New Delhi, March 8 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Indian cricket team for their remarkable achievement in clinching the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. He commended the players for their exceptional skill, determination, and teamwork exhibited throughout the tournament.

Team India, the reigning T20 World Champions, made history by becoming the first host nation to secure the T20 World Cup title, defeating New Zealand by a commanding 96 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Facing a daunting target of 256 runs, New Zealand's batting lineup faltered, getting bowled out for just 159 runs in 19 overs.

In a social media post, the Prime Minister emphasized that this victory stemmed from the team's outstanding performance and relentless spirit demonstrated during the competition.

“Champions! Congratulations to the Indian team on winning the ICC Men's T20 World Cup! This extraordinary victory showcases remarkable skills, determination, and teamwork. They have exemplified exceptional grit throughout the tournament,” stated the Prime Minister.

He further noted that this triumph has instilled a sense of pride and joy in the hearts of millions of Indians.

“This victory has filled every Indian heart with pride and joy. Well done, Team India!” PM Modi remarked in his message.

The success of India in the tournament has ignited celebrations among cricket enthusiasts nationwide, with fans praising the team’s outstanding performance and historic achievement on the global stage.

Openers Sanju Samson (89), Abhishek Sharma (52), and No. 3 Ishan Kishan (54) laid the foundation for a formidable total.

Sanju Samson continued his impressive form from earlier matches, scoring his third consecutive half-century.

Samson's explosive innings of 89 off 46 balls, featuring five fours and eight sixes, propelled India to a massive 255/5—marking the second-highest total of the tournament and the highest ever in a World Cup match—before their bowlers dismantled New Zealand’s batting order, sealing a comprehensive victory.

Samson, in the form of his life, having previously scored 97 not out and 89 in his last two innings, formed an opening partnership of 98 runs with Abhishek Sharma, who saved his best performance for the final by contributing 52 off 21 balls, while Ishan Kishan added 54 off 25 balls to continue the onslaught.

James Neesham briefly halted India’s momentum with three wickets in a single over, but Shivam Dube countered with an unbeaten 26 off eight balls to push India past the 250-mark. Local heroes Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel then decimated New Zealand's top order, reducing them to 52/3 and extinguishing any realistic hope of a record chase, as India lived up to their pre-tournament expectations and made history.