The Aryavarth Express:
Mumbai, Maharashtra – The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a cash reward of ₹131 crore for Team India following their triumphant campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
India became the first team to successfully defend the T20 World Cup title and lift it on home soil. Their emphatic 96-run victory over New Zealand was powered by stellar batting and brilliant bowling performances.
Fiery half-centuries from Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, and Ishan Kishan, coupled with a three-wicket haul by Axar Patel and a sensational spell of 4/15 from Jasprit Bumrah, were the highlights of India’s record-setting innings. Team India posted a massive 255/5, the highest total in a T20 World Cup final.
In the final, New Zealand won the toss and opted to field. However, Abhishek Sharma’s quickfire 52 off 21 balls, including six fours and three sixes, set the tone, as he shared a 98-run partnership with Samson. Samson then combined with Ishan Kishan, who scored 54 off 25 balls, to take India past the 200-run mark by the 16th over. Shivam Dube’s cameo 26* off eight balls further bolstered the total. James Neesham was the top wicket-taker for New Zealand with 3/46.
During the run chase, Axar Patel (3/23) and Jasprit Bumrah (4/15) reduced the Kiwis to 72/5. Despite a half-century from Tim Seifert (52 off 26 balls) and a brief partnership between Daryl Mitchell (17) and skipper Mitchell Santner (43 off 35 balls), India’s bowlers kept applying pressure, eventually restricting New Zealand to 159 all out.
In a statement, the BCCI congratulated the players, support staff, and selectors, praising their historic achievement and wishing them continued success in the future.
