Ahmedabad, March 8: When two cricketing giants meet in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup final, India stand on the brink of a record third title, while New Zealand aim for their first.
India has never beaten New Zealand in the T20 World Cups, and the recent history of ICC events in Ahmedabad hasn't been kind to the "Men in Blue." Can India become the first team to win back-to-back titles?
Notably, India are aiming for several firsts in this final, as they are looking to become the first host team to win the T20 World Cup, the first team to defend the title, and the first to win three T20 World Cup titles.
Ahmedabad weather forecast for IND-NZ final
The weather in Ahmedabad on the day of the final is expected to be very hot and dry. According to AccuWeather, there will be hazy sunshine and no chance of rain.
The temperature during the day may range from 34°C to 41°C, and the evening will also remain warm, around 30°C. Since no rain is predicted, fans can expect the full match without any weather interruptions.
Pitch report for IND-NZ final
The match is likely to be a high-scoring affair. The nature of the pitch, a mix of red and black soil, suggests that runs will be plentiful. This is a great opportunity for India to end their losing streak against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup.
However, more than the pitch, the players will be concerned about the wetness on the field. Dew has affected the outcomes of several matches in this World Cup, and it would hardly be fitting for a World Cup final to be decided by a coin toss, with the captain winning the toss and opting to bowl.
This is the third ICC final in three different formats between India and New Zealand over the last six years – the 2021 World Test Championship, the 2025 Champions Trophy (ODI), and the 2026 T20 World Cup. New Zealand have a 2-1 record against India in ICC tournament finals; they won the Champions Trophy in 2000 and the World Test Championship final in 2021, before losing the Champions Trophy last year.
India has reached the final for the fourth time in the T20 World Cups, the most for any team. Six of the previous nine T20 WC finals have been won by the chasing side, of the other three, two were won by India: 2007 and 2024 (both last-over finishes).
India vs New Zealand final
Date & Time: India will face New Zealand in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 final on Sunday. The match will begin at 7:00 PM (IST).
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Live Telecast: Star Sports Network
Live Streaming: JioHotstar app
