AHMEDABAD: India produced a stunning batting display to post 255 for 5 in 20 overs, setting New Zealand a daunting target of 256 in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final in Ahmedabad.
A trio of explosive half-centuries powered India’s innings as Sanju Samson (89) led the charge with a commanding knock, supported by Ishan Kishan (54) and Abhishek Sharma (52) in a relentless assault on the New Zealand bowlers.
Opening the innings with aggressive intent, India raced through the powerplay as Samson and Abhishek Sharma dismantled the attack with a flurry of boundaries and sixes. Abhishek’s brisk 52 laid the platform before Samson continued the onslaught with a superb 89, anchoring the innings while maintaining a rapid scoring rate.
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Ishan Kishan then kept the momentum going with a quick-fire 54, ensuring the scoring never slowed as India pushed past the 200 mark.
In the closing stages, Shivam Dube provided the finishing flourish, smashing an unbeaten 26 off the final overs in a late blitz that lifted India to a massive total of 255-5.
The total is among the highest in a T20 World Cup final and leaves New Zealand with a challenging chase of 256 runs to lift the trophy.
With the pitch offering little assistance to bowlers and India’s batting firing on all cylinders, the pressure now shifts firmly onto New Zealand’s batting line-up as they attempt one of the biggest run chases in T20 World Cup history.
