Hardik Pandya (AP Photo)
NEW DELHI: India on Sunday claimed a record third T20 World Cup title and became the first team to defend their crown with an impressive 96-run victory 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 West Indies have won two T20 World Cups each.
T20 World Cup Final: Ahmedabad fans go crazy | India is making history
India defeated both sides on their way to the title, including a crucial win over the West Indies in their final Super Eights match, a defeat that would end 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.Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya spoke about his ambitions after the win: “I have 10 years left and I want to win 10 more ICC titles. That’s my goal. (To win at home and defend the title) It’s quite emotional. Because to win the World Cup in India, the enthusiasm of the people, it’s amazing.”Reflecting on the journey to the trophy, Pandya said: “The effort we put in… I knew from yesterday that we were the champions. The only confidence I had was that there was no other result. I was not thinking about losing. I am thankful to God. When I was playing in the 19 against England, I was thinking about the 2024 World Cup final.”He also shared his advice to the younger batsmen, “I also told Kishan and Abhishek that when you go out to bat, think of good memories.”Talking about the performances of Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, Pandya said, (On Samson and Kishan) That’s what life teaches you. When you work hard, try to be happy in the happiness of others, God gives you opportunities. It is a lesson for the whole nation. That if you stay quiet and work hard, God will give you opportunities. Really proud of them.”
