Patna: Cricket fans across Patna celebrated late into the night after India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs to win the T20 World Cup 2026, securing their third title in the tournament.
Crowds gathered at several locations across the city, including the busy Dak Bungalow Chauraha, where supporters waved the Indian tricolour, burst firecrackers and chanted slogans in celebration of the victory.
Many residents also watched the final on large public screens set up at venues such as the P&M Mall complex, where fans followed the match together before taking to the streets once the result was confirmed.
India posted 255 for 5 in the final after being asked to bat first, with Sanju Samson scoring 89, while Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma contributed half-centuries with 54 and 52 respectively.
New Zealand were later bowled out for 159 in 19 overs, giving India a comprehensive victory.
As news of the win spread, groups of supporters began gathering in Patna’s main intersections and markets. At Dak Bungalow Chauraha, one of the city’s busiest junctions, hundreds of fans celebrated the result by waving flags and distributing sweets.
Young people were seen dancing to the beat of drums while others posed with the national flag and took photographs to mark the moment.
The celebrations reflected the widespread enthusiasm for cricket in the state, particularly as Bihar’s own Ishan Kishan played a key role in the final with a rapid 54 off 25 balls.
Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar congratulated the Indian team on the victory, describing it as a proud moment for the country.
In a message posted on social media, he praised the team’s performance and extended special congratulations to Kishan for his contribution in the final.
Fans continued celebrating in several parts of Patna well after the match ended, with many calling the victory a memorable moment for Indian cricket.
