India banished the ghosts of 2023 by emphatically beating New Zealand by 96 runs in Ahmedabad to defend their T20 World Cup title. On the same ground where they wilted under pressure two and a half years ago against Australia, the co-hosts romped to 255-5 in front of a crowd of more than 100,000 jubilant supporters.

Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, and Ishan Kishan all scored half-centuries as India posted the highest total ever seen at a T20 World Cup. The top three batsmen took advantage of supreme batting conditions, with Samson smashing 89 from 46 balls and Abhishek contributing a rapid 52. Their total could have been even greater but for Jimmy Neesham's three-wicket over.

New Zealand's chase never gained momentum as Jasprit Bumrah dismantled the lower order with four wickets, including three perfect slower-ball yorkers. Tim Seifert provided brief resistance with a 52 off 26 balls, but around him the Black Caps lost regular wickets. The win means India have now won the past three men's white-ball tournaments, becoming the first side to defend the men's T20 World Cup.