INDvsNZ, T20 WC Final LIVE: 'Dream start' from Abhishek Sharma takes India to record equaling 92/0 in the powerplay
In the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 final at Ahmedabad, India raced to 92/0 in the first six overs, driven by openers Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson. Abhishek scored an explosive 18-ball fifty.
Last Updated: 07.47 PM, Mar 08, 2026
A dream start from the openers Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson helped India score 92/0 in the first six overs of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 final at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Abhishek Sharma, who was under the pump before the final, hit an 18-ball fifty, the fastest of this campaign, to shut his doubters.
NZ sent India to bat first
New Zealand captain Mithcell Santner, who had promised to break some hearts in the Press Conference on the eve of the final, won the toss and decided to field first. They brought one change as Jacob Duffey replaced Cole McConchie. India, meanwhile, kept their same XI for the final.
India took time and then launched the attack
Santner's plan worked for the first two overs as he introduced spin early in the second over itself. But right after getting a look at the pitch, India launched the attack on the Kiwi bowlers.
Abhishek Sharma, who has been sort of runs in this World Cup, took 24 against Lockie Ferguson to give India a solid momentum. Abhishek hit two sixes and two fours in that over.
Before that, he had already hit three boundaries against Duffey in the third over.
Read also: 4 talking points from Mitchell Santner's press conference ahead of India vs New Zealand, T20 WC 2026 final.
Abhishek hit an 18-ball fifty
Just when everyone was doubting the selection of Abhishek Sharma, he replied to everyone with an 18-ball fifty as India reached 92 in the powerplay, the highest in this campaign.
Sanju Samson, who won the Player of the Match awards in the last two matches, was unbeaten on 24 at the end of the powerplay.
How to watch the India vs New Zealand, T20 World Cup 2026 final match online?
Cricket fans in India can watch the India vs New Zealand, T20 World Cup 2026 final match on JioHotstar, accessible via OTTplay Premium.