T20 World Cup Final: India Look To Erase Memories Of 2023 Heartbreak

New Delhi: Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is going to witness another big cricket match on Sunday. The final of T20 World Cup 2026 will be played between India and New Zealand. The policemen on duty were laughing and taking selfies while roaming around the grounds. But now the match time is getting closer. It will be starting at 7 pm. The whole city, the whole country, everyone's heart is beating.

What did Santner say?

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner jokingly told the press that there was no harm in breaking a few hearts to win the trophy. The fans got more excited after hearing this! Kiwis are saying, "We will win, no matter how many hearts are broken."

Will old memories come back on this ground?

This stadium is special for India, but it also hurts a little. India had lost to Australia here in the 2023 ODI World Cup final. Recently South Africa also defeated here. The team has left those defeats behind and has won many big matches since then. But that pain is still there in the minds of the fans. This time they will erase all memories by winning the trophy on home ground – this is everyone's hope.

What will the stadium feel like?

It is the world's largest cricket ground. There are more than 1 lakh seats. More than 90 thousand people come to enjoy a big match. There will be a grand closing ceremony before the finals, the atmosphere will be even more explosive with the music program. As soon as the match starts, the entire stadium will turn blue—slogans of "India, India" will echo.

Will Team India be able to maintain its form in the final?

Team India has reached the finals in very good rhythm. Zimbabwe, West Indies, England – won three big matches consecutively and showed that they are not afraid even under pressure. But two players have not been able to show their full potential yet – T20 ranking number 1 batsman Abhishek Sharma and number 1 bowler Varun Chakraborty. There are big expectations from them in the final today.

Varun Chakraborty will do wonders today?

Varun is among the top bowlers of T20 but remained slightly below in this tournament. Suryakumar Yadav says the team has full faith in him. Varun knows which ball to bowl to which batsman. He can become a game changer in big matches.

Who will play in the powerplay?

New Zealand's batting depends on its openers Finn Allen and Tim Seifert. In the semis against South Africa, both of them turned the match by giving a fast start. Bumrah's initial overs are most important for India. If Bumrah takes a wicket in the powerplay, the Kiwi plans will be spoiled.

Can spinners turn the match?

The Kiwis have off-spinners like Cole McConchie, who can be used against our top order. Our top order has been stuck on spin at times in this tournament. Use of spin in the middle overs will be a big factor for both the teams.

How big a match is this for Surya?

This is very special for Captain Suryakumar Yadav. He was on the team in the 2023 finals and saw the defeat closely. He has learned a lot from Rohit Sharma and is following the same style. The team has been preparing for this stage for the last two years—now it just has to show on the field.