India’s emphatic victory in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final has not only secured another global title but also triggered strong reactions across Pakistan’s cricketing circles, where former players have pointed to the structural gap between the two nations.
India produced one of the most dominant performances in a T20 World Cup final, defeating New Zealand by 96 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Batting first, India posted 255/5 before bowling New Zealand out for 159 to seal their third T20 World Cup title.
Speaking on the Pakistani show Game On Hai, former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar said India’s triumph reflected the strength of the country’s cricket ecosystem. “I think I’ll say two or three things about India. First, their policy won. Then, their system won. Most importantly, their merit won. It was possible that their money might not have been utilized in the right places, but are the kids playing in the Ranji Trophy not earning well?”
India’s explosive final sets up record victory
The final quickly turned into a one-sided contest after India’s aggressive start with the bat.
Abhishek Sharma provided early momentum with a blistering knock, while Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan ensured the scoring rate never dropped. Samson’s 89 off 46 balls anchored the innings while Kishan added 54, helping India cross the 200-run mark inside the 15th over. Shivam Dube added late acceleration as India finished on 255.
New Zealand’s chase never truly gained momentum as Axar Patel dismantled the top order, claiming three wickets. Jasprit Bumrah also struck with the first ball of his spell and went on to finish with figures of 4/15, earning the Player of the Match award as the Kiwis were bowled out for 159.
Reflecting on India’s fearless approach with the bat, former Pakistan batter Ahmed Shehzad said the mindset difference between the two sides was clear during the final. “You said that good teams peak at the right time. They said when they play, they will do 250. If we were there, we would have done 180. And after that, we would have said that we have done 180, let the bowlers defend. They don’t do this,” Ahmed Shehzad said on the Haarna Mana Hai show.
Gambhir’s bold call and Samson’s tournament impact
One of the defining narratives of India’s campaign was the backing given to Sanju Samson by Head Coach Gautam Gambhir.
Akhtar highlighted that the decision to trust Samson despite pressure ultimately proved decisive for India’s title run. “Hasn’t Gautam Gambhir proven today that by backing a youngster, he can win a tournament with just two key players?… Despite all odds, Gambhir dropped someone and took a massive risk based purely on merit and the result is right before you. Sanju Samson was that sole player who neutralized every team right from the top.”
Samson’s performances throughout the tournament culminated in a defining contribution in the final, reinforcing the management’s faith in him.
According to Akhtar, the outcome was a reflection of a system that prioritises merit above all else. “Today, their policy won and their merit won. They proved that they think in the right direction and at the right level. They give the right person a chance.”
Young stars underline India’s depth
India’s next generation also played a crucial role in the final, particularly Abhishek Sharma, whose aggressive innings shifted the momentum early in the match.
Shehzad acknowledged the pressure the young opener faced going into the final but praised the way he responded on the biggest stage. “Abhishek Sharma was under so much pressure. He hit 52 runs in 21 balls in the final. He was like, here we are,” Ahmed Shehzad said on the Haarna Mana Hai show.
Akhtar also pointed to the maturity shown by India’s younger players despite their limited international experience. “Abhishek is very young, a child. There are still many things to learn from cricket, but he’s somebody who’s really mature. Today his policy won, his merit won,” he said.
Pakistan’s system under scrutiny
India’s dominant performance in the final also prompted a broader conversation about the contrasting systems that produce players in both countries.
Shehzad argued that Pakistan’s challenge is not talent but the structure surrounding it. “Pakistan has a lot of talent. There is no lack of talent. The flaw is in our system. What is there in India? There is both talent and system. You can see that through talent and system, players are being produced. Who is this player? This is Sanju Samson, who never gets a chance. He has become the man of the series in the World Cup. This is Ishan Kishan, who rarely plays. Discipline is such that he was also put aside. He has just come here after performing in domestic cricket.”
He also stressed that competing regularly against elite opposition is essential for maintaining high standards in international cricket. “No. They play big matches against big teams. They play big series,” he added.
Shehzad went further in his criticism, arguing that Pakistan cricket must raise its competitive benchmarks rather than celebrating wins against weaker opposition. “New Zealand made a comeback. Otherwise, they were heading towards 275. Now, what level of cricket are you playing in Pakistan? And you just keep doing this, calling Zimbabwe and beating them, calling Kenya and beating them, calling Uganda and beating them.”
In a sarcastic remark reflecting his frustration, he added, “Make our rankings separate, in which there is only Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe,”
Unity and culture behind India’s rise
Beyond the on-field performance, Akhtar also pointed to the culture surrounding Indian cricket, highlighting the unity displayed during the celebrations after the final.
“And finally, how beautifully they respect their elders. What a beauty. Today they are standing as India is celebrating. All the three captains came and they were together and they were celebrating together,” he said.
For Akhtar, India’s continued success is rooted in a structure that rewards merit, invests in development and maintains respect for the game’s past.
“Congratulations to India. Your merit, you will celebrate. If you get 27 World Cup prizes, take it today,” he added.
India’s triumph in Ahmedabad not only delivered another global title but also reinforced the strength of a cricket system that continues to produce match-winners and sustain success across generations.
