T20 World Cup: India beat New Zealand to defend the title

For a couple of spells, it looked like things could have been more like 2023 when India were very hesitant on cricket’s biggest stage.

There were five dot balls in the first over, bowled by seamer Matt Henry, and just five runs in the second, off part-time spinner Glenn Phillips.

But Samson and Abhishek took 15 off Jacob Duffy’s first over and 24 off Lockie Ferguson’s next over as the innings and the crowd roared to life.

Even with that slow start, Abhishek and Samson notched 92 runs from the best ever powerplay in a World Cup. By comparison, the Black Caps are 52-3 after their first six games — a crucial margin.

Abhishek has only made one score of 15 overs in this tournament but he has hit the ball in all parts. Samson was again outstanding, backing up his 97 not out against the West Indies and 89 against England with another innings that combined flair and classical technique.

He and Abhishek together made 12 of their 18 runs, taking India’s total to 106-30, more than any other team here and a record for a T20 World Cup.

When left-hander Kishan followed suit in raising his bat, it was the first time the top three had reached fifty in a men’s T20 World Cup. They got out for 203 runs after 15.1 overs and Dube’s late blast – after a series of 28 runs in 24 balls – ensured India edged out the score on par.

They captured all the momentum, taking advantage of batting paradise. After that the chase was a slow culmination.

India were beaten by South Africa in the Super 8s stage but responded brilliantly with three overs for 250. It was a night of glory for a new generation, after T20 stars Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja retired.