Three scores above 250. One record-equalling powerplay. Three top-order fifties in the final. These are just some of the statistics that define India’s historic T20 World Cup campaign, which ended on Sunday with a 96-run demolition of New Zealand in the final to secure back-to-back titles.
India posted 255 in the final, one fewer than the 256 they scored against Zimbabwe in the Super 8 stage and two more than their 253 against England in the semi-final. These totals are not coincidences — they are the product of a batting lineup that has been systematically and deliberately built to score at extraordinary rates in all conditions.
The powerplay against New Zealand produced 92 for no loss in six overs, equalling the highest such score in World Cup history. Duffy went for 15 in his first over, Ferguson leaked 24 with three wides, and Henry went for 21 including four wides. The pressure India apply to the opposition in the first six overs is as lethal as any weapon in their armoury.
In the final they scored fifties from three different batters — Sharma in 18 balls, Kishan in 23 balls, Samson in 33 balls. Dube scored 24 off eight balls in the final over. In reply, New Zealand were dismissed for 159, with Bumrah’s three wickets the key statistic. The 96-run margin of victory is the largest in a T20 World Cup final.
India’s tournament record is extraordinary. They won every game that mattered, posted the three highest scores in the competition, and became the first men’s team in history to win the T20 World Cup twice in succession. The numbers tell the full story.