Batting first, the Men in Blue posted a massive 255/5, with Sanju Samson top-scoring with 89 runs, while Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan also smashed half-centuries. India then bowled New Zealand out for 159 in 19 overs, with Jasprit Bumrah taking 4/15 and Axar Patel claiming 3 wickets, completing a dominant performance.
Here’s a look at the major records created and broken by India during their historic triumph:
- First Team to Defend T20 World Cup Title
India became the first team to successfully defend a T20 World Cup title, having won the previous edition in 2024, where they defeated South Africa by seven runs. No team had ever won back-to-back trophies in T20 World Cup history.
- First Host Nation to Win the Title
By winning at home, India became the first host nation to lift the T20 World Cup trophy. Co-hosting with Sri Lanka, India defied expectations to defend their title on home soil.
- First Team to Win T20 World Cup Three Times
India also became the first team to win the T20 World Cup thrice, adding to their 2007 triumph under MS Dhoni and the 2024 victory under Rohit Sharma. With this, India became the most successful team in tournament history.
- First T20 World Cup Win Against New Zealand
This marked India’s first victory over New Zealand in a T20 World Cup, having lost in their three previous encounters (2007 in Johannesburg, 2016 in Nagpur, and 2021 in Dubai).
- Highest Individual Score by an Indian Against New Zealand
Sanju Samson smashed 89 off 46 balls, setting the record for the highest individual score by an Indian batter against New Zealand in T20 World Cups. The previous record was held by head coach Gautam Gambhir, who scored 51 off 33 in 2007.
- Highest Team Total Between the Two Sides in T20 World Cup
India’s 255/5 broke the previous highest total in T20 World Cup encounters between the two teams, previously held by New Zealand (190 in 2007). It is also the highest ever total in a T20 World Cup final.
- Best Bowling Figures in T20 World Cup Finals for India
Jasprit Bumrah now holds the record for best bowling figures for India in T20 World Cup finals, taking 4/15 at an economy rate of 3.8. The previous record was 3/16 by Irfan Pathan in the 2007 final.
- Most Runs by an Indian in a Single T20 World Cup Edition
Sanju Samson broke Virat Kohli’s record for most runs by an Indian batter in a single edition, scoring 321 runs in five innings at an average of 80.25 and a strike rate of 199.37, including three half-centuries.
India’s T20 World Cup 2026 victory not only rewrote the record books but also cemented their status as the most dominant team in the history of the tournament.
