Ahmedabad: India national cricket team will face New Zealand national cricket team in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the Narendra Modi Stadium on March 8, adding another chapter to the rivalry between the two sides.
The Ahmedabad venue has staged several major international tournament matches over the years. While India has enjoyed notable victories there, the ground has also witnessed some painful defeats that remain fresh in the memory of supporters.
In ICC competitions held at the stadium, India has played seven matches so far, winning four and losing three. Their first such encounter at the venue came during the 1987 World Cup when India defeated Zimbabwe by seven wickets. Since then, the stadium has hosted games in different global tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup.
Among the most memorable moments for Indian fans at the ground was the comprehensive win over Pakistan during the 2023 World Cup. However, the defeat to Australia in the final of the same tournament also stands out as one of the most disappointing results at the venue.
India also featured at the stadium during the current T20 World Cup campaign, registering a victory over the Netherlands before suffering a loss to South Africa in the Super stage.
Historically, New Zealand has held the upper hand against India in the T20 World Cup. The Kiwis have won all three of their previous meetings in the tournament in 2007 at Johannesburg, 2016 in Nagpur and 2021 in Dubai.
Despite that record, the overall T20 International rivalry between the two teams has been closely contested. India holds a slight edge with 16 wins compared to New Zealand’s 14 in their head-to-head meetings.
The upcoming contest will mark the first time the two sides meet in a T20 World Cup final. India will be chasing its third title in the tournament, while New Zealand will be aiming to secure its maiden championship.