KATHMANDU: India created history by successfully defending the T20 World Cup title, defeating New Zealand by 96 runs in the final on Sunday.

Chasing a massive target of 256 set by India, New Zealand were bowled out for just 159 runs in 19 overs. With the victory, India also became the first team to win the T20 World Cup three times. The team had previously lifted the trophy in 2007 and 2024.

New Zealand opener Tim Seifert was the top scorer for his side with 52 runs. Facing 26 balls, he struck two fours and five sixes. Mitchell Santner contributed 43 runs, but the other batters failed to build partnerships.

India’s Jasprit Bumrah starred with the ball, taking four wickets while conceding just 15 runs in 3.5 overs. Axar Patel claimed three wickets, while Hardik Pandya, Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakravarthy picked up one wicket each.

Earlier, batting first at the Narendra Modi Stadium, India put up a powerful total of 255 for five wickets.

Opener Sanju Samson played a brilliant knock of 89 runs off 46 balls, hitting eight fours and five sixes. Abhishek Sharma provided an explosive start, scoring 52 runs from 21 balls with six fours and three sixes. Ishan Kishan also made a strong contribution with 54 runs off 25 balls, including four fours and four sixes.

Captain Suryakumar Yadav was dismissed on the very first ball. Hardik Pandya scored 18 runs off 13 balls. In the closing overs, Shivam Dube added quick runs, remaining unbeaten on 26 off eight balls with three fours and two sixes, while Tilak Varma stayed not out on eight.

For New Zealand, Jimmy Neesham took three wickets, while Matt Henry and Rachin Ravindra claimed one wicket each.