Kamal Ghorui
Hardik Pandya (AP Photo)
NEW DELHI: India claimed a record third T20 World Cup title on Sunday, becoming the first team to defend their crown with a commanding 96-run win over New Zealand in a one-sided final. Suryakumar Yadav’s side also became the first team to lift the trophy on home soil, as over 86,000 fans roared at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.England and the West Indies have each won two T20 World Cups.
India overcame both sides on their path to the title, including a crucial win over the West Indies in their final Super Eights match, a defeat in which would have ended their campaign.This marks India’s third T20 World Cup triumph, having previously won in 2007 under Mahendra Singh Dhoni and in 2024 under Rohit Sharma.After the victory, star all-rounder Hardik Pandya spoke about his ambitions: “I have 10 more years left in me and I want to win 10 more ICC titles. That’s my goal. [On winning at home and defending the title] It’s quite emotional. Because winning the WC in India, the excitement of the people, it’s amazing.”Pandya reflected on the journey to the trophy: “The effort we have put in… From yesterday I knew we are champions. The only self-belief I had was there was no other result. Losing wasn’t a thought. I am thankful for God. When I was bowling the 19th over against England, I was thinking about the 2024 World Cup final.”He also shared his advice to the younger batters: “I told Kishan and Abhishek also that when you go out to bat, think of good memories.”Speaking about Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan’s performances, Pandya said: [On Samson and Kishan] This is what life teaches you. When you work hard, try to be happy in others’ happiness, God gives you opportunities. It’s a learning for the whole nation. That when you stay quiet and work hard, God gives you opportunities. Really proud of them.”
