Ahmedabad, 09 March (H.S.): Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah described clinching the Player of the Match award in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 final as an extraordinarily special moment, especially since it came on his home turf.India demolished New Zealand by a record 96 runs to lift the title—the largest victory margin in T20 World Cup history.
The decider unfolded at Narendra Modi Stadium here, the very venue where India endured heartbreak in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 final.Post-match, Bumrah reflected: It feels incredibly special because I had played a final on this home ground before, but we couldn't win then. Securing victory here today is truly memorable.
Batting first, India posted a colossal 255/5. New Zealand crumbled to 159 all out in reply, with Bumrah's spell of 4/15 turning the tide decisively on a batter-friendly pitch.I knew the surface favored batsmen, so I had to rely fully on my experience, he said.
Before this tournament, I felt I was trying too hard. This time, I let the game come to me, and that strategy paid off.Bumrah lauded India's bowling attack for maintaining composure under pressure.
In our huddles, everyone brings options. We never panicked, stayed patient—teams that do that win tournaments, and I'm glad we did.He hailed the final's Player of the Match nod on home soil as one of his career's most cherished milestones.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
