The final batch of players from South Africa and the West Indies have left India after being stranded for more than a week following the T20 World Cup, cricket's governing body said Thursday.

In the 11th over of New Zealand's chase on Sunday, Mitchell played the ball to Arshdeep and the bowler threw it straight back at him, hitting the New Zealand batter on the pads.

What started as a tournament overshadowed by political drama and uncertainty eventually delivered thrilling cricket, unforgettable moments and a historic triumph for the hosts.

“It feels a bit surreal,” he said.

He pointed to opener Sanju Samson's run of form as an example of the team's evolving mindset.

Put in to bat, India capitalised on a 98-run opening stand between Sanju Samson (89) and Abhishek Sharma (52) to rack up 255-5.

India hold the edge over New Zealand in the overall T20I head-to-head, winning 16 of the 30 matches between the two sides. The Black Caps have won 11, while three matches ended in ties.

India are bidding to become the first team to retain the T20 World Cup title and to achieve that, they will have to deal with not just a strong New Zealand XI but also the weight of expectation from a cricket‑mad nation of about 1.4 billion people.

There is history that weighs in the Black Caps' favour: New Zealand is yet to lose to India in tournament history.

Santner's side will face India on Sunday in Ahmedabad with over 100,000 home fans expected to fill the Narendra Modi Stadium.

Here are the players who have lit up the stage with outstanding performances:

Given their form going into Wednesday's T20 World Cup semifinal, South Africa expected to compete better against New Zealand but are philosophical about their nine-wicket defeat in a format where momentum can swing quickly.

2024 runners-up South Africa were unbeaten going into the knockout match in Kolkata.

With defending champions India taking on England in Mumbai a day later, the tantalising prospect of a rematch of the 2024 final looms large.

England will take on the favourites and hosts in front of 35,000 fiercely partisan fans in Mumbai on Thursday, with a place in the final against South Africa or New Zealand at stake.

West Indies failed to reach the semi-finals after Sunday's five-wicket loss to hosts India, while Zimbabwe were eliminated after losing all three of their Super Eights matches.

Each player has been penalised PKR 5 million (approximately US$18,000), according to ESPNcricinfo.

Sanju Samson's magical innings of unbeaten 97 from 50 balls powered India into the semi-finals of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

"I thought it was time to give it to someone else," Jayasuriya said.

Historically, the rivalry is evenly poised. In the last five head-to-head encounters, West Indies have won three, India two, with four of those victories coming while chasing.