The team – and the team means not just the players, but the entirety of the support staff. A moment in the sun for Gautam Gambhir's coaching staff, as well as the dozens of men and women around the team who have been so crucial towards creating back-to-back champions.
The weight of mighty expectations followed the Indian team into a home World Cup, and if they wanted to stake their claim as the best T20I outfit in the history of the format, a win over New Zealand in Ahmedabad was non-negotiable. It hasn't been a seamless campaign for India – but when it mattered most, everything clicked. This Indian team has the uncanny ability to show up in style in the biggest matches – and that is what earns you a historic World Cup title.
India are into the T20 World Cup semifinal on home turf! An incredible match in Mumbai – on a batter's paradise, 253 plays 246 as India manage to hold on against an English attempt at doing something special. Next, onto the final – against New Zealand in Ahmedabad.
South Africa were considered favourites heading into the semifinal – but nobody told Finn Allen that. The New Zealand opener walloped a record 100* off 33 deliveries, helping the Kiwis chase down 170 in just 12.5 overs, taking them through to the final. A demolition in Kolkata – and one which has left everyone scratching their eyes.
Riding on a masterful unbeaten 97 from Sanju Samson, India kept their title defence alive with a thrilling five-wicket victory over the West Indies in Kolkata. In a high-stakes encounter, Samson’s calm authority in a demanding chase proved decisive, guiding the hosts into the next round and ending the Caribbean side’s campaign in the tournament.
In a match with minimal bearing on the World Cup but with narratives heading into the semifinals, South Africa kept things neat and tidy as they chased down 154 with 5 wickets and time to spare. They remain unbeaten and in form, while ZImbabwe prepare to fly home a tad disappointed.
Against the odds, England pull off a win chasing in Colombo! New Zealand looked odds-on to defend 160, but a late late show from Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed helped them seal the deal. Suddenly, the Kiwis have to hope results go their way, while Pakistan have an opening on Saturday night.
A record-breaking day for India, and one which puts them in a good position in the Super Eights. The batters finally came awake for the men in blue after a tournament spent in hibernation, as things finally clicked and they piled on 256/4 in the first innings. Zimbabwe's strong campaign comes to an end.
Sri Lanka's dream of ending a home World Cup campaign in style came crashing down in Colombo on another evening where the batting failed to show up. New Zealand scored 168, which proved to be enough on a slow and turning track at the Premadasa – and now qualification for the Lankans is mathematically impossible.
West Indies cruised to a commanding 107-run victory over Zimbabwe in their T20 World Cup Super Eights clash on Monday. A dominant display with both bat and ball ensured the Caribbean side stayed in control throughout the contest, comfortably outplaying Zimbabwe in all departments to secure an emphatic win.
India suffered their heaviest defeat in T20 World Cup history as South Africa ran riot at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Chasing 188, the visitors bundled India out for just 111, handing the Proteas a commanding 76-run victory and exposing India’s top and middle-order struggles under pressure.
England take control of Group 2 in the Super 8s with a fightback win, managing to defend 147 thanks to Sri Lanka's batting falling apart in Pallekele. The hosts with work to do to stay alive now.
The T20 World Cup group stage came to a close with a dead rubber in Pallekele, but ailing Australia made sure to sign off with some fireworks. Against lowly Oman, the Aussies trundled through the batting to set a target of 105, before Mitchell Marsh exploded to wrap things up in 9.4 overs.
The Netherlands never got a foothold in their chase, with Varun Chakaravarthy running through their batting lineup. Claiming 3 wickets for just 14 runs in 3 overs, he struck early in the powerplay and continued his dominance through the middle overs, effectively closing the door on any hopes of a Dutch comeback.
New Zealand defeated Canada by eight wickets in their T20 World Cup fixture in Chennai on Tuesday. The win also saw them qualify for the Super Eight stage.
Italy pushed England all the way with a spirited display, but the defending side held their nerve to seal a 24-run win. The result confirmed England’s qualification for the Super Eights from Group C in the T20 World Cup.
Aiden Markram hit an unbeaten 86 off 44 balls to help South Africa chase down the target of 176 with seven wickets in hand and 17 balls to spare against New Zealand in Ahmedabad.
Ireland keep their hopes alive in the tournament by getting a win on the board, thanks in large part to stand-in captain Lorcan Tucker. Tucker struck 94* as his team piled on 235 – and that was always too much for Oman, who become the first team eliminated.
Zimbabwe have pulled off the first big result of the T20 World Cup, with a stunning victory over Australia in a trult dominant performance. A 23-run victory built on composed batsmanship and some destructive fast-bowling.
India secured a commanding second Group A victory, beating Namibia by 93 runs in Delhi. Key contributions from Varun Chakravarthy, Ishan Kishan, and Hardik Pandya powered India’s dominant performance.
