Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated the Indian men’s cricket team for winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, praising their determination, discipline and teamwork after they defeated New Zealand to successfully defend the title.
Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India beat Mitchell Santner’s New Zealand by 96 runs in the final to become the first team to win two successive T20 World Cups.
In a post on X, PM Modi said: “By winning the T20 Cricket World Cup, Team India has proven that the confluence of determination, restraint, and self-confidence is the fundamental mantra for success in life. With hard work in the right direction, every goal can be achieved.”
Earlier, soon after the final on Sunday night, the Prime Minister had congratulated the team, describing the triumph as a moment of pride for the country.
“Champions! Congratulations to the Indian team on winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. This remarkable triumph reflects exceptional skill, determination and teamwork,” he wrote on X.
In the final, New Zealand opted to field first after winning the toss, but India produced a dominant batting display to post 255 for 5 — the highest total in a T20 World Cup final.
Abhishek Sharma struck a blistering 52 off 21 balls and shared a 98-run partnership with Sanju Samson. Samson later added another century stand with Ishan Kishan, who made 54 off 25 deliveries, as India crossed the 200-run mark in the 16th over. Shivam Dube provided the late flourish with an unbeaten 26 off eight balls.
For New Zealand, James Neesham was the most successful bowler with figures of 3 for 46.
Chasing 256, New Zealand never recovered after early blows from India’s bowlers. Jasprit Bumrah (4/15) and Axar Patel (3/23) reduced the Kiwis to 72 for 5, putting the chase out of reach despite Tim Seifert’s 52 off 26 balls.
A brief resistance from captain Mitchell Santner (43) and Daryl Mitchell was not enough as New Zealand were bowled out for 159, handing India a comprehensive victory and a successful defence of the title.
The victory also made India the first side to win the tournament three times — after earlier triumphs in 2007 and 2024 — and the first to lift the trophy on home soil.
(ANI)
