New Delhi: India clinched a historic third T20 World Cup title after defeating New Zealand by 96 runs in the final at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. And, it was not just cricket fans across India celebrating, bursting crackers and dancing on the streets to mark the victory.
In several videos that went viral on social media, people in Kabul, Afghanistan, were seen coming out onto the streets to celebrate India’s World Cup win.
A user on X, @realwahidaAFG, shared a video showing large crowds celebrating on the streets of Kabul. “One nation…India winning, celebrating in Kabul,” read the text on the video.
Further, the user explained, “Massive celebrations in Kabul tonight…Fans filled the streets after India cricket team defeated the New Zealand cricket team in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Fireworks, cheers & joy everywhere. Cricket once again brought people together across borders.”
Massive celebrations in Kabul tonight 🇦🇫🇮🇳
Fans filled the streets after India cricket team defeated New Zealand cricket team in the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Fireworks, cheers & joy everywhere. Cricket once again brought people together across borders. 🏏✨… pic.twitter.com/yv5qAmjSes
— Wahida 🇦🇫 (@RealWahidaAFG) March 8, 2026
Afghanistan-based cricket analyst Pathan Bhai posted a video from his terrace capturing the fireworks in the background.
“I was recording and editing my video in my room, and crackers were bursting outside on the occasion of India’s world cup win…Once again, congratulations on behalf of Afghanistan. We people celebrate your victory… this firework is proof that people of Afghanistan support India,” he said in the clip, which has 21,000-plus views on X.
Afghanistan celebrates India’s victory🌹#T20WorldCup2026final #T20WorldCupFinal #T20WC2026Final #INDvNZ #IndianCricketTeam #Afghanistan #Final pic.twitter.com/jtUdtp0XtF
— Pathan Bhai (@PathanBhaiii) March 8, 2026
Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan also congratulated the Indian side, calling the team “an inspiration.”
“Congratulations (Indian flag) on making history once again. Always an inspiration,” he tweeted.
Congratulations 🇮🇳 on making history once again. Always an inspiration 💪#T20WorldCup #Champions
— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) March 8, 2026
The Rashid Khan-led Afghanistan made a group-stage exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after losing to New Zealand and South Africa.
Skipper Ibrahim Zadran, who recently took the reins of Afghanistan’s T20 squad from Khan, applauded Team India’s “outstanding performance.”
Sharing a picture of the “Champion” squad, he wrote, “Congratulations Team India for their T20 World Cup 2026. Very well deserved- outstanding performances throughout!”
Congratulations the Team India for their T20 World Cup 2026. Very well deserved- outstanding performances throughout! pic.twitter.com/kCvHTHNHXb
— Ibrahim Zadran (@IZadran18) March 8, 2026
India has become the first team to successfully defend the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and win the title three times, after earlier victories in 2007 and 2024.
Put to bat first by the Kiwis at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India posted a massive 255/5, the highest total in a T20 World Cup final. Later, they bowled out New Zealand for 159, winning the final clash by 96 runs, one of the largest winning margins in the tournament’s history.
Pacer Jasprit Bumrah was named Player of the Match, for his four-wicket haul in the final. He conceded 15 runs in four overs at an economy rate of 3.75.
On the other hand, wicket-keeper-batter Sanju Samson became the player of the tournament. Samson scored 321 runs in five innings of the T20 World Cup. He maintained an average of 80.25 and a strike rate of 199.37, finishing as one of the top run-scorers and breaking the record for most runs by an Indian in a single T20 World Cup edition.
(Edited by Tony Rai)