India win T20 World Cup Updates: What's next for team India as dust settles on historic evening in Ahmedabad

India's third T20 World Cup win Live Updates: Things beginning to settle down and calm down in the aftermath of some joyous scenes for India after lifting the T20 World Cup. While celebrations won't stop, those in charge will begin to cast their eyes towards the future.

India's third T20 World Cup win Live Updates: Gautam Gambhir replied to MS Dhoni's viral Instagram post, (AFP)

India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: The T20 World Cup 2026 win at the Narendra Modi Stadium brought out raw emotions in MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill, as the trio were among the first to congratulate India on the tournament win. While Kohli lauded the Men in Blue for a complete team performance, Dhoni took some time out to pen a special message for head coach Gautam Gambhir, asking him to smile more. India's World Cup win also prompted reactions from across the border as several Pakistan greats such as Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Amir, and Shoaib Akhtar congratulated India for absolutely annihilating New Zealand in the final. ...Read More

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• 9 Mar 2026, 04:28:14 PM IST

  India's third T20 World Cup win Live Updates: What's next for Suryakumar Yadav?

  India's third T20 World Cup win Live Updates: The Indian captain has delivered on the promise he would have made to stakeholders and fans when he took over from Rohit Sharma – taking this team, guiding them through the transition, and ensuring India's quality in the shortest format led to consistent results.

  But at 35 years old, things won't be the same for SKY after this success. What is to be expected now?

  Where does Suryakumar Yadav go from here after leading India to T20 World Cup glory?

• 9 Mar 2026, 03:17:29 PM IST

  India's third T20 World Cup win Live Updates: A legacy of T20 success – where India's batch of 2026 figures amongst those in the past

  India's third T20 World Cup win Live Updates: India win their record third, and two back-to-back trophies in T20 World Cups. But each of those three teams have been very different, and each of those victories has meant very different things. A retrospective on each of these campaigns, and the narratives that came to define them. Probuddha Bhattacharjee writes for HT:

  READ HERE: Three crowns, three journeys: What makes India's 2007, 2024 and 2026 T20 World Cup wins unique

• 9 Mar 2026, 02:14:56 PM IST

  India's third T20 World Cup win Live Updates: Samson a mix of Kohli and Rohit

  India's third T20 World Cup win Live Updates: Former India Test captain Anil Kumble heaped praise on the Player of the Tournament, Sanju Samson, calling him a mix of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Some high praise this from Jumbo!

  "I think Samson is a combination of Kohli and Rohit, in a sense. When it required a little bit of Kohli, where you just plan and ensure that you don’t lose wickets. And then whenever you need to accelerate, in the powerplay, you want to take on the bowlers [like Rohit],” Kumble said on ESPNcricinfo.

• 9 Mar 2026, 01:13:08 PM IST

  India's third T20 World Cup win Live Updates: Gambhir responds to Dhoni's post

  India's third T20 World Cup win Live Updates: Gautam Gambhir on Monday afternoon reacted to MS Dhoni's viral Instagram post, where the latter urged the India head coach to smile more as it looks good on his face.

  Taking to the comments section, Gambhir replied back, “And what a reason to smile. Great seeing you.”

• 9 Mar 2026, 12:31:27 PM IST

  India's third T20 World Cup win Live Updates: Suryakumar Yadav targets Olympics

  India's third T20 World Cup win Live Updates: After winning the T20 World Cup, Suryakumar Yadav laid down the marker for his team, saying he desperately wants to win a gold medal at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

  “It has been very special and collectively as a team what we've achieved I think it's right in front of you so very happy with that and as you rightly said definitely the next goal is Olympics, Olympic gold and also the T20 World Cup that year. Don't forget,” he told reporters.

• 9 Mar 2026, 12:00:13 PM IST

  India's third T20 World Cup win Live Updates: Mitchell Santner's candid admission

  India's third T20 World Cup win Live Updates: New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner admitted that his side were no match to India in the final and were completely outplayed by the Men in Blue.

  “They know how to play in these conditions. They play on a lot of flat wickets against quality sides. And they showed that again today, that once they're going, it's pretty tough to stop. So I think for us, it was, whether it was being braver with yorkers or bounces, I think we tried a lot of the cutters into the wicket that aren't offering it much, , they just kind of go as well. So I think, they did knock it around at times and I think when we did use the slower bounces, the Yorkers, for that little phase in the middle we were able to slow them down but I think again the damage was done and then Dubé coming in at the end and hitting, they were all striking it pretty well at the moment so I think yeah 230 we could have taken 230 on a pretty good wicket,” he told reporters.

• 9 Mar 2026, 11:23:59 AM IST

  India's third T20 World Cup win Live Updates: Ahmed Shehzad's meltdown

  India's third T20 World Cup win Live Updates: While talking about India's victory, former Pakistan opening batter Ahmed Shehzad said Pakistan are no match to India and the biggest reason behind the decline is how the Green Shirts constantly play against smaller teams like Zimbabwe, Uganda and Kenya.

  “What level of cricket are you playing in Pakistan? And you just keep doing this, calling Zimbabwe and beating them, calling Kenya and beating them, calling Uganda and beating them,” he said on the ‘Haarna Mana Hai’ show.

• 9 Mar 2026, 11:10:45 AM IST

  India's third T20 World Cup win Live Updates: Sachin Tendulkar's message for Team India

  India's third T20 World Cup win Live Updates: Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar went gaga over Team India's performance in the final, saying winning T20 World Cup for two times in a row is no mean feat and the entire team deserves to celebrate.

  “Winning the World Cup twice in a row, the first time any team has done so in the T20 format. Totally deserving and rightful winners of the trophy. What a fantastic performance by our team and a special brand of cricket on display. Well done, Team India. Jai Hind,” wrote Tendulkar.

• 9 Mar 2026, 10:38:56 AM IST

  India's third T20 World Cup win Live Updates: Mohammad Amir's prediction

  India's third T20 World Cup win Live Updates: Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir said that Suryakumar Yadav might have won the World Cup, but his future as captain would depend on how he performs in IPL 2026, considering his low returns with the bat in the Asia Cup 2025 and World Cup 2026.

  “His future as captain would depend on IPL 2026. He didn't do anything in the Asia Cup and the World Cup. In the entire tournament, he didn't do anything,” said Amir on the ‘Haarna Mana Hai’ show.

• 9 Mar 2026, 09:59:54 AM IST

  India's third T20 World Cup win Live Updates: Shoaib Akhtar's sweeping declaration

  India's third T20 World Cup win Live Updates: Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar made a sweeping declaration, saying India are the firm favourites to win the next edition of the 50-over World Cup as well.

  “Agar 2027 World Cup aaj milta hai, toh aaj lelijiye. (If you get the trophy today, take it today itself),” said Akhtar on the ‘Game On Hai’ show.

• 9 Mar 2026, 09:30:43 AM IST

  India's third T20 World Cup win Live Updates: Sourav Ganguly calls India the ultimate powerhouse

  India's third T20 World Cup win Live Updates: Former India captain and the BCCI President, Sourav Ganguly, stated that India have now become a real powerful side.

  “Congratulations India for winning the t20 World Cup .. very powerful side ..got better in the bigger games..indian cricket in great place . Women’s champion ,under 19 champion and now the men’s t20 champions,” Ganguly wrote on X.

• 9 Mar 2026, 08:53:05 AM IST

  India's third T20 World Cup win Live Updates: Yuvraj Singh's special message for Team India

  India's third T20 World Cup win Live Updates: Yuvraj Singh, who was instrumental in India's World Cup wins in 2007 and 2011, took to Twitter to congratulate the entire contingent. He highlighted the contribution of every member of the playing XI, and said that the performance in the final was a complete team effort.

  “Back-to-back #WorldChampions! Defending a #WorldCup takes character and this team led by @surya_14kumar played with real intent on the biggest stage! @IamSanjuSamson @ishankishan51 @OfficialAbhi04 were outstanding in the final. Sanju, across the opportunities showed again why he’s a match winner. Ishan was consistent right through and played a solid role in India’s run. @IamShivamDube @hardikpandya7 shifted momentum at will when the game demanded it,” Yuvraj wrote on X.

  @Jaspritbumrah93 was truly special, the tougher the situation the better he got! @akshar2026 was magical with the ball, picking up crucial wickets, with Hardik, @arshdeepsinghh and #VarunChakaravarthy keeping the pressure on throughout. Congratulations to coach @GautamGambhir and the entire support staff as well! A lot of hard work goes into moments like this! India, World Champions again," he added.

• 9 Mar 2026, 08:28:49 AM IST

  India's third T20 World Cup win Live Updates: Pakistan greats congratulate India

  India's third T20 World Cup win Live Updates: The likes of Mohammad Hafeez, Saqlain Mushtaq, Shahid Afridi, Sana Mir, Umar Gul, and Shoaib Akhtar congratulated India for winning the T20 World Cup for the third time, saying the victory is a testament to their domestic structure and the kind of cricketers there are in the country.

  Mohammad Amir, who predicted that New Zealand would win in the final, stated that he was proven wrong by India on the all-important day.

• 9 Mar 2026, 08:19:05 AM IST

  India's third T20 World Cup win Live Updates: Shubman Gill lauds the Men in Blue

  India's third T20 World Cup win Live Updates: Shubman Gill, who narrowly missed out on the T20 World Cup team, congratulated the entire contingent for putting on a dominant show and outclass New Zealand on the big day.

  “So proud of our team. Winning a World Cup for India is the dream and you’ve made the entire nation proud. Congratulations boys,” he wrote on X.

• 9 Mar 2026, 07:50:39 AM IST

  India's third T20 World Cup win Live Updates: Virat Kohli's congratulatory message

  India's third T20 World Cup win Live Updates: Virat Kohli was unable to keep calm after India created history by becoming the first team to defend the T20 World Cup title. He congratulated all players and support staff for the phenomenal achievement.

  “Champions. Phenomenal win for Team India in Ahmedabad. Absolutely no match for the explosive cricket played by us throughout the tournament. Brilliant character shown by the boys to keep fighting in tough situations and become world champions once again. Congratulations to all the players and all the members of the management for achieving this feat. Jai Hind,” wrote Kohli on X.

• 9 Mar 2026, 07:41:52 AM IST

  India's third T20 World Cup win Live Updates: MS Dhoni's special message for Gautam Gambhir

  India's third T20 World Cup win Live Updates: After the T20 World Cup win, former India captain MS Dhoni penned a special message for India head coach Gautam Gambhir, saying a smile looks very good on his face, and he should do it more often.

  “Coach Sahab smile looks great on u, intensity with smile is a killer combo, very well done,” he wrote on Instagram.

• 8 Mar 2026, 11:56:36 PM IST

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: Now India's turn for the medals – and here is what Suryakumar Yadav has to say

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: What a moment for this young, exciting team. Captain SKY:

  "It'll take time to sink in but very happy about what has happened today. Started with the 2024 WC, Jay bhai and Rohit bhai showed faith in me to lead this wonderful side. It's a special feeling to come here to the Modi Stadium and do it.

  We knew we were playing good cricket through the two years, we wanted to follow all the good habits. Wanted to tell the boys of the feeling of a World Cup. That was imbibed to everyone.

  It's important to understand what they are capable of. Timing was perfect for all of them to come in and show what they were capable of. They have all been in the circuit for a very long time, taking care of each other.

  How Sanju said he wanted to give his man of the match to Bumrah, I can call him a national treasure right now."

• 8 Mar 2026, 11:49:27 PM IST

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: What Kiwi skipper Mitchell Santner has to say

  "Proud of the boys to make it this far. Had challenges throughout the tournament but got through. Most games we play it's always a great crowd and a sea of blue. Credit to India for winning a title at home, always comes with pressure, credit to SKY and the boys.

  Different guys stepped up at different times. We were confronted with challenges and nice to get through. Tonight we were outplayed, but proud of the boys."

• 8 Mar 2026, 11:47:50 PM IST

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: Big cheer for New Zealand as their campaign ends in a silver medal

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: Still not quite able to get over that hump to lift a World Cup, but they remain such a professional and likeable team – you will always hear that, but because it's true.

• 8 Mar 2026, 11:40:35 PM IST

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: The wait for the trophy presentation ends

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: Taking their sweet time, are the organisers – but the players won't mind. Gives them time to really, really soak it in. Arshdeep Singh running around making his videos which are sure to go viral in the morning.

  Here we are then. The presentation ceremony.

• 8 Mar 2026, 11:27:18 PM IST

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: Rohit Sharma on-field as family show all their love to the squad

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: The wait is on for the trophy lift. Until then, the players all taking pictures with each other and with their families and loved ones. Spouses, children, Rohit Sharma, everyone.

• 8 Mar 2026, 11:13:17 PM IST

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: SANJU SAMSON IS PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT!

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: Player of the series goes to Sanju Samson for a terrific knockout performance!

  "Very happy, very grateful. A lot emotions and going through it but very happy, out of words. This started 1-2 years before, in the 2024 World Cup winning team, I couldn't play a game. I kept working, visualising, dreaming. This is what I wanted, god is good. After the NZ series, I was broken, my dreams were shattered, I was thinking what I could do.

  Very proud I was courageous enough to dream about it and make it happen in this tournament.

  A lot of guidance and suggestions from the Indian team have helped me figure things out. Last couple of months, I hope I can share it here, I have been in constant touch with Sachin sir. I thought about what is the mindset required, I reached out to sir and had huge conversations with him. Even yesterday he asked me how am I feeling.

  Big for me, need to figure out what next I need to do."

• 8 Mar 2026, 11:09:51 PM IST

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: Jasprit Bumrah wins player of the match after 4/15!

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: Jasprit Bumrah speaks!

  "Feels extremely special because I've played one final at my home venue but couldn't win that one, but today I won. I was very motivated, very clear, played all my cricket here so used all my experience. Everything went to plan.

  Before this tournament I was in that zone where I felt I was trying too hard because I was bowling well but felt I was trying too hard. This format I just tried to let the game come to me, and that worked really well. Believed in myself. My individual assessment has always been my strength of my game, and couldn't be more special to win man of the match here, at my home ground in a World Cup final, it doesn't get better than that.

  Because of the experience, I've played on belters over here, and I have seen the other teams how they were bowling, I learnt that trying to bowl too fast can make shot-making easier, the ball just skids on. So just played smart, and tried to think of what the batsmen were trying to do. Clarity while execution really helps.

  Whenever we discuss, they always come up with options, and when communication is needed we did that, we kept calm, never panicking, kept our head above the water, hold our nerve. The teams who can do that win the tournament."

• 8 Mar 2026, 11:03:37 PM IST

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: India outdo England, Windies with their 3rd title

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: Three teams had two trophies each in T20 World Cups before this evening. India had the chance to become the first to make it three.

  And they just did that. 2007. 2024. 2026.

• 8 Mar 2026, 10:58:17 PM IST

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: Tilak Varma promises a big party for the team

  Tilak Varma says the fielding wasn't perfect today, but showed up in the key moments. As for the celebrations?

  “Next couple of days will be a big party with the boys. We will take a couple of fresheners, and then head off to the IPL.”

• 8 Mar 2026, 10:56:32 PM IST

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: Arshdeep Singh sees the funny side of his fight!

  AS: “Went to say sorry to Mitchell, my throw got too much reverse swing, left it on the pitch! Winning right now so emotionally it feels great but we will find out in 2-4 days. This is the icing on the cake. If we're bowling first, restrict, and save the target. Will bring my phone, have though of 10-15 reels, we will see what will be made.”

• 8 Mar 2026, 10:54:27 PM IST

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar next!

  SD: “I was there to hit big sixes, that was my role in this tournament. Sometimes happens that other batsmen go up. But I always back myself to hit big sixes. I've developed bowling a lot, I've not bowled a lot this tournament, but I'll come back better. One of the biggest days today, the crowd was amazing, the tournament belongs to the supporters of the Indian team. We've got that love which supported us a lot.”

  WS: “Amazing feeling, the work that has gone in. Part of these experiences, there is more to come.”

• 8 Mar 2026, 10:52:46 PM IST

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakravarthy speak!

  AS: “The coach and the captain had the faith in me, even I was doubting myself. Playing my first World Cup, they were telling me you will one game. It's not easy as a young player going through this phase, but I love this team. The way the treated me, I've never felt it before. The faith and the confidence, I got emotional in between the tournament, I wanted to do really well but couldn't.”

  VC: “Feels amazing, two back to back ICC trophies. Very surreal, very happy for Abhishek. Nothing was working out, but we won the cup, so it's all zeroed out.”

• 8 Mar 2026, 10:46:30 PM IST

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: INDIA HAVE DONE IT! BACK TO BACK CHAMPIONS WITH A 96-RUN WIN

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: IT'S ALL OVER! IT'S ALL OVER! HISTORY FOR INDIA – THEY WIN THE TROPHY ON HOME TURF! It's another great catch, this time Tilak Varma at long-on, and Abhishek Sharma is the player who gets the last wicket!

  Take a bow, India – this has to be the greatest T20I outfit in the history of the format.

• 8 Mar 2026, 10:39:44 PM IST

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: 4 for Bumrah! Gunning for a five-fer

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: A dipping yorker again! This is just showing off. The best in the world, bar none.

  Can he get five?

• 8 Mar 2026, 10:38:38 PM IST

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: Three overs left to play – no Barbados nerves tonight

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: Nearly at the finish line. This time 18 months ago, in a similar position, something special was needed from Arshdeep, Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya to wrap things up. Now, they can rest on their laurels. 104 needed from 18 – not happening.

• 8 Mar 2026, 10:30:18 PM IST

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: Two in two! It's Bumrah again – another dipping yorker

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: And it's timber again! Nearly all over. It's basically an identical ball, dipping yorker, misses Henry's bat and knocks over off-stump.

  Can he get a World Cup final hat-trick?

• 8 Mar 2026, 10:28:40 PM IST

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: Dipping yorker gets Bumrah his second! 7 down

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: Inevitable! Pinpoint. Rolls his fingers over it, and it's like a curveball. Neesham thinks it's a full toss so swings hard, but it never quite gets to him. Bends underneath his bat and rattles the stumps.

  Add them up. 3 wickets away.

• 8 Mar 2026, 10:25:59 PM IST

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: 117 needed off 30 balls

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: Four needed off every ball from here. And that's also considering Jasprit Bumrah has 12 of these remaining deliveries. Get the confetti ready?

• 8 Mar 2026, 10:20:30 PM IST

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: 134/6; 6 overs left

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: Drinks break with all the momentum on India's side. Most of these overs should – should – feel like a formality at this point. Mitchell Santner and Jimmy Neesham need two or three huge overs ASAP to ensure that's not the case.

• 8 Mar 2026, 10:12:09 PM IST

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: Hardik drops, but Kishan doesn't! Third wicket for Axar Patel, Daryl Mitchell is gone

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: Hardik Pandya the next to drop one as he can't hang on to a presentable chance off Santner! Misfields the next and it goes for four – some slopiness in the field from him.

  But it doesn't matter – Axar Patel's worst ball of the day gets him the wicket! Full toss which Mitchell mishits, right to Kishan who takes his third catch of the day. Chase going nowhere.

• 8 Mar 2026, 10:06:11 PM IST

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: 6, 6 – Santner sends Varun into orbit

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: Shot! Mitchell Santner picks up responsibility – and he must, at this stage. Gets a good ball to hit from Varun, and he puts every fibre of his being into that swing. Huge hit, tall and far, deep into the stands.

  119/5 now – 137 needed off 48.

• 8 Mar 2026, 10:02:56 PM IST

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: Uh oh! Tempers flare after Arshdeep pins Mitchell with the ball

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: Ugly scenes – Arshdeep tries to quickly fire it back at the stumps as Mitchell returns, and his radar is wayward – hits the batter with that throw, and Mitchell isn't happy – he walks at Arshdeep and shouts in real anger. Umpire steps in to keep them apart, and then Suryakumar Yadav has a word with the Kiwi batter, tries to make amends.

  End of the over, Arshdeep and Mitchell shake hands and let bygones be.

• 8 Mar 2026, 09:59:27 PM IST

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: 6, 6! Mitchell pumps a couple off Arshdeep

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: Much-needed for the Kiwis. Mitchell has been starved of strike in the last couple of overs, but he makes this count – walks across and swings away hard. First one is another chance for Ishan Kishan, but he can't keep his feet as he trods on the boundary. Next one isn't even half a chance – flies deep into the stands.

• 8 Mar 2026, 09:56:44 PM IST

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: 88/5 at halfway

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: A long, long, long way back for New Zealand from here. Required rate already at 17.

• 8 Mar 2026, 09:48:59 PM IST

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: SEIFERT IS GONE! Varun gets his revenge, another good catch for Kishan

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: That could be the moment that swings it heavily towards India! Seifert gets a short one which he hits well and hard, but not with enough elevation – Ishan Kishan at the midwicket boundary can shuttle around, cover good ground, take it and then ensure he tosses it back to himself to regain his balance.

  72/5 – deep trouble for the Kiwis!

• 8 Mar 2026, 09:44:32 PM IST

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: CHOPPED ON! Hardik picks up Chapman

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: When it's not going your way, this can happen… and New Zealand staring down the barrel. Width from Hardik, Chapman tries to cut him away, but the mistiming means it rockets back onto his off-stump.

  70/4 but now Mitchell joins Seifert. If any hope, this is the key partnership.

• 8 Mar 2026, 09:41:01 PM IST

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: Varun continues to get punishment, Seifert reaches fifty with 16-run over

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: Varun Chakravarthy just hasn't been able to find himself in the latter half of this tournament. Seofert hammers a pair of big sixes with two easy swings. Reaches his half-century in 23 balls – a one-man effort thus far.

• 8 Mar 2026, 09:36:26 PM IST

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: 52/3 after powerplay – terrific from Bumrah

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: Impossible to get him away. In a match where the required rate is suddenly touching 15, he only conceded 5 in the final powerplay over.

  Six overs through – India well on top.

• 8 Mar 2026, 09:32:18 PM IST

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: TIMBER! Axar bounces back, castles Phillips!

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: Axar Patel under the pump after he is hit for a four and a six – but that's how you bounce back! His super-strength, keep it stump-to-stump, use that under-cut armball, and break the defence. Slides on, Phillips clueless, and his leg stump is flying!

  47/3 after 5.

• 8 Mar 2026, 09:23:49 PM IST

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: ANOTHER ONE – BUMRAH STRIKES, WHAT A CATCH BY KISHAN!

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: SECOND WICKET DOWN! Jasprit Bumrah strikes with his first ball again – he is simply inevitable. Ravindra skies an attempted flick, and Ishan Kishan does supremely well to cover all that distance, get to the ball, put in a big forward dive and holds on!

  India on top now and the stadium is bouncing! Just the start now.

• 8 Mar 2026, 09:20:36 PM IST

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: AXAR PATEL STRIKES!!! Finn Allen is gone!

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: THE SPIN DOES THE TRICK! This is why Axar Patel was brought on – just that slight missed timing, and Allen can't get the distance – it's hard-hit, but right down the throat of Tilak Varma at deep midwicket.

  Great move from a tactical perspective and India have their wicket. 32/1 after 3.

• 8 Mar 2026, 09:15:12 PM IST

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: 21 run over – NZ up and running

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: 4, 4 goes Seifert too. Hardik Pandya doesn't get the start he wanted. Can't bring about a wicket like he did in the semifinals.

• 8 Mar 2026, 09:14:24 PM IST

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: 6, 6 – Seifert takes down Hardik

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: There comes the punishment. Hardik Pandya not quite finding his length, but it's excellent batting too. Seifert with a sensational scoop, flie sall the way for six.

• 8 Mar 2026, 09:11:14 PM IST

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: FINN ALLEN DROPPED IN THE FIRST OVER!

  India vs New Zealand T20 Live Score: CHANCE GOES BEGGING! Terrific from Arshdeep first up, and his out-swinger generates a massive slice from Allen. Popped high, high, high into the air – Dube underneath it, but it slips out through his hands!

  Not what India wanted. That was the moment.