Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar had a hilarious take on India‘s dominant show in the T20 World Cup 2026 final against New Zealand, where the Men in Blue won by 96 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Suryakumar Yadav joined Kapil Dev, MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma in the list of captains to win a men’s World Cup for India. Throughout the 20-team competition, India lost only one match, to South Africa in the Super 8s. However, on the big, important day, the hosts did not put a foot wrong, to absolutely annihilate the Black Caps.
The T20 World Cup 2026 final saw India hammering 255 runs, owing to half-centuries from Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma, and Sanju Samson. Jasprit Bumrah then returned with four wickets as New Zealand were bundled out for 159, losing the game by 96 runs.
Speaking after India’s win, Akhtar congratulated India for winning the T20 World Cup for the third time. He also joked that India has become the ultimate powerhouse, treating the other teams like schoolboys.
“India ne koshish ki, jaise amir bacha nahi hota mahaule me, saare garib bacho ko bula leta hai, aayo cricket khele. Jeetna sirf maine hai. India bhi wahi kar raha hai humare saath. 8 teams me se 4 reh gayi hai, unko hara ke kehta hai, lo me jeet gaya. (It’s just like a case of a rich kid in society who invites all the poor kids for a game of cricket just to beat them. It’s just like that, only four teams are competitive in today’s day and age, and India keeps winning,” Akhtar said on the Tapmad show ‘Game On Hai’.
As Akhtar made this sweeping statement, the other panellists on the show, such as Sana Mir, Mohammad Hafeez, Umar Gul and Saqlain Mushtaq, burst out laughing.
‘Big congratulations’
The Rawalpindi Express, as he is fondly called, also said that India’s win in the World Cup is a testament to the strength of their domestic structure and how players are always selected on merit.
“It is the testament of their policies, system and merit. There could have been a case where money was not utilised properly. Gautam Gambhir took the risk and brought Sanju Samson into the mix. Abhishek Sharma is young and brash; he needs to learn a lot. But Samson is very mature,” said Akhtar.
“India showed how they give chances to the right players. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli said goodbye and now India have gone on to win the World Cup. With the speed they are going, it’s ominous,” he added.
He also went on to say that India are the favourites for the upcoming 50-over World Cup, which will be played in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe next year. “If you get the trophy today, take it today only,” said Akhtar.
