T20 World Cup: India Wins Big in Final

India have made history by becoming the first team to win the T20 World Cup at home, defeating New Zealand by 96 runs in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Suryakumar Yadav’s team buried the ghosts of the past and raced to a record-breaking third T20 World Cup title in front of a sell-out crowd at the world’s largest cricket stadium on Sunday.

Rohit Sharma’s India lost the 50-over World Cup final at the same venue two years ago after an undefeated run in the tournament, leaving the 90,000 fans stunned and heartbroken.

There was no such pain for the home supporters this time as the defending champions reaped the rewards of Sanju Samson’s prolific three-match run and Abhishek Sharma’s return to form to post 255-5 in 20 overs.

Samson scored 89 off 46 balls, Abhishek 52 off 21 and Ishan Kishan 54 off 25.

But it was their ever-reliable star pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah who snuffed out any New Zealand hopes of a record run chase with astounding T20 bowling figures of 4-15 in his four overs. 

India’s vice-captain Axar Patel took three wickets for 27 runs in his three overs as his team became the first to successfully defend the trophy.

New Zealand, who have now lost in both their T20 World Cup final appearances, were bowled out for 159.

Bumrah was named player of the final and Samson the player of the tournament.

- Author: Hafsa Adil, Al Jazeera