T20 World Cup 2026: Tendulkar Applauds India's Batting Prowess as Samson and Kishan Shine
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Ahmedabad, March 8 (NationPress) In a commanding display at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final, India unleashed a relentless attack on New Zealand’s bowlers, highlighted by an electrifying partnership between Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan. This duo kept the home crowd at the Narendra Modi Stadium on their feet, earning admiration from cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar for their phenomenal performances.
Following a record-setting Power-play of 92 runs without losing a wicket, the Indian batsmen showed no signs of easing off. Samson and Kishan aggressively targeted anything short or wide, unleashing a barrage of sixes and fours that propelled their score beyond 200 in just 15 overs.
Samson launched a series of impressive sixes off Rachin Ravindra and Mitchell Santner, surpassing Finn Allen’s record to become the highest six-hitter in a single T20 World Cup edition with a total of 21 sixes. Kishan, on the other hand, reached his half-century in a mere 24 balls, showcasing his power-hitting with a massive six over mid-wicket.
Reflecting on their extraordinary performance, Tendulkar remarked on X, “Sanju is batting very smartly, knowing whom to attack and whom to defend against. Ishan Kishan has exhibited remarkable bat speed and played some unbelievable shots. A score of 275 looks very much within reach; it would be a fantastic total!”
As India’s relentless assault continued, the scoreboard read 203/1 by the end of the 15th over, with Samson on 89 runs from 45 balls and Kishan on 54 not out from 24 balls, putting New Zealand under immense pressure. Every bowler, regardless of pace or spin, faced the wrath of the Indian batsmen as the crowd erupted in cheers with each boundary.
However, the onslaught abruptly came to a halt on the very first ball of the 16th over when Samson, in pursuit of another big hit, was caught by substitute Cole McConchie off James Neesham for 89 runs off 46 deliveries, concluding an impressive innings that had set India on track for a potentially record-breaking score.
Kishan followed suit just three balls later, as Neesham dismissed both the No. 3 batter and Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav with the last two balls of the 16th over, bringing India down to 204/4 in the span of just six deliveries.