The T20 World Cup will end with a grand closing ceremony, star-studded line-up

The stage is set for a thrilling final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as India prepare to take on New Zealand at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, March 8. The hosts will be looking to defend their title in front of a packed home crowd while seeking their first ever win over New Zealand in T20 World Cup history.

For even more excitement, fans attending the finals will be treated to a spectacular closing ceremony with a star-studded line-up of performers. International pop sensation Ricky Martin, two-time Grammy Award winner and five-time Latin Grammy Award winner, best known for his iconic 1998 FIFA World Cup anthem “The Cup of Life,” will headline the entertainment segment and bring his global chartbusters to the big stage.

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The ceremony will also celebrate Indian music and culture with energetic Punjabi beats by pop singer Sukhbir and live folk performances by renowned singer Falguni Pathak. The fusion of international pop and traditional Indian music aims to create an unforgettable evening for fans in the stadium and millions watching around the world.

With a blockbuster finale and a scintillating musical celebration, the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is set to end in style, offering viewers a perfect mix of world cricket and electrifying entertainment.

Meanwhile, a high-voltage clash between the two cricketing rivals promises intense action as India look to maintain their dominance on home soil. Known for their composure in global tournaments, New Zealand will be determined to extend their unbeaten record against India in the history of the tournament.

Both teams enter the final in rich form, having recorded remarkable wins in the semi-finals. India booked their place after overcoming England in a thrilling semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

How did India and New Zealand reach the final?

Thanks to a brilliant 89 off 42 balls from Sanju Samson, India posted a massive 253/7 on the board. England fought hard during the chase and Jacob Bethell scored a stunning century, but disciplined death bowling from Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya helped India seal a narrow seven-run victory and reach their second T20 World Cup final.

Meantime, New Zealand stormed into the title race with a dominant nine-wicket victory over South Africa in the first semi-final at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Finn Allen led the charge with a breathtaking unbeaten 100 off just 33 balls, while Tim Seifert added a brisk 58 as the Black Caps chased down a target of 170 runs in just 12.5 overs to book their place in the final.

India and New Zealand have played three finals of ICC tournaments so far, with the Kiwis on top, beating India twice. So India go into the summit clash with history against them and will be determined to achieve the record right on their home soil.

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Issued by:

Rishabh Beniwal

Published on:

07 March 2026 22:24 IST