AHMEDABAD – In a breathtaking display of power-hitting, Sanju Samson spearheaded a historic batting performance at the Narendra Modi Stadium, leading India to a monumental 255/5 in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Final against New Zealand.
The Malayali wicketkeeper-batter cemented his legacy on the world stage, breaking the record for the highest individual score in a T20 World Cup final with a sublime 89 runs off just 46 deliveries.
The Samson Show in Ahmedabad
Samson, who has been in clinical form throughout the tournament, walked out to open the innings alongside Abhishek Sharma. The duo didn’t just provide a start; they provided a masterclass in aggression, dismantling the Kiwi bowling attack to post 92/0 in the Powerplay—a new tournament record.
Samson’s innings of 89 was decorated with eight towering sixes and five boundaries. By reaching this score, he surpassed the previous final record of 85 set by Marlon Samuels in 2016 and Kane Williamson in 2021. He also joined the elite company of Virat Kohli and Shahid Afridi as the only players to score half-centuries in both the semi-final and final of the same T20 World Cup edition.
India’s Record-Breaking Batting Card
The Indian top order ensured the pressure never eased on the Black Caps:
- Sanju Samson: 89 (46) – The highest individual score in a T20 WC final.
- Abhishek Sharma: 52 (21) – The fastest half-century of the tournament (18 balls).
- Ishan Kishan: 54 (25) – Ensuring all top-three batters scored fifties for the first time in a final.
- Shivam Dube: 26* (8) – A final-over blitz that saw 24 runs taken off James Neesham.
