India vs New Zealand: Recalling Their Last ICC Final Ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

As India and New Zealand prepare to clash in the T20 World Cup 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad this Sunday, March 8th, cricket enthusiasts are anticipating a fierce contest. Both teams enter the showpiece event brimming with confidence, following exceptional performances in their respective semi-final matches.

This upcoming final will mark the fourth occasion these two formidable cricketing nations have met in a major ICC final. Their most recent encounter took place in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on March 9th. On that memorable day, India emerged victorious, securing their third Champions Trophy title and their first since 2013.

In the Champions Trophy 2025 final, New Zealand, after winning the toss and electing to bat first, set a competitive total of 251 runs for the loss of seven wickets. Their innings was anchored by Daryl Mitchell, who scored a resilient 63 off 101 balls under challenging conditions. A late surge was provided by Michael Bracewell, who struck an unbeaten 53 from just 40 deliveries, featuring three fours and two sixes, significantly boosting their total.

Indian spinners were instrumental in stifling New Zealand's scoring, restricting them to 251. The duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy collectively claimed four wickets, with Kuldeep being the standout bowler, taking 2 for 40 from his full quota of ten overs. Fast bowler Mohammed Shami and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja each contributed with a wicket.

In response, the Indian team successfully chased down the target with an over to spare, clinching the title. Captain Rohit Sharma, alongside opener Shubman Gill, provided a perfect start, forging a robust 105-run opening partnership. Rohit was the top scorer with 76 runs off 83 balls, an innings embellished with seven fours and three sixes. Crucial contributions in the middle overs came from Shreyas Iyer (48) and Axar Patel (29), while a composed unbeaten 34 from KL Rahul ultimately sealed the victory for the Indian side.

The triumph in the 2025 Champions Trophy was particularly significant for Rohit Sharma's team, as it marked their second consecutive ICC honor, building on their success in the 2024 global 20-over tournament.