Sanju Samson named player of the match and tournament after historic final knock

New Delhi : Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson produced a memorable performance in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final, earning both the player of the match and player of the tournament awards after guiding India to a historic victory.

Samson played a stunning innings of 89 off 46 balls, which now stands as the highest individual score in a T20 World Cup final. His knock featured five fours and eight sixes, combining elegance with powerful stroke play.

Coming in early during India’s innings, Samson took control of the game with fearless batting and intelligent shot selection. His partnership with the other top-order batters ensured that India maintained a relentless scoring rate throughout the innings.

The record-breaking knock helped India post a formidable total of 255/5, ultimately proving far beyond New Zealand’s reach.

Across the tournament, Samson was one of India’s most consistent and impactful players, delivering crucial performances with the bat and anchoring several key innings. His ability to accelerate when needed while maintaining composure under pressure made him the standout performer of the competition.

With India lifting the trophy for the second consecutive time, Samson’s remarkable innings in the final became the defining moment of the T20 World Cup 2026, securing his place as one of the tournament’s brightest stars.