As the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 heads towards its grand finale, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the shortlist for the coveted Player of the Tournament award. Eight outstanding performers from the competition have been nominated for the prestigious honour after delivering remarkable displays throughout the event.

The nominees represent some of the most influential players in the tournament, including explosive batters, impactful all-rounders and match-winning bowlers. Their performances have played a crucial role in shaping the narrative of the competition, with several producing defining moments for their respective teams.

With the final scheduled between India and New Zealand on March 8, the ultimate winner of the Player of the Tournament award will be revealed after the title clash. The final game could still influence the decision, especially for players from the two finalists who have the chance to further strengthen their case on the biggest stage.

Player of the Tournament nominees released by ICC

Sanju Samson (India)

Samson has been one of India’s biggest success stories in the tournament. Initially not part of the playing XI, the wicketkeeper-batter grabbed his opportunity after Abhishek Sharma struggled for form. Samson made an immediate impact and soon became one of the tournament’s most destructive batters.

His defining moment came in the semi-final against England, where he smashed a breathtaking 89 off just 42 balls, equalling Virat Kohli’s record for the highest score by an Indian in a World Cup knockout match. Overall, Samson has accumulated 232 runs at a stunning strike rate of 201.74, including 16 sixes, the most by an Indian in a single edition of the tournament.

Will Jacks (England)

England’s star all-rounder showcased his versatility throughout the tournament. Playing primarily in the finishing role at No. 6 or No. 7, Jacks delivered several impactful performances with the bat while also contributing with his off-spin.

Jacks scored 226 runs at a strike rate of 176.56, including a crucial unbeaten 53 off 22 balls against Italy. With the ball, he claimed nine wickets, including an impressive 3/22 against Sri Lanka. His four Player of the Match awards in the tournament equal the record previously held by Shane Watson from the 2012 edition.

Sahibzada Farhan (Pakistan)

Pakistan’s campaign may have ended earlier than expected, but Farhan left an unforgettable mark on the tournament. The aggressive opener broke Kohli’s record for the most runs in a single T20 World Cup edition, finishing with 383 runs.

Farhan also created history by becoming the first player to score two centuries in a single T20 World Cup, achieving the feat against Sri Lanka and Namibia. His consistency was equally impressive as he averaged 76.60 across seven matches, often giving Pakistan strong starts at the top.

Also READ: India or New Zealand? Brad Haddin picks the winner of T20 World Cup 2026

Shadley van Schalkwyk (USA)

USA pacer Van Schalkwyk emerged as one of the most exciting bowling discoveries of the tournament. Despite his team exiting in the group stage, the fast bowler made a strong impression with his pace and control.

He picked up 13 wickets in just four matches while maintaining an economy rate of 6.80. His standout performances included consecutive four-wicket hauls against India and Pakistan, nearly helping the USA pull off major upsets against two cricketing giants.

Aiden Markram (South Africa)

South African captain Markram led from the front with the bat during the tournament. Under his leadership, the Proteas reached the semi-finals, and Markram played a crucial role in the team’s journey.

He scored 286 runs at an average of 53, including three half-centuries. One of his best knocks came against New Zealand in the group stage, where he produced a brilliant 86 not out off 44 balls, the highest score by a South African captain in the competition.

Lungi Ngidi (South Africa)

Fast bowler Ngidi was the spearhead of South Africa’s bowling attack. His ability to deliver breakthroughs at crucial stages helped his team remain competitive throughout the tournament.

Ngidi finished with 12 wickets in seven matches, including a strong performance against West Indies where he claimed three scalps. During the event, he also achieved a significant milestone by becoming South Africa’s leading wicket-taker in T20I history.

Tim Seifert (New Zealand)

New Zealand opener has been one of the driving forces behind the team’s march to the final. Known for his aggressive batting, Seifert provided explosive starts in several matches.

He was involved in a world-record 175-run opening partnership with Finn Allen against the UAE, scoring an unbeaten 89 off 42 balls. Seifert also played a decisive knock of 58 runs in the semi-final against South Africa, helping New Zealand secure their place in the final. In total, he has scored 274 runs at a strike rate of 161.17.

Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand)

Ravindra once again proved his value as a multi-dimensional cricketer. While primarily known for his batting, Ravindra delivered crucial contributions with both bat and ball.

He produced a memorable bowling performance of 4/27 against Sri Lanka, which played a key role in knocking the co-hosts out of the competition. Across the tournament, Ravindra has contributed 128 runs and 11 wickets, showcasing his importance as a genuine all-rounder.

Who is the ideal contender?

While all eight nominees have made strong cases for the award, Samson and Seifert currently appear to be the frontrunners. Both players will feature in the final between India and New Zealand, giving them one more opportunity to deliver a match-defining performance.

Samson’s explosive batting in the knockout stage has already captured the spotlight, while Seifert’s consistency at the top has been crucial to New Zealand’s success. A standout performance in the final could tip the scales decisively in favour of either player.

With the tournament reaching its climax, the race for the Player of the Tournament award promises to be as thrilling as the final itself.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 Final: India vs New Zealand Ticket Prices and Booking Details

US President Donald Trump on Saturday warned that Iran “will be hit very hard,” adding that because of “Iran’s bad behaviour,” new targets inside the country were being considered for “complete destruction and death.”Trump also claimed credit for Tehran’s apology to its Middle Eastern neighbours following a week of intense conflict in the region triggered by joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and destroyed multiple strategic infrastructure sites. Tehran responded with retaliatory missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and several Gulf states hosting US military bases, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain.Posting on Truth Social, Trump said Iran had been “beat to hell” and forced to apologise after what he described as relentless attacks by the United States and Israel. He added that Tehran had pledged to stop firing at neighbouring countries and suggested the shift came because of sustained military pressure.In his post, Trump wrote, “Iran, which is being beat to HELL, has apologized and surrendered to its Middle East neighbors and promised that it will not shoot at them anymore. This promise was only made because of the relentless U.S. and Israeli attack. They were looking to take over and rule the Middle East. It is the first time that Iran has ever lost, in thousands of years, to surrounding Middle Eastern countries.”“They have said, ‘Thank you, President Trump.’ I have said, ‘You’re welcome!’ Iran is no longer the ‘Bully of the Middle East.’ They are, instead, ‘THE LOSER OF THE MIDDLE EAST,’ and will be for many decades until they surrender or, more likely, completely collapse! Today Iran will be hit very hard! Under serious consideration for complete destruction and certain death, because of Iran’s bad behaviour, are areas and groups of people that were not considered for targeting up until this moment in time.” Trump’s remarks came hours after Iran issued a rare apology to neighbouring Gulf states following missile and drone strikes that hit their territories during the escalating conflict. The attacks targeted infrastructure and bases linked to the United States and its regional allies.Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian apologised on Saturday for attacks on regional countries, even as Iranian missiles and drones continued to fly toward Gulf Arab states, signalling that Tehran’s political leadership may not have full control over the country’s armed forces. He also rejected Trump’s repeated demands for surrender.Pezeshkian, one member of a tripartite leadership council overseeing Iran since a February 28 airstrike that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, delivered the message exactly one week into a conflict that has spread across the region and shaken global markets.Earlier in the day, Iran’s elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the 25th wave of missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli positions and other regional assets, underscoring the continuing escalation.

Iranian Navy’s IRIS Lavan that took part in Milan, IFR 2026 safely docked in Kochi (ANI)

NEW DELHI: Iran on Saturday expressed gratitude to India for providing a safe harbour to its naval vessel IRIS Lavan, which docked at Kochi port for technical and logistical arrangements following an incident involving another Iranian vessel, IRIS Dena, in the Indian Ocean amid the Islamic Republic’s rapidly escalating conflict with the United States and Israel.Also Read | Before Dena, India let another Iran ship with 183 crew dock in Kochi In the early hours of Wednesday, a US Navy submarine fired a torpedo at IRIS Dena near Sri Lanka, sinking the frigate. Of the estimated 180 crew members, around 87 are reported dead, while about 32 survivors were rescued by the Sri Lanka Navy. “Following the tragic incident involving IRIS Dena, the Islamic Republic of Iran is continuing to follow up on the situation of the crew members and to examine the different aspects of this incident,” Iranian ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, told news agency ANI. He added, “In this context, another Iranian naval vessel, IRIS Lavan, has docked at the port of Kochi to carry out technical and logistical arrangements. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the Government of India and the local authorities for their cooperation and humanitarian approach in facilitating the docking of this vessel and supporting its crew.”Also Read | ‘Will bitterly regret’: Iran warns US after IRIS Dena, ‘Indian Navy’s guest’, sunk by torpedo Highlighting the coordination between the two countries, the envoy noted that the assistance provided by Indian authorities during the situation reflects the longstanding friendly relations between them. He further voiced confidence that the historic and constructive ties between Tehran and New Delhi would continue to strengthen in the future. According to government officials, IRIS Lavan had participated in the International Fleet Review 2026 and was present in the region as part of the Iranian naval deployment for the multinational naval exercise MILAN 2026, held between February 15 and 25 in Visakhapatnam.Also Read | ‘Wanted to come into our port’: EAM Jaishankar on India’s rescue of Iranian shipsThey added that New Delhi had been approached by Tehran days before the sinking of IRIS Dena, requesting urgent docking support due to technical issues. The request, received on February 28, indicated that Kochi was necessary as the ship faced mechanical problems. Approval came on March 1, and IRIS Lavan subsequently docked on Wednesday. Its crew members, reportedly totalling 183 personnel, are currently staying at naval facilities in the Keralam city. The developments come amid escalating tensions in West Asia following a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28 that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other senior figures. In response, Tehran launched waves of drone and missile attacks across multiple Arab countries, targeting American military bases and assets, and Israel.

India has never depended on permission from any country to purchase Russian oil, and the recent US sanctions waiver merely removes friction rather than shaping India’s energy policy, a senior government functionary said, according to PTI.The remarks came after the United States announced a temporary 30-day waiver allowing Indian refiners to buy Russian oil cargoes amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions linked to the conflict with Iran.

“The US waiver of sanctions removes friction. It does not define India’s policy, which is governed by the energy trilemma, affordability, availability and sustainability, for every Indian household,” the government functionary said.Rejecting opposition criticism over the waiver, the official said India’s energy purchases are guided by national interest. “India will buy oil from wherever it is available. Our oil purchases will not be governed by any hollow slogans. India has never depended on permission from any country to buy Russian oil,” another senior government official said, as quoted by the agency. The functionary also stressed that India’s fuel supply remains secure. “The message from the Centre to every Indian household is clear that the country’s fuel supply is fully secure. The government is continuously monitoring the situation and will act, as it always has, in the interest of every citizen,” the official said.India currently holds more than 250 million barrels of crude oil and refined products, equivalent to seven to eight weeks of buffer stocks, stored across strategic reserves, storage tanks, pipelines, terminal facilities and vessels already in transit to Indian ports, the official said. India now sources oil from around 40 countries, and domestic refineries continue to operate normally.“No petrol pump has run dry in 12 years. What certain voices are calling a crisis is, in fact, the proof of preparation. India’s energy governance has given us the insulation we need,” the functionary said.Responding to opposition criticism, the official said the allegations lacked substance and suggested critics were focusing on selective language. “Clearly shows the opposition is unaware of how countries frame statements and use bombast keeping their domestic audiences and politics in mind.”The official also pointed to a precedent during the previous Congress-led government, noting that India had adjusted crude imports under US sanctions earlier. In 2013, the US state department said India had reduced purchases of Iranian crude to qualify for sanctions exemptions under Section 1245 of the US national defense authorization act (NDAA).Quoting then US secretary of state John Kerry, the official cited the statement: “I am pleased to announce that China, India, Malaysia, Republic of Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Turkey, and Taiwan have again qualified for an exception to sanctions outlined in section 1245 of the national defense authorization act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2012…”Officials said India’s supplier base has expanded from 27 countries to 40 over the past decade, which they said has helped maintain stable energy supplies even during global disruptions.

Amid concerns over global oil supply disruptions due to tensions in MIddle East, government sources on Saturday said India’s energy stock position is improving, adding that the situation has strengthened confidence about fuel supply stability in the country.According to government sources, the improvement in energy availability has reinforced the Centre’s position that petrol and diesel prices will not increase.“Energy stock position of India is improving. As the situation is improving, that is giving us greater confidence,” government sources said.

This came after the price of a 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder has been raised by Rs 60, while the 19-kg commercial cylinder now costs Rs 115 more, with the revised rates coming into effect from Saturday, March 7.Officials also indicated that India has increased diversification of its crude oil imports to reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route that has faced disruptions amid the ongoing conflict in the region.Sources said that India has ramped up about 10 per cent of its crude imports from sources outside the Strait of Hormuz. As a result, the share of crude sourced from alternative routes has increased from around 60 per cent to nearly 70 per cent.The move is aimed at strengthening India’s energy security and ensuring stable supplies despite volatility in global oil markets.Responding to allegations by the Congress regarding a rise in LPG prices, government sources said the claims were misleading.“Their allegation is completely baseless. This was only said for petrol and diesel. It was not in reference to LPG. Today we again assure that prices of Petrol and Diesel will not increase,” the sources said.Officials added that the government continues to closely monitor developments in the global energy market while ensuring adequate domestic fuel supplies.Earlier, Congress leader Pawan Khera attacked the government over the increase in domestic and commercial LPG prices, questioning earlier assurances by petroleum minister Hardeep Singh Puri on fuel affordability.“Yesterday, @HardeepSPuri said: ‘Our priority is to ensure availability of affordable and sustainable fuel for our citizens, and we are doing it comfortably.’ Today, domestic LPG prices have been hiked by Rs 60, and commercial cylinder prices by Rs 115. Never believe a word of what Hardeep Singh Puri says……,” Khera wrote in a post on X.On Friday, Union minister for petroleum and natural gas Hardeep Singh Puri has sought to reassure consumers about energy availability, saying there is “no shortage” of energy in India.Also, US has issued a 30-day waiver allowing India to continue purchasing Russian oil, saying the move is aimed at stabilising global energy supplies.“To enable oil to keep flowing into the global market, the Treasury Department is issuing a temporary 30-day waiver to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil,” US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent posted on X.

T20 WC Final (Agency Image)

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is set to reach its climax on Sunday as India national cricket team take on the New Zealand national cricket team in the final in Ahmedabad. After nearly a month of gripping matches and dramatic turnarounds, the tournament will conclude with the much-anticipated title clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium.India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, sealed their place in the final after edging past the England cricket team by seven runs in a tense semi-final held in Mumbai. Meanwhile, New Zealand produced a commanding display in their last-four encounter, defeating the South Africa national cricket team by nine wickets in Kolkata to book their spot in the summit clash.

This will mark India’s fourth appearance in a T20 World Cup final, and the team will be chasing a record-extending third title. For New Zealand, it will be only their second appearance in the final of the competition as they continue their pursuit of a maiden T20 World Cup trophy.India will head into the contest with several factors working in their favour. They are playing at home, carry the confidence of being the defending champions, and have also enjoyed success against New Zealand in recent bilateral series. However, the historical record adds an intriguing twist, as New Zealand have never been beaten by India in tournament meetings.Both teams have had their share of ups and downs during the competition. At different stages, each side looked at risk of an early elimination before recovering strongly to reach the final of the global event.Before the highly anticipated final gets underway, the organisers have planned a special closing ceremony to celebrate the end of the tournament.The closing ceremony of the 2026 T20 World Cup will take place on Sunday, March 8, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The event is scheduled to begin at 5:30 PM.The ceremony will feature performances by international pop star Ricky Martin, popular Bollywood and Punjabi singer Sukhbir, and renowned Gujarati folk artist Falguni Pathak, adding a vibrant musical flavour before the final showdown begins.

As defending champions India prepare to face New Zealand in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, an interesting statistical storyline has come to the forefront. While the Men in Blue have generally enjoyed success against the Black Caps in bilateral T20 internationals, their record against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup paints a completely different picture. In fact, history shows that the Kiwis have always managed to get the better of India in this tournament, a trend Mitchell Santner’s side will be eager to maintain when the two teams meet in the grand finale.

New Zealand’s perfect record against India in T20 World Cups

One of the most surprising aspects of this rivalry is that India have never defeated New Zealand in a T20 World Cup match. The two teams have faced each other three times in the tournament’s history – 2007, 2016 and 2021 – and on every occasion, New Zealand have emerged victorious. This unusual record gives the Black Caps a psychological edge going into the final, even though India enter the match as defending champions and strong favourites on home soil.

The first meeting came in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 at Johannesburg during the Super Eight stage. Interestingly, that match turned out to be India’s only defeat in the tournament they eventually went on to win. New Zealand posted an imposing total of 190 after strong contributions from Brendon McCullum, Craig McMillan and Jacob Oram. India began their chase in spectacular fashion with an opening stand of 76 in under six overs. Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag looked in complete control, but New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori produced a brilliant spell of 4 for 20 that turned the game around. India eventually fell short by 10 runs.

The second clash between the two sides took place during the group stage of the 2016 T20 World Cup in Nagpur, and it remains one of India’s most disappointing batting performances in the tournament’s history. New Zealand, batting first on a spin-friendly surface, managed just 126 runs. It appeared to be a manageable target, but India’s batting lineup struggled badly against New Zealand’s spinners. The hosts collapsed for only 79 runs, their lowest total ever in a T20 World Cup. Only a few players, including MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, managed to reach double figures as New Zealand secured a convincing 47-run victory.

The most recent encounter came in the 2021 T20 World Cup in Dubai. Both teams entered the match under pressure after losing their opening games to Pakistan. India posted a modest total of 110 for 7, which proved far from enough. New Zealand chased down the target comfortably, losing just two wickets and sealing an eight-wicket win with plenty of overs to spare. The result continued New Zealand’s dominance over India in major ICC tournaments, following their victory in the World Test Championship final earlier that same year.

India’s strong overall record against New Zealand in T20Is

Despite New Zealand’s dominance in the World Cup, the broader T20 international record tells a different story. In overall head-to-head meetings, India have had the upper hand. Out of 30 T20Is played between the two teams, India have won 18 while New Zealand have claimed 11 victories, with one match ending in a tie.

India also enjoyed success against New Zealand in the lead-up to the tournament. In a five-match T20I bilateral series played at home shortly before the World Cup, India secured a comfortable 4-1 series win. That result highlighted India’s strength in familiar conditions and their ability to dominate the Black Caps outside of ICC tournaments.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 Final – India vs New Zealand Ticket Prices and Booking Details

IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup 2026: Preview

Looking ahead to the final, several key matchups could influence the outcome. One of the most anticipated battles will be between India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and New Zealand’s explosive opener Finn Allen. Allen enters the final in sensational form after smashing the fastest century in T20 World Cup history – a 33-ball hundred against South Africa in the semi-final.

Another area that could shape the contest is India’s approach against spin. Some of India’s left-handed batters, including Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan, have occasionally struggled against off-spin during the tournament. This could bring New Zealand’s Cole McConchie and Glenn Phillips into play during the middle overs.

The stakes could hardly be higher for both teams. If India win the final, they will become the first team in history to successfully defend a T20 World Cup title and also the first host nation to lift the trophy. It would also give India their third Men’s T20 World Cup title, further cementing their dominance in the format.

For New Zealand, victory would be equally historic. The Black Caps are still searching for their first T20 World Cup crown after finishing as runners-up in 2021. A win in Ahmedabad would not only secure their maiden title but also extend their remarkable unbeaten record against India in T20 World Cups.

The final is scheduled to begin at 7:00 pm IST on Sunday, with the toss taking place at 6:30 pm. With more than 130,000 fans expected to pack the Narendra Modi Stadium, the stage is set for a memorable showdown between two of the world’s strongest T20 sides.

Also READ: India’s win-loss record at the Narendra Modi Stadium ahead of T20 World Cup 2026 final