Dube's Late Blitz Saves India's Huge Total

India posted 255/5 in the T20 WC final, boosted by a record opening stand. Shivam Dube's late blitz secured a huge total, but debates arise over batting order choices.

India achieved a significant total of 255/5 in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 final against New Zealand in Ahmedabad. The innings began with a record-breaking 92-run opening partnership between Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, who both scored fifties. Sharma registered a rapid 52 off 18 balls, while Samson contributed a brilliant 89 off 46 balls.

The aggressive start, the highest powerplay score in T20 World Cup history, initially suggested India could surpass 270 runs. However, the scoring rate dipped in the middle overs following decisions to promote Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya ahead of the in-form Shivam Dube. Pandya scored 18, and Yadav was out for a duck.

Towards the end of the innings, Shivam Dube's quick cameo of 26 runs from just 8 balls, including 24 runs in the final over, propelled India past the 250-run mark. This late surge highlighted discussions about whether promoting Dube earlier could have led to an even higher final score.

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