We are getting ready to experience a good match-up, India vs New Zealand, in the Final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. While the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will host this fixture on Sunday night (March 8), the New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has come up with strong support for the Blackcaps, along with a special message for the boys. 

India and New Zealand are set to challenge each other in the second consecutive ICC Finals in white-ball cricket. On March 9, 2025, almost exactly a year ago, India defeated New Zealand by four wickets to lift the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.  

Now, the Men in Blue and Blackcaps are getting ready for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. While India have lost only one match in this tournament (against South Africa in Super Eights), New Zealand have recorded two losses (against South Africa in group stage and against England in Super Eights) and one washout (against Pakistan in Super Eights) in the competition, as their other brilliant performances have guided them to reach the Final. 

Watch: India Women’s Team sends special message to Men in Blue ahead of T20 World Cup 2026 Final

New Zealand won two ICC trophies, while finishing runners-up in three ICC World Cup events

New Zealand are very close to winning their first ICC World Cup in any format. The ICC KnockOut Trophy 2000 (now known as ICC Champions Trophy 2000) and 2019 ICC World Test Championship Final winners, New Zealand, are dreaming of their first third ICC title. They previously finished as runners-up in the 2009 ICC Champions Trophy, 2015 and 2019 (lost on boundary count after Super Over) ICC Men's Cricket World Cups, 2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

We're all behind you: New Zealand PM on NZ cricket team for ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Final

Before the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Final, the New Zealand PM congratulated the Blackcaps on reaching the tournament Final, while wishing the best results for the country in the tournament Finale.

New Zealand PM said in a social media video, "Black Caps versus India, World Cup Final. Doesn't get better than that! Congratulations lads getting this far, been absolutely brilliant performances. We're all behind you, everyone in this country is right behind you, we know You've got this, we are so so proud of you, go get it!" 

Go the @BLACKCAPS! pic.twitter.com/yUAeiDAZjI

— Christopher Luxon (@chrisluxonmp) March 8, 2026