India vs New Zealand Final Live: James Neesham Three-Wicket Over Turns the Match

India's blistering batting assault in the T20 World Cup 2026 final hit a dramatic roadblock after a sensational over from James Neesham turned the momentum of the match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

For most of the innings, India looked unstoppable. Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan powered the hosts past the 200-run mark in just 15 overs with three half-centuries, putting New Zealand's bowling attack under relentless pressure.

But just when India seemed set for a record-breaking total, Neesham delivered a stunning three-wicket over that suddenly pulled the game back for the Black Caps.

Samson, Kishan and Abhishek power India to 200 in 15 overs

India's innings began in dominant fashion with Abhishek Sharma setting the tone early. The opener smashed a rapid 18-ball fifty as India raced to 127/1 at the halfway stage.

Sanju Samson then took control of the innings, anchoring the middle phase while keeping the scoring rate sky-high. The wicketkeeper-batter brought up his third consecutive half-century of the tournament before launching into a brutal assault.

In one of the standout moments of the innings, Samson smashed three consecutive sixes off Rachin Ravindra, racing to 88 off just 44 deliveries.

Ishan Kishan joined the carnage from the other end, reaching his half-century off just 25 balls as India surged past 200 in only 15 overs.

At that stage, India were cruising at 203/1 and looked destined to post one of the highest totals in a T20 World Cup final.

Neesham's over turns the match

Just when New Zealand needed a breakthrough, James Neesham delivered a remarkable over that changed the complexion of the innings.

The drama began in the 16th over when Samson mistimed a full toss and was caught near the boundary for 89, missing out on what would have been a memorable century in a World Cup final.

Just a few balls later, Ishan Kishan followed him back to the pavilion after failing to connect properly with another low full toss, giving Mark Chapman a catch at long-on.

The collapse continued immediately after as India captain Suryakumar Yadav fell for a golden duck. Attempting a flick towards fine-leg, SKY found Rachin Ravindra, who completed a sharp diving catch.

In the space of a single over, India lost three wickets and saw their relentless momentum abruptly halted.

Fans react strongly to Suryakumar Yadav's golden duck

Suryakumar Yadav's dismissal triggered strong reactions on social media, with many fans criticising the Indian captain's failure in a high-pressure knockout match.

Some supporters questioned his performances in big tournaments.

"Suryakumar Yadav must be dropped from the team. He has grown too big for his shoes. Is this a performance expected in a World Cup final?" one fan wrote.

Another user posted: "He may be a successful T20 captain, but he has been the most disappointing batsman since becoming captain. Out for a golden duck in the final and completely broke the momentum."

Others pointed out his struggles in knockout games across major tournaments, with several posts highlighting a string of underwhelming performances in finals and semi-finals.