Ahmedabad, March 8 (NationPress) In a thrilling display of batting prowess, Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, and Ishan Kishan each achieved explosive half-centuries, propelling the defending champions India to an impressive total of 255/5 against New Zealand during the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

On a pitch that favored batters, India’s score marked the highest ever at this venue and ranks as the third-highest in the history of the Men’s T20 World Cup. The innings was characterized by aggressive batting from the top three, all of whom maintained remarkable strike rates that highlighted their dominance. Samson scored 89 off 46 balls with a strike rate of 193.47, while Abhishek made 54 off 25 balls at an astonishing 247.61, and Kishan also contributed 54 off just 25 balls with a strike rate of 216.

At different points, it seemed that India could breach the 280 mark, only for New Zealand’s James Neesham to stem the flow with impressive figures of 3-46. Shivam Dube played a crucial role in ensuring a strong finish, scoring 24 runs in the final over, contributing to a total of 26 runs off just 8 balls at an explosive strike rate of 325.

The early overs set a menacing tone for New Zealand, and their decision to introduce fast bowler Jacob Duffy in the third over proved disastrous. Runs flowed freely as India capitalized on the bowlers' over-reliance on slower deliveries.

After defending solidly against Matt Henry for the first four deliveries, Samson opened his account with an exquisite six over long-on. Abhishek then made his mark by striking Duffy for four and following up with a well-timed lofted off-drive.

Samson continued his assault by sending a Duffy inswinger back over the bowler's head for four. The pitch was a batting paradise, and both batsmen began to exploit it mercilessly. Lockie Ferguson’s introduction was disastrous as Abhishek and Samson collectively scored 24 runs in one over.

In his second over, Abhishek launched a slower ball for six, while Samson struck a bouncer for another maximum. New Zealand's plans were clearly unraveling as the Indian batsmen refused to conform to their strategy.

Abhishek reached his half-century in just 18 balls, effortlessly swinging his way to the milestone with three fours and a six, as India racked up 92 runs in the powerplay. Despite a strategic bowling change from Santner, Samson continued to dominate.

Abhishek’s innings concluded in the eighth over when he edged a wide delivery from Rachin Ravindra to the keeper, departing with a score of 52. Ishan Kishan entered the fray and quickly contributed with an on-drive that brought up India's hundred in just 7.2 overs.

Samson, who had reached his third consecutive fifty, took charge, hitting Ferguson for two sixes and a four, followed by three consecutive sixes off Ravindra in the 14th over. By the 15th over, India had already surpassed the highest team total in a T20 World Cup final, with Kishan reaching his fifty off just 23 balls.

However, Neesham struck back with three quick wickets: Samson fell for 89, Kishan was dismissed for 54, and skipper Suryakumar Yadav went for a golden duck.