Sanju Samson’s redemption story continues: India won their third T20 World Cup by defeating New Zealand by 96 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. It was a one-sided affair in the final, with the Kiwis never getting into the game since the start of the game.
They created history by winning the T20 World Cup 2026, becoming the first team to win three T20 World Cups and also the first team to defend the World Cup on home soil. Sanju Samson once again played a big innings and scored 89 runs in 46 balls. He was amazing from the moment he joined the team.
Sanju Samson earned the POTT
Sanju Samson won the Player of the Tournament award for his amazing T20 World Cup campaign. The wicketkeeper batsman scored 321 runs in five matches at an average of 80.25. Ever since he was included in the team, he changed the dynamics of the team. A big change for Sanju Samson, as he did not start the tournament.
Since the Zimbabwe match, Sanju Samson was looking in good form, and from the West Indies game, he never looked back, scoring three consecutive fifties (West Indies, England and New Zealand), and his individual score of 89 was also the highest score ever in a T20 World Cup final.
Feels like a dream- Sanju Samson
After winning the Player of the Tournament, Sanju said, “Feels like a dream. Very happy and grateful. Not in words, but in feelings.” [On his three fifties, thought process] To be honest, it had started a year or two ago. When I was in the 2024 World Cup squad, where I didn’t play, I kept imagining, kept working and that’s what I wanted to do.”
“After the New Zealand series I was devastated, my dreams were completely shattered. And I was wondering what I could do. But God had other plans. And I was rewarded for being brave enough to dream. Many former players came to me and tried to help me. Over the last few months, I have been in constant touch with Sachin sir.”
“I reached out to him and had great conversations with him. Having guidance from someone like him, what more could you ask for? I’m so grateful for everyone who supported me. [What more does he want to achieve?] This in itself is a big thing for me, I want to enjoy it now and then after a few days think about what else to do.”
India dominated from the beginning
Talking about the match, India scored 255/5 runs in 20 overs, Abhishek Sharma and Sanju gave a great start to India. Later Ishan Kishan also scored a half-century. Shivam Dubey scored 26 runs in 8 balls and helped the team cross 250 runs.
Chasing the target, New Zealand never got close and kept losing wickets. Although some catches were missed, India completely dominated the Kiwi team. Tim Seifert was the only batsman to score a half-century. The second highest score was made by captain Mitchell Santner, who scored 43 runs.
Jasprit Bumrah finished with 4/15; These were the best bowling figures by a fast bowler in a T20 World Cup final. He also won the Player of the Match award for his excellent performance in the final.
Also read: Jasprit Bumrah crowned ‘GOAT’ after match-winning spell in T20 World Cup final
