Ahmedabad, March 9: India clinched the T20 World Cup 2026 title by defeating New Zealand by 96 runs. All-rounder Hardik Pandya contributed with 18 runs and took one wicket in the final match. Throughout the tournament, Pandya played all nine matches, scoring 217 runs at an average of 27.12 and claiming nine wickets.
In the final held at Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, India set a formidable target of 255 runs, losing five wickets, while New Zealand was bowled out for just 159 runs in 19 overs.
Following the victory, Pandya expressed his ambitions, stating, “I still have 10 years of cricket left in me, and I want to win 10 more ICC titles. That is my goal.”
Reflecting on the emotional victory at home, he said, “This is a very emotional moment. Winning the World Cup in India and seeing the excitement of the people is amazing. We have worked hard for this. From yesterday, I was sure we would be champions. I had only one belief that there would be no other result. The thought of losing never crossed my mind. I am grateful to God.”
Pandya was also part of the T20 World Cup 2024 winning team, where he bowled the last over against South Africa. In the 2026 final, he once again found himself in a crucial moment.
He recalled, “When I was bowling the 19th over against England, the final of T20 World Cup 2024 was running through my mind. I had also told Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma to think about good memories when they went out to bat.”
In the final match, Sanju Samson scored 89 runs and formed a 105-run partnership off 48 balls with Ishan Kishan, who made 54 runs, helping India reach a massive score. Pandya praised both players, saying, “Life teaches you that when you work hard and learn to be happy in others’ happiness, God gives you opportunities. This is a lesson for the whole country that when you keep working silently, God will surely give you a chance. I am very proud of them.”
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
