India have a chance to make T20 World Cup history when they host New Zealand in Sunday’s final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, shown live on Sky Sports. As defending champions, India can become the first team to retain the T20 title and the tournament’s first three-time winners, two years on from their 2024 victory over South Africa.
After a heavy loss to South Africa on February 22, India recovered by winning the rest of their Super 8 matches and advancing to the semi-finals, where they edged out England in a high-scoring showdown. More than 100,000 spectators are expected to pack the stadium as India chase back-to-back global crowns, while New Zealand arrive determined to quiet the home crowd and lift their first T20 World Cup trophy.
New Zealand batter Glen Phillips downplayed the pressure of the partisan crowd, noting that only one side can lose and the Kiwis intend to enjoy the occasion. India captain Suryakumar Yadav admitted there are nerves but welcomed them, saying pressure adds to the excitement and the whole team — and the nation — are energised for the match.
Although India start as favourites — and beat New Zealand 4-1 in a five-match T20I series in January — former England captain Nasser Hussain warned against underestimating the visitors. He pointed out that New Zealand consistently show up in big tournaments and are capable of outperforming expectations.
Opening batter Finn Allen said the pre-tournament series offered useful intelligence on India’s approach. Playing India five times before the World Cup, he said, gave his side confidence that they can compete and win. Allen added that New Zealand like the underdog tag and are excited for an atmosphere they expect to remember for life.
Former India international Dinesh Karthik framed the match as a kind of redemption after India’s 2023 50-over World Cup loss to Australia, noting that Sunday’s final is being played at the same venue as that defeat. Karthik expects another high-scoring game on what he called a batter-friendly pitch and praised New Zealand’s habit of making an impact in multi-nation tournaments despite rarely being listed among the top few favourites.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner accepted his side are likely not the pre-match favourites but backed their chances, saying a disciplined team performance and attention to small details would put them in a strong position. He also admitted he wouldn’t mind “breaking a few hearts” to win the trophy.
How to watch: Sky customers can watch India v New Zealand live on Sunday from 12.30pm on Sky Sports Cricket and from 1pm on Sky Sports Main Event (first ball 1.30pm). Sky subscribers can also stream via the Sky Sports app on iPhone, iPad and Android. Non-Sky viewers can stream the final with a NOW Day or Month pass.