AHMEDABAD: Indian opener Sanju Samson etched his name into the record books with a sensational knock in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium here on Sunday.
Samson delivered a remarkable innings, scoring 89 runs to register the highest individual score ever recorded in a T20 World Cup final. In doing so, he surpassed the long-standing record held by West Indies all-rounder Marlon Samuels, who scored 85 in the 2016 final against England.
The Indian batter’s outstanding performance also saw him break the previous Indian record for the highest score in a T20 World Cup final. That mark was held by Virat Kohli, who made 77 against Sri Lanka in the 2014 final. Kohli’s effort, however, came in a losing cause for India on that occasion.
Samson’s innings was marked by confident stroke play and composure under pressure, providing India with crucial momentum in the high-stakes contest. His ability to anchor the innings while accelerating when needed proved vital against a strong New Zealand bowling attack.
With this historic knock, Samson not only set a new benchmark for performances in a T20 World Cup final but also further cemented his reputation as a dependable match-winner on the big stage.
The record-breaking innings will be remembered as one of the standout moments of the 2026 tournament, highlighting Samson’s growing stature in international cricket and his ability to deliver when it matters the most.
