Sanju Samson’s blazing 89 off just 46 deliveries was the centerpiece of a dominant Indian batting display that ultimately sealed a historic World Cup triumph. India piled up 255 runs and then bowled New Zealand out for 159, winning the final by a margin of 96 runs that was even more comfortable than the scoreboard suggested.
For much of the chase, New Zealand’s batters appeared to be going through the motions, defeat having long been accepted as inevitable. Finn Allen, who had smashed a 33-ball century in the semi-final, was dismissed cheaply for nine, and the top order folded meekly around Tim Seifert’s fighting half-century that ultimately changed nothing.
India’s innings was a tale of two halves. Their openers started cautiously before suddenly exploding into life, reaching 92 without loss by the end of the powerplay. Sharma, Samson, and Kishan all raced to fifties, and at the drinks break after 14 overs, India stood at 191 for one with talk of 300 circulating in the stands.
A middle-overs collapse — four wickets in five overs — trimmed the final total, though 255 still proved more than adequate. Jimmy Neesham produced a bizarre over that went for just one run but claimed three wickets, adding to the chaotic brilliance of the evening. Shivam Dube then plundered 24 off the final over to inflate the total further.
With Bumrah producing his customary magic and the crowd cheering every delivery, India completed one of the most dominant World Cup final performances seen in the modern era. For New Zealand, it was another painful chapter in a long story of near-misses.
Samson Steals the Show as India Steamroll New Zealand in One-Sided T20 World Cup Final
