India beat New Zealand by 96 runs in Ahmedabad to win the T20 World Cup, becoming the first team to retain the title.
The hosts racked up a scarcely believable 255-5 after being put into bat, with Sanju Samson plundering 89 from 46 balls and Abhishek Sharma hammering 52 off 21.
New Zealand’s chase never really got going at the Narendra Modi Stadium and they were bowled out for 159 in 19 overs, with Jasprit Bumrah claiming figures of 4-15.
Yadav revels in ‘special feeling’
“It will take time to sink in,” India captain Suryakumar Yadav admitted to Sky Sports.
“I’m very happy. It’s been a long journey since the 2024 World Cup.
“Everyone showed faith in me and gave me a wonderful opportunity to lead this side.
“Winning at the Narendra Modi Stadium is a special feeling.”
READ MORE: FA Cup fifth round winners and losers: Chelsea edge Wrexham, Port Vale shock Sunderland and more
Santner proud despite big loss
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner, meanwhile, told Sky Sports: “I’m proud of the boys for making it this far.
“We faced challenges throughout the tournament, but at every stage we got through and put on a good show.
“Tonight, we were outplayed by a very good team in front of a great crowd. Credit to India.
“Winning a title at home comes with a lot of pressure, and they handled it brilliantly. They should be proud of their work.”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: F1 analysis: Winners and losers from the 2026 Australian GP – Ferrari, Cadillac and more
Hussain calls India ‘virtually unbeatable’
“It felt like game over at the end of the first powerplay, with India 92‑0,” former England captain Nasser Hussain said on commentary.
“New Zealand weren’t at their best – which is rare – but let’s be honest, India have been the best T20 side for a number of years.
“Their formula is pretty simple: a batting line‑up full of powerful hitters, long and deep, that will get you an above‑par score.
“And when you have a bowler like Bumrah, even a below‑par score is probably enough. He’s an absolute genius.
“When you combine those two elements, they’re virtually unbeatable.”
READ NEXT: Cheltenham Festival 2026: Richard Johnson gives his thoughts on the main races
Atherton labels tournament a success
Michael Atherton, another former England captain who was on commentary duties, added: “It’s been a terrific tournament from an attendance perspective.
“Crowds have been strong for both the home sides and the neutral games.
“The pitches have generally been good as well. All you want is variety and surfaces that give bowlers a chance now and then, and we’ve seen that.
“There’s been enough in them to keep bowlers in the game.
“Another big factor in making this an enjoyable tournament has been the performances of the associate nations in the first group stage.
“They did themselves proud. Not every team was competitive, but by and large most of them were.”
YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN: Tadej Pogačar breaks Strade Bianche record with stunning solo win
SportJustSport writers 
Liberty Nicholson-Hulse