Ahmedabad, March 7 (NationPress) As the hosts and reigning champions, India enters the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Final against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium as the slight favorites, bolstered by their recent victories against the Kiwis.

However, the historical context favors the Black Caps, who have never been defeated by India in any T20 World Cup match.

Here’s a look back at their past three encounters:

1. T20 World Cup 2007: New Zealand triumphed by 10 runs in Johannesburg (Quarter-final)

In the inaugural ICC Men's T20 World Cup, Daniel Vettori proved the effectiveness of left-arm orthodox spin. His all-round performance featured remarkable figures of 4/20 and a quickfire 15 off just five balls, leading New Zealand past India in the group stages.

With India chasing a daunting target of 191, Vettori's introduction into the bowling attack changed the match's dynamics, dismissing both Robin Uthappa and current India head coach Gautam Gambhir, who was on a roll with a score of 51 off 33 balls.

The spin attack further tightened New Zealand's hold, with Jeetan Patel taking out Yuvraj Singh, a crucial run-out of MS Dhoni (24), and Vettori returning to remove Irfan Pathan and Dinesh Karthik.

Earlier in the innings, explosive opener Brendon McCullum laid a solid foundation with a brisk 45, and contributions from Craig McMillan and Jacob Oram ensured a total that proved too challenging for India.

2. T20 World Cup 2016: New Zealand defeated India by 47 runs in Nagpur

In a subsequent T20 World Cup edition, conditions were ideal for spin, leading to a tense, low-scoring contest. New Zealand successfully defended a modest total of 126 by bowling India out for a mere 79, with three spinners claiming nine wickets between them.

Corey Anderson was the backbone of New Zealand's innings, scoring a patient 34 from 42 balls. Later, Luke Ronchi added crucial runs with an unbeaten 21 off 11 deliveries after coming in at No. 8.

India struggled against the spin onslaught, with only Virat Kohli (23) and MS Dhoni (30) managing to put up any significant fight. Kohli's dismissal at 39/5 marked the beginning of the end for the hosts.

Even Dhoni, famous for his late-game heroics, couldn’t salvage the innings and fell as the ninth wicket in the 18th over, with Adam Milne wrapping up the innings shortly after.

The spin trio dominated the match: Nathan McCullum returned figures of 2/15, Ish Sodhi took 3/18, and Mitchell Santner excelled with 4/11 along with a handy 18 runs. The only wicket not taken by a spinner came from Milne, who secured the victory.

3. T20 World Cup 2021: New Zealand triumphed over India by 8 wickets in Dubai

The pattern persisted when India faced New Zealand in Dubai at the 2021 T20 World Cup. India could only muster a total of 110/7, an insufficient score against disciplined Kiwi bowling.

Trent Boult set the tone early, claiming a wicket during the Powerplay, before he struck twice in the 19th over. The pressure was maintained by Ish Sodhi (2/17), Tim Southee (1/26), and Adam Milne (1/30).

Although Santner did not take any wickets, his economical bowling (0/15 with 11 dot balls) significantly restricted India's scoring chances.

In response, New Zealand's chase started aggressively with Martin Guptill and Daryl Mitchell quickly dismantling India's hopes. A massive six from Mitchell off Ravindra Jadeja effectively drained the momentum from India.

Mitchell eventually departed for a composed 49 off 35 deliveries, with New Zealand needing just 15 runs and having eight wickets in hand. Captain Kane Williamson sealed the victory shortly after with a flick through the leg side.

India vs New Zealand head-to-head in T20 World Cups:

Matches Played: 3

New Zealand: 3

India: 0

With India on the verge of making history as the first team to win consecutive T20 World Cup titles, and the Kiwis seeking to maintain their unbeaten record against India in the tournament while aiming for their maiden title, the upcoming match promises to be an exciting showdown.