Overview:
Both teams have competed thrice in the history of the T20 World Cup, with New Zealand emerging victorious on all the occasions.
Mitchell Santner has led New Zealand well, and the veteran is ready for the final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The Kiwis will take on India at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Both teams have been working hard for the contest on March 8. Santner has made a big statement, similar to what Pat Cummins had said before the 2023 ODI World Cup final.
New Zealand haven’t won a T20 World Cup to date and they finished as runners-up in 2021, where they lost to the Aussies. Moreover, the Kiwis are aiming to lift their first World Cup trophy in white-ball formats.
India are the defending champions and the co-host of the ongoing edition of the global tournament. India can’t take the rivals for granted as New Zealand have been dominating against the sub-continent nation in the ICC events.
“I wouldn’t mind winning a trophy and breaking a few hearts. We have been consistent in our performances and believe in doing our stuff. It would be no different this time. We are not the favourites, but we don’t mind,” Mitchell Santner said.
“If we give our best and put in a strong performance, there is a possibility of lifting the trophy. I wouldn’t mind breaking hearts to win the World Cup. Our goal is to silence the crowd,” he added.
Cummins had made a similar remark, and his words proved right as Australia outplayed India across departments.
New Zealand defeated South Africa by nine wickets in the semi-final, while India went past England’s challenge in the other knockout match. Both teams have competed thrice in the history of the T20 World Cup, with New Zealand emerging victorious on all the occasions.