Going into the final, India are chasing a few firsts - first to defend a T20 World Cup title, first host team to win the T20 World Cup and the first to three T20 World Cup championships. For New Zealand, the biggest challenges will be how to keep the star-studded Indian batting line-up relat
On Sunday, India's men's cricket team is set to clash with New Zealand in the summit clash of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 as the Men in Blue aim to defend their title and become the first-ever side to win the title in front of the home crowd.
The popular singer Falguni Pathak shared her excitement about performing at the world's largest cricket stadium and in front of fans from across the globe.
Similar scenes were witnessed in Kanpur and Varanasi, where special prayers were offered for the Indian team. In Varanasi, children from cricket academies participated in havans, while in Kanpur, residents performed auspicious rituals ahead of the high-stakes contest.
India and New Zealand took contrasting paths to the final; they entered the contest on the back of strong batting performances in the semi-final. New Zealand lost to South Africa in the group stage and to England in the Super Eights, but were dominant in the final four. After restricting the
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said the opposition plans to move a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday, acknowledging that the government's majority makes its passage unlikely.
Japan's Hinata Miyazawa (20', 35', 81') and Riko Ueki (47', 50', 65') scored a hat-trick each. Kiko Seike (45+5' p, 55') scored two, while Yuzuki Yamamoto (4'), Yui Hasegawa (13'), and Maya Hijikata (62') netted one each, according to the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
India's formidable batting lineup, which has dominated the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, faces a tactical challenge in the final against New Zealand, with the visiting side looking to exploit a subtle vulnerability through their off-spinners.
Lakshya Sen became only the second Indian player to reach two All England finals when he overcame Canada's Victor Lai in a gruelling semifinal here on Saturday.
Global pop superstar Ricky Martin, alongside iconic Indian performers Falguni Pathak and Sukhbir Singh, will headline a spectacular Closing Ceremony at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
India is looking to defend its title, while New Zealand aims to break its ICC title drought as they clash on Sunday in Ahmedabad at the Narendra Modi Stadium.