There was something poetic about India winning the T20 World Cup at home, in front of 100,000 of their own fans, against a New Zealand side who had made finals across formats without ever winning one. The 96-run victory was convincing, historic, and touched with the magic that sport occasionally produces at its most theatrical. It was, as India’s tournament anthem promised, their year.
The match began with India’s openers blasting to 92 for no loss in the powerplay, equalling the World Cup record and immediately establishing control. Abhishek Sharma’s 18-ball fifty was the spark that lit the fire, and Sanju Samson’s masterful 89 off 46 balls kept the flames burning through the middle overs. Ishan Kishan added his own 54 off 25, and the total climbed to 255 before New Zealand could draw breath.
New Zealand’s bowlers tried everything, but nothing worked. Lockie Ferguson’s opening over went for 24, including three wides. Matt Henry fared similarly. Jacob Duffy, recalled after sitting out most of the tournament, conceded 15 first ball. It was an evening when everything India hit turned to gold, and everything New Zealand attempted turned to dust.
Bumrah swept aside any realistic hope New Zealand harboured with three devastating slow yorkers that picked up three wickets. His man-of-the-match performance was the final confirmation that India had been the best team throughout this tournament, not just in the final. New Zealand ended on 159, a full 96 runs short.
India have written a cricket fairy tale that even the most imaginative screenwriter might have dismissed as too good to be true. Back-to-back champions, winners at home, and makers of history. They deserve every superlative that will inevitably come their way.