There was a moment in the third over of New Zealand’s chase when the match was already, for all practical purposes, over. Two wickets gone, Bumrah steaming in from one end, and a required run rate in excess of 20. What followed was the inevitable conclusion of a final India had dominated from the first ball to the last. New Zealand’s fourth World Cup final defeat since 2015 arrived with a familiar mix of disappointment and despair.
India’s first innings was a batting masterclass, built around the brilliance of Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, and Ishan Kishan. The powerplay produced 92 without loss, a record-equalling figure that gave India a platform of enormous proportions. By the drinks break after the 14th over, the score had already reached 191 for one, and thoughts briefly turned to whether 300 was achievable.
The final five overs brought a slight wobble, with four wickets falling in quick succession, including Suryakumar Yadav for a golden duck following an extravagant attempt at a reverse scoop. Jimmy Neesham produced the curious stat of conceding just one run while taking three wickets in a single over. India ultimately settled for 255, their third total above 250 in this tournament.
New Zealand’s chase was undermined almost immediately. Finn Allen, a terrifying proposition in his previous match, made only nine before departing. The lower order could not muster a rescue, and Bumrah’s three-wicket haul extinguished any lingering hope. Only Seifert’s half-century offered momentary relief in an otherwise bleak innings for the Black Caps.
India are the world’s best T20 team, and this World Cup has proven it beyond debate. Two titles, a dozen stunning performances, and history made at every turn. Greatness, as India’s fans would attest, looks very good in blue.