As hosts, defending champions and after recent bilateral success against their opponents, India could well be considered slight favourites for the March 8 ICC Men's T20 World Cup Final against New Zealand. However, there is history that weighs in the Black Caps' favour: New Zealand is yet to lose to India in tournament history. 2016: New Zealand spinners overshadow India adversaries in ragging NagpurA square turner meant a low-scoring thriller was on the cards, though the Black Caps were emphatic in a defense of 126, bundling out India for just 79 with nine wickets claimed between three spinners. Mitch Santner, despite not picking up a wicket (0/15), was a clear threat in the eyes of India, bowled 11 dot balls to continue the unrelenting Black Caps push. Mitchell finished with 49 (35), dismissed with his side needing just 15 runs from 44 balls with eight wickets in hand by the time he was dismissed.

Source: Dhaka Tribune March 07, 2026 10:00 UTC