India opener Abhishek Sharma revealed an interesting detail behind his performance in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final, sharing that he batted with Shivam Dube’s bat during the crucial match against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
India went on to win the final by 96 runs, successfully defending their T20 World Cup title and claiming their third championship in the tournament’s history.
Trying something different before the big match
Speaking after the match, Abhishek explained that the decision to use Dube’s bat was spontaneous. He said he simply wanted to try something different in the high-pressure game.
“I batted with Shivam Dube’s bat today. I just felt like trying something different,” Abhishek said.
The experiment appeared to work well as the left-handed opener played an aggressive innings that helped India dominate early in the final.
Explosive start sets the tone
Abhishek smashed 52 runs off just 21 balls, providing India with a blazing start. His innings featured powerful hitting and quick scoring during the powerplay.
He also shared a crucial 98-run opening partnership with Sanju Samson, which laid the foundation for India’s record-breaking total.
Samson later scored 89 off 46 balls, while Ishan Kishan added 54 from 25 deliveries, as India posted 255/5, the highest total ever recorded in a T20 World Cup final.
India seal historic victory
Despite a brief fightback from New Zealand when James Neesham picked up three wickets in an over, India maintained their momentum thanks to Shivam Dube’s unbeaten 26 off eight balls, which pushed the total past 250.
India’s bowlers then delivered a disciplined performance to defend the massive score. Jasprit Bumrah starred with 4 for 15, while Axar Patel claimed three wickets.
New Zealand were eventually bowled out for 159 in 19 overs, handing India a dominant 96-run victory.
The win also marked India’s first ICC white-ball triumph in Ahmedabad, after heartbreak in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, making the moment even more memorable for fans.