NEW DELHI: India began the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 in dream fashion with all guns blazing against the New Zealand at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium.

After being invited to bat first, the Indian openers wasted no time in taking the attack to the Kiwi bowlers. The charge was led by Abhishek Sharma who produced a stunning and sensational half century off just 18 balls, bringing an end to what had been a relatively quiet World Cup for him in the most emphatic fashion.

At the other end, Sanju Samson once again stood tall on the big stage. The wicketkeeper batter registered his third consecutive half century at a crucial stage of the tournament, delivering in all three knockout games for India.

Samson joins elite World Cup list

With three consecutive fifty plus scores in T20 World Cups, Samson has now joined an elite list that includes some of the biggest names in world cricket.

Most consecutive 50-plus scores in T20 WCs:

  • Mahela Jayawardene – 3 (2010)
  • Virat Kohli – 3 (2016–2021)
  • Babar Azam – 3 (2021)
  • KL Rahul – 3 (2021)
  • Kusal Mendis – 3 (2026)
  • Sahibzada Farhan – 3 (2026)
  • Sanju Samson – 3 (2026)

Half century in the semis as well as the final of a T20 WC edition:

Shahid Afridi in 2009
Virat Kohli in 2014
Sanju Samson in 2026

A remarkable comeback story

Samson, who was not even part of India’s regular playing XI before the World Cup, has scripted a sensational comeback in this tournament.

It all started against the West Indies when he almost single handedly carried India through a tense run chase and secured the semifinal spot for the team.

He carried that form into the clash against England with a magnificent 89 run knock that guided India into the final.

The same momentum has continued here in Ahmedabad as Samson struck yet another half century, making it three in a row at the most crucial stage of the tournament.

India look in complete control at the moment with the run rate hovering above 13. The hosts are now eyeing a massive total in the final and putting New Zealand under massive pressure early in the game.