MUMBAI: Seven wins from eight outings, the latest of which was in a semifinal thriller against England, have propelled India to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Final on Sunday.
The defending champions stand one win away from becoming only the first team to secure back-to-back Men’s T20 World Cup titles. If they are able to clinch the summit clash in Ahmedabad, India will also become the first-ever team to win the tournament on home soil.
The co-hosts were dealt an early scare in the tournament in Mumbai. The USA bowlers, led by Shadley van Schalkwyk, ran through the Indian batting order, leaving them reeling at 77/6.
At the other end, when New Zealand take on India in Sunday’s final, they are hoping to break free from the ‘good guys who finish second’ narrative. Over the last 11 years, the Black Caps have reached the final of an ICC white-ball world event four times before this, but finished second best.
“I wouldn’t mind winning a trophy,” New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said in the press conference on Saturday.
His country had previously reached the final of the 2025 Champions Trophy, 2021 T20 World Cup, 2019 ODI World Cup and 2015 ODI World Cup.
If India are to claim another T20 World Cup trophy, there is some history they need to overcome.
