Sunil Gavaskar announces winner of T20 World Cup 2026 final between India and New Zealand

Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar believes that fans are set to witness a thrilling battle as the India National Cricket Team prepares to face the New Zealand National Cricket Team in the final of the T20 World Cup 2026 on March 8 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

The defending champions, India, reached the T20 World Cup 2026 final after a thrilling seven-run win over the England National Cricket Team in the second semifinal at the Wankhede Stadium.

India book T20 World Cup 2026 Final spot after nail-biting seven-run win over England

It was a high-scoring thriller where India posted a huge total of 253 runs on the back of Sanju Samson’s explosive knock of 89 runs against England on Thursday.

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England tried to chase the target riding on a stunning century from Jacob Bethell, but India managed to stay calm in the final overs against England at Wankhede Stadium.

Jasprit Bumrah's and Hardik Pandya’s smart and thrilling win helped the Men in Blue to record a narrow seven-run victory and set the final date with the Kiwis.

India vs New Zealand rivalry at ICC events

India and New Zealand already share a strong rivalry in ICC finals. The two sides first met in the ICC Knockout Trophy 2000 final, where New Zealand won the title. They again faced each other in the ICC World Test Championship Final 2021, and the Kiwis lifted the title.

India finally got their revenge in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 by defeating New Zealand in the final. And now they would be eager to continue their dominance in the T20 World Cup 2026 final as well. Ahead of the big game, Sunil Gavaskar said that both teams have played outstanding cricket in the tournament, which makes the final even more exciting.

It's going to be a wonderful final: Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar was quoted as saying by PTI: “So, yesterday's (IND vs ENG) result, have a look at my nails. I just think it's going to be a wonderful final. Because New Zealand has played some outstanding cricket as well. And India has kept their nerve in two or three close matches. So, I think that stands very well for India.”

Here's the video

VIDEO | Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar on India facing New Zealand in the final of T20 World Cup, said, "I think it's going to be a wonderful final because New Zealand has played some outstanding cricket as well and India has kept their nerve in one or two close matches.… pic.twitter.com/fjv2QQ69rD

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 6, 2026

The former Indian captain feels India’s biggest strength has been the way different players have stepped up in crucial matches rather than relying on just one star performer.

Gavaskar added, “Because India has found somebody or the other to come in, not necessarily depending on any one particular person. So, I do believe it's going to be a great final. And I'm just hoping that all of you will be praying and wishing for India to repeat history and defeat history.”

Sunil Gavaskar criticizes “Boom Boom Bumrah” chants during the Semifinal

Earlier, the former World Cup winner slammed the idea of fans chanting Jasprit Bumrah’s name mid-delivery during the semifinal against England.

The DJ fired up the crowd with loud “Boom Boom Bumrah” chants while the star pacer was about to bowl, trying to create an electric atmosphere at the Wankhede Stadium.

Gavaskar felt this could distract Bumrah during such a crucial chase, and disrupting a bowler’s focus during his stride in a crunch World Cup semifinal is simply not a good idea.

He said on air: “Asking the crowd to chant ‘Boom Boom Bumrah' while he is bowling is not a good idea. They can do it between overs, but not during the over. This is a World Cup.”

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