India's T20 World Cup Comeback: Mastering Pace-Off Deliveries

India's journey in the T20 World Cup has been marked by a significant turnaround, particularly in their ability to tackle pace-off deliveries. After a disappointing loss to South Africa, the team made crucial adjustments that led to a remarkable performance in the final against New Zealand. With standout innings from players like Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, India set a record total of 255/5, showcasing their batting prowess. This article delves into the strategies that fueled their success and highlights from the thrilling final match.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 8, 2026, 23:02 IST

India's Resurgence in the T20 World Cup

India's recent performance in the T20 World Cup has been significantly bolstered by their improved handling of pace-off deliveries.

After suffering a heavy 76-run defeat to South Africa in Ahmedabad, the Indian team showcased remarkable resilience against slower balls when it mattered most.

Addressing the Pace-Off Challenge

Throughout the initial five matches, opposing teams effectively utilized the pace-off strategy against India, preventing the batters from capitalizing on the extra speed.

By delivering balls at speeds below 128 kph, they successfully tricked Indian players into mis-timing their shots and losing their batting form. In these five games, India recorded 13 dismissals against pace-off deliveries, averaging 23.53.

Despite this, they maintained a strike rate of 166.30, hitting 27 fours and 21 sixes against slower deliveries.

In contrast, during the last four matches, India made strategic adjustments, resulting in only four wickets lost to pace-off deliveries and an impressive average of 64.50. Their strike rate soared to nearly 253, with 20 fours and 21 sixes hit during this critical phase.

Highlights from the T20 World Cup Final

In the final stages of the T20 World Cup, Team India dominated, with notable contributions from Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, and Abhishek Sharma, leading to a total of 255/5 after 20 overs against New Zealand.

New Zealand won the toss and opted to field first, a decision they would soon regret as Abhishek Sharma delivered a record-breaking fifty (52 runs off 21 balls, including six fours and three sixes) in a 98-run partnership with Samson.

Samson then formed a century partnership with Ishan Kishan, who scored 54 runs off 25 balls, featuring four boundaries and four sixes, propelling India past the 200-run mark by the 16th over.

Following a brief lull, Shivam Dube added valuable runs with a quick 26* off eight balls, including three fours and two sixes, culminating in India's record total of 255/5, the highest in T20 World Cup history. James Neesham was New Zealand's standout bowler, taking 3 wickets for 46 runs.