The T20 World Cup 2026 final ignited at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, where New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner won the toss and opted to chase against India on Sunday. India fielded the same XI that carried them through, while New Zealand replaced Cole McConchie with Jacob Duffy to bolster their bowling.
Santner on his choice: ‘Bowling first suits us. We’ll gun for a defendable target. Confidence is high among the boys on this pinnacle stage. Duffy steps in for McConchie.’
Captain Suryakumar Yadav embraced the batting role: ‘Happy to bat first – our form in big games is solid. This fresh tournament excites us. Unchanged team to fire against NZ.’
India chases a third crown, building on 2007 and 2024 successes. The Kiwis aim to conquer their 2021 final heartbreak against Australia.
India’s lineup: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (keeper), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah.
NZ lineup: Tim Seifert (wk), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy.
Expect a tactical showdown, with India’s explosive top order facing NZ’s world-class pacers. The winner etches their name in T20 immortality amid roaring crowds.