India has become the first side in history to defend its T20 World Cup title after a thumping 96-run over New Zealand in a final victory overshadowed by an ugly incident in Ahmedabad. A sublime innings from Sanju Samson (89 runs off 46 balls) propelled hosts India to a mammoth 2-255 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, before a Jasprit Bumrah (4-15) masterclass with the ball saw India wrap up a big win to defend their 2024 title.
But the victory – India’s third-straight tournament win in white-ball cricket – was overshadowed by an nasty incident between Arshdeep Singh and Daryl Mitchell during New Zealand’s innings. The Kiwis were struggling at 5-102 in the 11th over when Mitchell was struck on the leg by the ball after a wild throw at the stumps by the Indian fast bowler.
The umpire had to step in during the T20 World Cup final after India quick Arshdeep Singh (L) threw a ball into New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell’s leg that sparked heated scenes. Pic: Getty
Arshdeep was trying to rattle the Black Caps batter but his shy at the stumps was horribly misdirected and hit Mitchell on the side of the leg as he turned to get out of the way. A furious Mitchell could be seen shouting at Arshdeep and marched towards the Indian bowler as tempers boiled over.
India captain Suryakumar Yadav responded immediately by walking over to Mitchell to try and calm things down. And umpire Richard Illingworth was also forced to step in and speak with Arshdeep to stop the situation escalating even further.
Fans took aim at the actions of Arshdeep on social media and the fact the Indian bowler didn’t offer an immediate apology for what was a totally unnecessary act of aggression. The Indian bowler redeemed himself after the game after apologising to Mitchell in a lovely post-match moment to show there were no hard feelings between the players.
Jasprit Bumrah cleans up Kiwis in T20 World Cup final
Mitchell came in with the Kiwis struggling at 4-50, with Tim Seifert (52 off 26) the only Kiwi top order batter to offer any resistance. Finn Allen went for just nine after scoring the fastest ever World Cup ton in the semi-final win over England. While Bumrah decieved Rachin Ravindra with a slower ball that saw the Black Caps batter sensationally caught in the deep by a diving Ishan Kishan.
India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah (centre) celebrates with teammates after a wicket against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final. Pic: Getty
(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Bumrah also clean bowled James Neesham (8), Matt Henry (0) and Mitchell Santner, who hit a defiant 43 off 35 balls. Axar Patel also chimed in with a valuable 3-27, but the win was set up by Samson’s brutal batting at the top of the order for India, to see him finish the tournament with tournament with three crucial knocks of 97no, 89 and 89 to beat the West Indies, England and, finally, New Zealand.
Abhishek Sharma (52 off 21) and Kishan (54 off 25) also chipped in with brilliant half centuries to set up India’s match-winning total. The victory sparked incredible celebratory scenes in front of the 100,000 fans at the Narendra Modi Stadium as India also became the first team to win three T20 crowns.
with agencies