T20 WC final: Jasprit Bumrah relishes 'sweet' victory over NZ
What's the story
Jasprit Bumrah, India's star bowler, expressed immense satisfaction after his team's victory in the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand. The match was held at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium, where over 86,000 fans witnessed India's historic win. Bumrah took home the Player of the Match award for his outstanding bowling performance that helped India clinch their third T20 World Cup title and first-ever back-to-back wins. Bumrah took 4/15 as NZ perished for 159 while chasing 256.
Game plan
I was really motivated, says Bumrah
Bumrah, who had previously lost an ODI World Cup final at the same venue in 2023, said he was highly motivated for this match. "I was really motivated, I was really clear, I knew what I wanted to do," he said after receiving the Player of the Final award. He added that despite it being a flat pitch in Ahmedabad, he used all his experience from playing here before.
Execution
On his strategy
Bumrah came into the attack after three overs, taking 1/9 in two overs. He dismissed Rachin Ravindra with a slower cutter on his very first ball. "Because I've played on belters over here, I have also seen the other team, how they were bowling... I have learnt over here when you are trying to bowl too fast, it gets easier," Bumrah said explaining his strategy.
Team effort
Bumrah lauds teammates
Bumrah also credited his teammates for their composure under pressure. In the final, Axar Patel took 3/27 in his three overs while Hardik Pandya claimed Mark Chapman's wicket. "Oh it was really wonderful, everybody is very clear," Bumrah said. He added that they always kept calm and never panicked even when games got close during the tournament.
Feats
Bumrah attains these feats
According to Cricbuzz, Bumrah now has the second-best returns in T20 World Cup knockouts, only behind Sri Lanka's Ajantha Mendis (4/12 vs WI, Colombo, 2012 final). Bumrah has raced to 40 T20 World Cup wickets, the most for a pacer in the tournament. In just 26 matches, he averages an incredible 13.65. His economy rate is under 6 (5.66). With 14 wickets, he finished the 2026 event as the joint-highest wicket-taker alongside team Varun Chakravarthy.