As defending champions, India are set to take on New Zealand ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 FinalThe host team will take the field with strong confidence from their impressive record at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The iconic venue, located on the banks of the Sabarmati River and known as the largest cricket stadium in the world, has been a successful hunting ground for the Men in Blue in the shortest format of the game.
India has played nine T20 International matches in this stadium and has won seven of them, while losing only three times. With a win percentage of 70 per cent, the figures underline India’s dominance at the venue where Sunday’s summit clash will be played.
The venue has been witness to many memorable Indian victories. One of the most historic moments came in February 2023, when India registered a record 168-run win against New Zealand. The match is the largest margin of victory in T20 International history, a statistic that will undoubtedly add psychological pressure to the Black Caps ahead of the final.
Major matches in India’s T20I history at the venue
India’s journey in T20 Internationals began on 28 December 2012, when they defeated Pakistan by 11 runs in a closely contested match at the Narendra Modi Stadium (then Motera Stadium).
The stadium gained further prominence during March 2021, when it hosted a five-match T20I series between India and England. India won three of those five matches, strengthening its record at the venue.
However, the most memorable game came against New Zealand in February 2023. India scored a mammoth score of 234 runs for 4 wickets thanks to a brilliant innings by Shubman Gill, who scored unbeaten 126 runs off 63 balls. After this, the Indian bowlers performed brilliantly and achieved a historic victory by dismissing New Zealand for just 66 runs.
Excellent bowling performance was also seen in Narendra Modi Stadium. Hardik Pandya’s 4 wickets for 16 runs in the same match remain the best bowling figures in T20 Internationals.
Recently, India played at the stadium during the 2026 T20 World Cup group stage, where they defeated Netherlands by 17 runs. Shivam Dubey’s explosive 66 off 31 balls helped India post 193 for 6, while Varun Chakraborty’s 3 for 14 ensured a comfortable win.
Narendra Modi Stadium Pitch Report
The Ahmedabad pitch generally provides good bounce and carry, helping batsmen score freely early in the innings. As the match progresses, the surface becomes slightly slower, allowing the spinners to play in the middle overs.
In night matches, dew can also affect play, often making the target easier to chase. However, teams winning the toss will carefully consider the pitch conditions before deciding whether to bat or bowl first.
Personal record at Narendra Modi Stadium
Many Indian players have excelled at this venue over the years.
The record for scoring the most runs in the stadium in T20 International is currently in the name of Virat Kohli, who has scored 258 runs in six matches.
Among bowlers, Shardul Thakur leads the field with eight wickets in five matches.
For New Zealand the site brings mixed memories. While they suffered their biggest T20I defeat here in 2023, several players from that match – including Mitchell Santner, Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell – are part of the current squad and will be determined to deliver a strong performance this time.
Also read: IND vs NZ – ICC announces umpires and match referee for T20 World Cup 2026 final
India and New Zealand are at stake as they prepare for the T20 World Cup 2026 final.
India’s 7-3 record at the Narendra Modi Stadium gives them a statistical edge going into the final. However, their defeat against South Africa early in the tournament highlighted that even the strongest teams can struggle on this surface, especially against quality fast bowling.
New Zealand entered the final on a strong note after an impressive nine-wicket win over South Africa in the semi-finals. opener Finn Allen’s record breaking century in 33 balls Led the Black Caps to an emphatic win and showcased his batting ability.
With powerful lineups and balanced bowling attacks from both teams, the stage is set for an exciting finale.
The final of the T20 World Cup 2026 will start at 7:00 PM IST on Sunday, with the toss taking place at 6:30 PM. A packed crowd of over 130,000 is expected at the Narendra Modi Stadium, where cricket fans hope to witness another historic chapter in the sport’s global showpiece event.