India have never defeated New Zealand in T20 World Cups. The Black Caps, meanwhile, have won two major ICC trophies: the 2000 ICC Knockout Trophy and the ICC World Test Championship 2021. On both occasions, India were the runners-up.
So much is at stake for Team India as they prepare to defend their T20 World title against familiar rivals in Ahmedabad on Sunday. And if Suryakumar Yadav's men do it, it will also mark the breaking of many jinxes, to the relief of the Indian fans. It was at this same Narendra Modi Stadium that Australia silenced India in the ODI World Cup final two years ago. The distraught home side and a silent stadium of 93,000 people have carried the cross ever since, even though the T20 team somewhat made amends for that heartbreak by winning the 2024 world title under Rohit Sharma.
For Mitchell Santner's team, who blew away the tournament's best team, South Africa, in the semi-finals, the biggest threat on the day will be the 'Sardar from Ahmedabad'. His name is Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah's four overs once again might prove to be the difference between the two sides in the final. England found this out the hard way during their semi-final.
India's greatest fast bowler has been mostly used at the back end of the opposition innings, but on Sunday, it will be interesting to see if he bowls first up against a rampaging Finn Allen, who smashed a 33-ball century in the semi-final.
Ahmedabad weather forecast
Ahmedabad forecasts indicate very hot conditions with hazy sunshine on Sunday and little chance of rain. The maximum temperature may go up to around 41°C, while the minimum temperature could drop to 23°C. Post-sunset, the temperature should fall, with a prediction of around 29°C by 7:00 PM.
India Predicted XI: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy.
New Zealand Predicted XI: Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (captain), Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy.
