‘Ruin India’s party on their home soil’ – Former wicketkeeper predicts New Zealand’s win in T20 World Cup 2026 final

Former Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin believes that if Finn Allen gets going, he can help New Zealand defeat India on their home soil in the 2026 T20 World Cup final on Sunday, March 8.

New Zealand reached the final after defeated South Africa by nine wickets at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Wednesday. Allen starred with the bat, as he slammed a 33-ball century in the one-sided clash. On the other hand, India defeated a spirited England side by just seven runs after setting a 254-run target.

Haddin said that New Zealand are not afraid of facing India in home conditions, recalling their historic Test series whitewash in 2024. He backed the Black Caps to lift their maiden T20 World Cup title on Sunday.

“If he (Finn Allen) gets going in the final, he is one player who can ruin India’s party on their home soil. If I was India coming into the tournament, the one team I wouldn’t have wanted to play in the final is New Zealand,” Haddin said on the Willow Talk Cricket Podcast.

“New Zealand don’t fear India in home conditions. They’ve beaten them in a Test series here. So if they can go in with that mindset and Fin Allen can play with that freedom as he has, they can put some real pressure on India. I am going with New Zealand,” he added.

I am going to go with New Zealand in the final: Lyon

Legendary Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon also backed Mitchell Santner and Co. to get the better of the Men in Blue. According to Lyon, how Indian batters play Santner would be important as the Kiwi skipper has been very economical in the tournament.

“I am going to go with New Zealand in the final. The biggest key for India is the way they play Mitchell Santner. He is the captain on the side and has been very economical, especially on these pitches.