Sanju Samson starred once again for India as they posted a formidable 255 total against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final on Sunday.
The Kiwis won the toss and decided to bowl first at the packed Narendra Modi Stadium. The decision backfired as India struck 92 without losing a wicket in the powerplay overs.
Openers Samson and Abhishek Sharma came out firing on all cylinders, pummelling boundaries and sixes all over the ground.
Rachin Ravindra delivered a breakthrough in the eighth over, removing Sharma just after he completed his half-century.
However, Samson and Ishan Kishan didn’t let the run rate drop, as they kept punishing the New Zealand bowlers with ease.
Samson missed out on his century, but his 89-run knock ensured a big total for the Men in Blue.
New Zealand made a good comeback in the final five overs, with James Neesham picking up three wickets in one over.
But the hosts reached 255 after Shivam Dube’s blistering 26 off eight balls.
India are looking to retain the trophy they won in 2024, while New Zealand are bidding for their first T20 World Cup title.
The Suryakumar Yadav-led side have been almost flawless since losing to South Africa, as they defeated Zimbabwe, West Indies and England to seal a place in the final.
New Zealand’s journey in the tournament hasn’t been smooth sailing, but they are peaking just at the right time.
After a shaky Super Eight run, the Black Caps pulled off a stunning nine-wicket win over South Africa in the semi-final.
