India vs New Zealand Playing 11: IND vs NZ T20 World Cup 2026 Final Team News, Predicted Lineups

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India vs New Zealand Playing 11: The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 reaches its thrilling climax as defending champions India face New Zealand in the final at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, March 8.

The cricketing world is buzzing with anticipation for what promises to be a blockbuster clash under lights. India, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, are on the cusp of history - becoming the first team to defend the T20 World Cup title, win it three times overall, and lift the trophy on home soil.

After topping their group and navigating tough Super Eights and a tense semifinal victory over England by 7 runs in Mumbai, the Men in Blue enter as favourites. New Zealand, captained by Mitchell Santner, have been the tournament's resilient underdogs, upsetting strong sides en route to their first T20 World Cup final appearance since 2021.

IND vs NZ T20 World Cup 2026 Final Schedule

Date: Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 7 PM local time

Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

India vs New Zealand Team News

India's batting firepower led by explosive openers and middle-order stars, though questions linger over spinner Varun Chakravarthy's recent form. Jasprit Bumrah remains the X-factor for India with his lethal bowling. Sanju Samson is set to start while Abhishek Sharma's fate remains under a cloud. The southpaw has struggled so far in this tournament, but is likely to keep his place for the final. For India, the sixth bowling option remains a weak point, especially with the struggle for Varun. There have been calls for change in the side, but the team management will keep the winning combination.

New Zealand boast a potent pace unit with Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, and all-rounders like Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips, but faces challenges containing India's depth. After the batting masterclass by Tim Seifert and Finn Allen in the semis, the duo are likely to feature in this encounter as well. The Kiwis are set to preserve their winning combination as they look for their first T20 World Cup title. James Neesham came into the side in the semifinal and is set to continue in Ahmedabad as well.

India vs New Zealand: Results in previous ICC Finals

India vs New Zealand Predicted Playing 11

India: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh

New Zealand: Tim Seifert (wk), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (c), Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson