In a match full of unusual moments, the dismissal of Rachin Ravindra stands out as perhaps the most surreal. Ishan Kishan sprinted forward to take a catch, felt it bounce out of his hands as he landed, simultaneously lost his cap over his eyes — and then discovered the ball had lodged between his chin and his arm. The catch was given. Ravindra was dismissed. New Zealand were two down in just their 19th ball of the chase. The party, which had been running for five hours, was officially underway. India won by 96 runs to retain the T20 World Cup.
India’s first innings had set the stage for their historic victory. The powerplay produced 92 for no loss, equalling the World Cup record, as Abhishek Sharma’s 18-ball fifty set an extraordinary tone. Sanju Samson’s 89 off 46 and Ishan Kishan’s 54 off 25 kept the momentum building, and India ultimately reached a commanding total of 255. New Zealand’s bowlers were made to look ordinary throughout.
When New Zealand came to bat, the Kishan catch effectively sealed what was already a foregone conclusion. Finn Allen made nine before departing. Bumrah took three wickets with slow yorkers of the highest class, and New Zealand were ultimately dismissed for 159. Tim Seifert’s half-century was the lone New Zealand highlight in a dispiriting chase.
India’s victory made history in several ways. They became the first men’s team to retain the T20 World Cup, the first to win it at home, and one of only a handful of teams to win back-to-back global titles in any format.
For the 100,000 fans present and the millions watching at home, this was a moment of national sporting pride. India are world champions, and they look likely to remain so for years to come.
