[WATCH] ‘Everyone in this country is right behind you’ – New Zealand PM shares heartfelt message ahead of T20 World Cup Final

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxton shared a message on Sunday, March 8, sending his wishes across to the New Zealand cricket team ahead of their T20 World Cup final.

The Kiwis take on India in the final of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on Sunday, March 8, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

In a video shared on X (formerly twitter) the Prime Minister expressed congratulations at their performance and wished them luck ahead of the final against India.

“BlackCaps vs India, World Cup Final, doesn’t get better than that. Congratulations lads, getting this far, been absolutely brilliant performances. We’re all behind you, everyone in this country is right behind you. We know you’ve got this. We’re so proud of you. Go get it,” he said.

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner, speaking in the press conference on Saturday evening said he does not mind “breaking a few hearts” in his team’s path to lifting the trophy, exuding confidence in the abilities of his team.

He later put out a post on Instagram, urging the fans back home for their support in their battle against India. 

“It’s fair to say we’re a bit outnumbered over here – 1.4 billion team India fans and all that. And I’m pretty sure most of the 130,000 seat Narendra Modi Stadium will be cheering for them too. But that’s all good – because we know back home you’ll have our backs,” he said.

New Zealand go into the final after decimating a strong South Africa side in the first semifinal at the Eden Gardens, courtesy of Finn Allen’s 33-ball century. They face India in what is the fourth ICC final between the two teams, the most recent one being in the 2025 Champions Trophy, which the Men in Blue won by four wickets.

This is the first meeting between the two teams on the finals of the shortest format.