Mumbai

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday announced a cash reward of ₹131 crore for India national cricket team after its victorious campaign in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

India retained the title, becoming the first team to successfully defend the T20 World Cup and also the only side to win it twice consecutively.

In the final, half-centuries from Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan powered India to a massive total before a disciplined bowling performance sealed a comprehensive victory over New Zealand national cricket team.

In a statement, the BCCI said it had decided to honour the players, support staff and selectors for the historic achievement.

“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,” the board said, congratulating the team and wishing them continued success.

India posts record total in final

After New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and opted to field first, India capitalised on a blazing start.

Abhishek Sharma smashed 52 off 21 balls, including six fours and three sixes, and shared a 98-run opening partnership with Samson. Samson then built on the momentum with a half-century and later added a century stand with Ishan Kishan, who struck 54 off 25 balls.

Late fireworks from Shivam Dube, who remained unbeaten on 26 off just eight balls, helped India reach 255/5 — the highest total ever recorded in a T20 World Cup final.

For New Zealand, James Neesham was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3/46.

Bowlers seal dominant win

Chasing 256, New Zealand’s hopes were dented early as Axar Patel and Jasprit Bumrah struck crucial blows.

Despite a brisk half-century from Tim Seifert, who scored 52 off 26 balls, the Kiwis were reduced to 72/5. A brief resistance from Mitchell and Santner failed to change the course of the match.

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Axar finished with three wickets while Bumrah delivered a match-winning spell of 4/15, helping India bowl out New Zealand for 159 and clinch a 96-run victory.