 all out in 19 overs.
In a message posted on social media, Modi said the team’s victory reflected exceptional performance and resilience during the competition.
“Champions! Congratulations to the Indian team on winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup,” Modi wrote. “This remarkable triumph reflects exceptional skills, determination and teamwork. They have shown outstanding grit through the tournament.”
He added that the victory had filled millions of Indians with pride and joy.
“This victory has filled every Indian heart with pride and joy. Well done, Team India!” Modi said.
India set up the win with a dominant batting performance, posting 255 for 5 — the highest total of the tournament and among the biggest scores in T20 World Cup history.
Sanju Samson led the charge with a blistering 89 off 46 balls, including five fours and eight sixes. It was his third consecutive half-century in the tournament.
Samson shared an opening partnership of 98 with Abhishek Sharma, who struck 52 off 21 balls. Ishan Kishan continued the onslaught with 54 off 25 balls to keep the scoring rate high.
New Zealand briefly slowed India’s momentum when James Neesham took three wickets in a single over, but Shivam Dube smashed an unbeaten 26 off eight balls to lift the total past 250.
India’s bowlers then ensured there would be no record chase. Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel struck early to dismantle New Zealand’s top order, reducing the team to 52 for 3 inside the powerplay.
New Zealand never recovered from the early blows and was eventually bowled out for 159 in 19 overs.