Defending champions India will take on New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. The high-voltage match will begin at 7:00 p.m., while the toss is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Both teams have already arrived at the stadium.
The closing ceremony will start at 5:30 p.m., featuring performances by international pop star Ricky Martin along with Indian singers Sukhwinder Singh and Falguni Pathak.
Several prominent personalities have reached Ahmedabad to watch the final. Former India captain MS Dhoni, current Indian captain Rohit Sharma, and Bollywood actress Preity Zinta were spotted arriving at the venue.
Meanwhile, prayers were offered for India’s victory at the Mahakaleshwar Temple. Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh wished the team luck and said, “We have to play like champions.”
India Eyeing Three Major Records
Team India has a chance to achieve three historic milestones:
- Third Title: India could become the first nation to win the T20 World Cup three times.
- Title Defence: India may become the first team to successfully defend the T20 World Cup title.
- Host Nation Victory: India could also become the first country to win the T20 World Cup on home soil.
First T20 World Cup Final Between India and New Zealand
This is the first time India and New Zealand are facing each other in a T20 World Cup final. Two-time champions India are playing their fourth final, while New Zealand have reached the final for the second time and are still chasing their maiden title. The Kiwis previously lost the 2021 final to Australia.
Historically, India has dominated New Zealand in T20 Internationals, but the record in the T20 World Cup favors the Kiwis. The two sides have met three times in the tournament, with New Zealand winning all three encounters in 2007, 2016, and 2021.
Head-to-Head Record
India and New Zealand have played 30 T20 Internationals so far. India have won 18 matches, while New Zealand have won 11, with one match tied. Two matches were decided through a Super Over, while one game ended without a result due to rain. India have also won 11 of their 16 matches against New Zealand at home.
Before the World Cup, New Zealand toured India in January, where the two teams played a five-match T20 series. India won the series 4–1, with several high-scoring games, including a 271-run total by India in the final match.
Key Performers for India
Ishan Kishan has been India’s leading run-scorer in the tournament, scoring 263 runs in eight matches, including two half-centuries, with a best score of 77. Captain Suryakumar Yadav is second on the list with 242 runs.
In bowling, Varun Chakravarthy has been outstanding, taking 13 wickets in eight matches. He could become the top wicket-taker of the tournament if he picks up at least one wicket in the final.
Possible Playing XI
India: Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Tilak Verma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy.
New Zealand: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (c), Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, Jimmy Neesham, Lockie Ferguson.