India smash records in one-sided final

India wreaked havoc at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad yesterday, smashing a plethora of records on their way to clinching a record third T20 World Cup title with a 96-run victory in an utterly one-sided final against New Zealand. From piling up a record 255 for five to bundling out New Zealand for 159 in 19 overs, the co-hosts made the Black Caps look like an ordinary team at the largest-capacity cricket stadium in the world.

** In the 10th edition of the T20 World Cup, India became the first side to win the title as a host nation.

** India also became the first team to defend the T20 World Cup title and the first team to win it three times (2007, 2024, 2026). England (2010, 2022) and the West Indies (2012, 2016) have both won the tournament twice.

** The 96-run win is the largest margin of victory by runs in a T20 World Cup final, surpassing the West Indies’ 36-run win over Sri Lanka in 2012.

** India’s 255 for five is the highest total in a T20 World Cup final and the third-highest overall in the tournament’s history.

** This was the seventh time India crossed the 250-run mark in T20Is -- the most by any team in the format. It was also India’s fourth 250-plus total in 2026, the most by any team in a calendar year.

** India raced to 100 in just 7.2 overs, the fastest team hundred in a T20 World Cup knockout match.

** India smashed 37 boundaries in the innings -- the most in a T20 World Cup final. That included 18 sixes, also the highest in a T20 World Cup title decider.

** Opener Sanju Samson’s 89 off 46 balls is the highest individual score in a T20 World Cup final, surpassing the 85 not out by Marlon Samuels in 2016 and the 85 by Kane Williamson in 2021.

** The 105-run second-wicket stand between Samson and Ishan Kishan (54 off 25) is the second 100-plus partnership in a T20 World Cup final, behind the 111-run stand between Craig Kieswetter and Kevin Pietersen against Australia in 2010.