These batters clocked half-centuries vs India in T20 WC finals
What's the story
New Zealand finished as the runners-up of the recently concluded 2026 ICC T20 World Cup. Chasing a daunting target of 256 runs against India in the final, they were undone by some exceptional spell bowling and were bundled out for just 159 at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium. However, Tim Seifert stood tall amid ruins, scoring a quick-fire fifty off just 23 balls. On this note, let's look at the batters with fifties versus India in T20 WC finals.
#1
Tim Seifert - 52 in 2026 final
Seifert's knock in the aforementioned game was a ray of hope in an otherwise disappointing scorecard. The wicketkeeper-batsman, who opened the innings, played some inventive scoops and powerful strikes over extra cover, briefly keeping the Kiwi hopes alive. While Seifert's half-century delayed the inevitable, the lack of partnerships proved fatal for New Zealand. He smashed a 26-ball 52 (2 fours and 5 sixes) before falling in the ninth over. The Kiwis were later bowled out for just 159.
#2
Kumar Sangakkara - 52* in 2014 final
Sri Lanka got the better of Team India in the 2014 T20 WC final, which took place in Dhaka. Chasing a 131-run total, the Lankans easily crossed the line in just 17.5 overs. Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara, who arrived at four, led the run chase with a match-winning 52* off just 35 balls. The southpaw smashed six fours and a maximum in SL's six-wicket win. It turned out to be Sangakkara's farewell T20I match.
#3
Heinrich Klaasen - 52 in 2024 final
A fiery half-century from Heinrich Klaasen went in vain as South Africa couldn't accomplish the 177-run target in the 2024 final against India in Barbados. SA were 70/3 when Klaasen arrived in the middle. He formed vital partnerships with Quinton de Kock and David Miller, which seemingly knocked India out. Klaasen, who registered a 23-ball fifty, ended up scoring 52 off 27 balls (2 fours, 5 sixes). SA, however, lost momentum toward the end and were restricted to 169/8.