The India national cricket team continued their explosive batting display against the New Zealand national cricket team in the T20 final, racing to 203/2 after 15 overs. Sanju Samson led the onslaught with a sensational unbeaten 88, smashing three consecutive sixes off Rachin Ravindra and dominating the New Zealand bowling attack. Samson also registered his third consecutive fifty in knockout matches, underlining his red-hot form. Ishan Kishan supported him with aggressive hitting, including a towering straight six. Earlier, the pair combined for a massive 24-run over that left the Kiwis struggling for answers. With the run rate soaring, India looked set for a daunting total well above 250. (PC: BCCI)

The India national cricket team lost their first wicket after a dominant start in the final against the New Zealand national cricket team, with Rachin Ravindra dismissing Abhishek Sharma for a quick 52 off 20 balls. The wicket ended a blazing 98-run opening partnership between Sharma and Sanju Samson that had put New Zealand under heavy pressure in the powerplay. Ravindra struck in the 7th over with a caught-behind dismissal, providing a crucial breakthrough for the Kiwis. After the wicket, Ishan Kishan came in at number three as India crossed the 100-run mark in just over seven overs. Despite the setback, India remained in a commanding position with a strong run rate. (PC: BCCI)

India opener Abhishek Sharma smashed a rapid 18-ball fifty in the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand.   Sharma returned to form on the biggest stage. He attacked the bowling from the start. Boundaries came quickly in the Powerplay.   He shared a strong opening stand with Sanju Samson. The pair gave India a flying start. India scored 92 runs in the Powerplay. The run rate crossed 15 runs an over.   Sharma reached his half-century with a powerful six. The shot came off a low full toss.   After completing the fifty, Sharma gestured towards the dugout as teammates applauded the knock. (PC: BCCI)

The India national cricket team made a blazing start in the T20 World Cup final against the New Zealand national cricket team, racing to 50 without loss in the first four overs. Opener Abhishek Sharma led the charge with aggressive strokeplay, smashing a six over long-off and multiple boundaries off Lockie Ferguson and Jacob Duffy. At the other end, Sanju Samson also found the boundary, including a top-edged six and a late four to keep the scoreboard moving. India had earlier started cautiously but quickly accelerated, collecting 15 runs in Duffy’s over and punishing loose deliveries. Despite a sharp fielding effort from Daryl Mitchell, New Zealand struggled to contain the early onslaught. 

Ahead of the final between the India national cricket team and the New Zealand national cricket team, players from both sides expressed confidence as the countdown to the first ball began. New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell said he was excited to play the final after spending months in India and stressed that the team’s focus is on enjoying the contest and making the most of the 240 balls. He added that several players in the lineup can step up if needed. Meanwhile, India’s Tilak Varma said the team is accustomed to high-pressure situations after navigating recent knockout-style matches. Before the game, legends Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni brought out the trophy during the national anthem ceremony. (PC: X/@BCCI)

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian appeared to step back from his earlier apology to Gulf neighbours as attacks continued across the region.   In a video message on Sunday, Pezeshkian said his remarks were misunderstood. “The enemy has had misconceptions about my words,” he said.   He added Iran would respond if it comes under attack. “When we are attacked, we have no choice but to respond,” he said.   His statement came as explosions were reported in Bahrain, Kuwait and the UAE. A residential tower caught fire in Dubai after debris from an intercepted projectile.   Earlier, Pezeshkian had apologised to neighbouring countries for Iranian strikes and said attacks would stop unless Iran was targeted. (PC: NDTV)

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and chose to bowl first against India in the T20 World Cup 2026 final in Ahmedabad on Sunday.   India will bat first at the Narendra Modi Stadium as both teams kept their playing XIs unchanged for the title clash.   Defending champions India are chasing their third T20 World Cup title. New Zealand are aiming to win the tournament for the first time.   Santner said he expects the pitch to be good for batting. He earlier noted that the surface could be “flat, true, and good for batting”.   The final is being played in front of a packed crowd, with more than 100,000 fans expected at the stadium. (PC: BCCI)

India face New Zealand in the T20 World Cup 2026 final in Ahmedabad on Sunday. The match comes as India chase several records in the tournament. A colourful closing ceremony took place at the Narendra Modi Stadium before the final. Singer Ricky Martin performed along with Sukhbir and Falguni Pathak. More than 100,000 fans are expected at the venue. Meanwhile, former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif advised the team management to consider dropping opener Abhishek Sharma due to poor form. “India can give Abhishek Sharma a break. He has played many matches now,” Kaif said on his YouTube channel. He suggested that Rinku Singh could replace him in the playing XI. (PC: BCCI)

A large crowd of Indian fans is gathering at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup final between India national cricket team and New Zealand national cricket team.   Fans in blue shirts have returned to the venue, but the mood is calmer than the tense atmosphere during the 2023 final loss.   New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said his team expects strong Indian support. “It’s fair to say we are a bit outnumbered over here — 1.4 billion Team India fans,” he wrote.   Many supporters believe India has played strongly in the tournament. Thousands have travelled to watch the final despite high ticket and hotel costs. (PC: NDTV)

India will face New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. The venue is where India lost the ODI World Cup final in 2023. Captain Suryakumar Yadav returns to the ground hoping to leave that memory behind.   India reached the final after a narrow seven-run win over England in the semi-final. Sanju Samson and Jasprit Bumrah played key roles in that match.   New Zealand also enter the final after a strong nine-wicket win over South Africa. Both teams had mixed results earlier in the tournament but recovered to reach the title match. (PC: BCCI)