India face New Zealdn in the T20 Cricket World Cup final. Read our in-depth preview here
India and New Zealand meet in Sunday’s final as the 2026 T20 World Cup reaches its conclusion.
India are aiming to retain the title they lifted in 2024, while New Zealand are hoping to claim the trophy for the first time in their history.
India’s campaign suffered a setback during the Super 8 stage when they were bowled out for 111 while chasing South Africa’s total of 187.
However, India quickly responded with wins over Zimbabwe and the West Indies to secure their place in the semi-finals.
They then produced a thrilling display in the last four against England in Mumbai. Sanju Samson struck an impressive 89 from 42 deliveries as India posted 253 from their 20 overs.
England mounted a strong response through Jacob Bethell, who scored 105, but India held their nerve thanks largely to the bowling of Jasprit Bumrah, eventually securing a narrow victory to reach the final.
New Zealand are seeking their first ICC white-ball title since winning the Champions Trophy in 2000. The Black Caps came close to lifting the T20 World Cup in 2021 but were beaten by Australia in the final.
Their 2026 campaign began with three victories from four group matches, with their only defeat coming against South Africa.
New Zealand experienced mixed results during the Super 8 stage. Their opening match against Pakistan was abandoned due to rain, before they produced a convincing 67-run win over Sri Lanka.
A four-wicket defeat to England followed, but a superior net run rate ensured they finished second in the group ahead of Pakistan to reach the semi-finals.
Mitchell Santner’s side then produced their most impressive performance of the tournament against previously unbeaten South Africa.
Team news for India v New Zealand
India must decide whether to retain opener Abhishek Sharma, who has averaged just 12.71 across seven innings in the tournament.
If Sharma is left out, Ishan Kishan could move up to open alongside Sanju Samson, potentially allowing Rinku Singh to enter the middle order.
In the bowling attack, Kuldeep Yadav is pushing for selection after Varun Chakravarthy struggled in the semi-final against England.
New Zealand could make a tactical decision regarding the inclusion of leg-spinner Ish Sodhi, with the conditions in Ahmedabad likely to influence the final lineup.
Jim Neesham replaced Sodhi in the semi-final and may make way if New Zealand decide to bring the spinner back into the side.
New Zealand’s opening pair of Finn Allen and Tim Seifert have been crucial to their progress, combining for 563 runs in the tournament.
Team news for India v New Zealand
India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Arshdeep Singh, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Tilak Varma, Kuldeep Yadav
New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi
Where to watch India v New Zealand: TV channel, online stream
The 2026 T20 World Cup final between India and New Zealand will be broadcast live in the United Kingdom on Sky Sports Cricket.
Subscribers can also stream the match live via the Sky Go app and the NOW streaming service.
The match will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and is scheduled to start at 1:30pm GMT on Sunday.
Prediction
India demonstrated their impressive batting depth in the semi-final and possess a well-balanced attack led by Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya.
With home support behind them and strength across all departments, India appear well positioned to retain the T20 World Cup title.
India to win.
