Cricket and music came together in spectacular fashion as the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup delivered both thrilling sporting action and a star-studded closing ceremony. While fans around the world tuned in to watch the much-anticipated clash between India national cricket team and New Zealand national cricket team on March 8, many were equally excited about the musical performances that accompanied the big event.
Global pop icon Ricky Martin headlined the closing ceremony, sharing the stage with popular Indian artists Falguni Pathak and Sukhbir Singh. The energetic performances created a festival-like atmosphere in the stadium and set the tone for the high-stakes final.
One of the highlights from the ceremony quickly went viral on social media. The official Instagram account of the International Cricket Council shared a video showing Ricky Martin enjoying the music and dancing with fans on the ground. Dressed casually in a white T-shirt, the pop star was seen jumping and grooving enthusiastically as Sukhbir’s popular track Oh Ho Ho Ho played in the background.
Fans inside the stadium joined in the celebration, dancing and cheering along with the singer. The lively moment captured the spirit of the event, blending global pop culture with the excitement of international cricket.
Reacting to the viral clip, Sukhbir himself joined the conversation in the comments section. Referencing Ricky Martin’s famous “Ale Ale Ale” chant and his own hit track, he wrote, “Ale ale ale meets oho ho ho!” The comment quickly caught fans’ attention and added to the buzz around the performance.
Many social media users praised the collaboration between international and Indian artists. One fan described the moment as “such a vibe,” while another commented, “Kya baat! A global banger!” The interaction highlighted how music and sport can unite audiences from different cultures.
The musical segment began with Sukhbir taking the stage and performing his chart-topping hit “Oh Ho Ho Ho.” The upbeat track immediately energized the crowd, with thousands of fans dancing and clapping along. Following his performance, Ricky Martin took over the stage and delivered a lively set featuring some of his well-known songs.
Ahead of the performance, Sukhbir expressed excitement about being part of such a major sporting event. Speaking to ANI, he said performing in front of a cricket audience was a unique experience for him and promised that the show would be memorable for fans.
While the ceremony entertained the crowd, the cricket match itself delivered plenty of drama. India’s batting lineup powered through the game, eventually posting a massive total of 255 for 5, the third-highest score ever recorded in a T20 World Cup match.
The innings did not start explosively, with India managing just over 30 runs in the first four overs. However, a powerful 24-run over from Shivam Dube changed the momentum and pushed the team toward a commanding total.
For a brief period, the Indian side went 16 balls without hitting a boundary. The pressure was eventually relieved when Tilak Varma struck a four and Hardik Pandya followed with a towering six. However, New Zealand managed to strike back soon after by dismissing Pandya.
Another key storyline from the match was the performance of young opener Abhishek Sharma. The Indian team management had continued to back him despite a relatively difficult tournament, and that faith paid off in the final. Sharma delivered a sensational innings, scoring a blistering half-century off just 18 balls — the fastest fifty of the tournament.
Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar praised the youngster’s performance on social media. He wrote that although Sharma had not had the easiest tournament, the team’s belief in his abilities helped him deliver when it mattered most.
Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan also applauded the team’s decision to stick with Sharma for the big match. He highlighted that backing proven players in high-pressure situations is often crucial in major tournaments.
Meanwhile, Sanju Samson also played a vital role in India’s innings. The wicketkeeper-batter scored an impressive 89 runs from 46 balls, hitting five boundaries and eight sixes before eventually being dismissed.
With thrilling cricket on the field and a star-studded musical celebration off it, the T20 World Cup final delivered an unforgettable evening for fans across the world.