IND vs NZ: 118/0 in 36 balls! A breathtaking record of India’s script in the 3rd T20I win over New Zealand
Abhishek Sharma (AP Photo) NEW DELHI: India produced a breathtaking batting performance in the third T20I against New Zealand at Wellington’s Hnry Stadium on Tuesday, rewriting several records with an extraordinary display of aggression.The standout moment came during the 199 run chase when Abhishek Sharma and promoted batsman Vaibhav Sooryavanshi attacked the New Zealand bowling attack.The duo led India to an unprecedented 118 for no loss in the first six matches, setting a new world record for the highest total of overs in men’s T20 internationals.India surpassed Romania’s previous record of 116 without losing a wicket against Serbia in Sofia 2021, underscoring the remarkable range of their batting attack.As the hosts struggled to sustain the onslaught, both the Indian batsmen scored at a blistering pace. Abhishek remained unbeaten on 57 off just 20 deliveries while Sooryavanshi contributed an unbeaten 44 off 17 balls, keeping India firmly in control of the match.
Highest Powerplay Total in Men’s T20Is
The following are the highest team totals recorded in the first six overs in men’s T20Is where data is available:
- 118/0 – India vs New Zealand, Wellington, 2026
- 116/0 – Romania vs. Serbia, Sofia, 2021 (5.4 overs)
- 113/1 – Australia v Scotland, Edinburgh, 2024
- 103/1 – Zimbabwe v Gambia, Nairobi (RSC), 2024
- 102/0 – South Africa vs West Indies, Centurion, 2023
- 100/0 – England Vs. South Africa, Old Trafford, 2025
- 100/0 – India vs Afghanistan, Delhi, 2026
India’s extraordinary start was not limited to the powerplay record. The visitors also crossed the 100-run mark in just five overs, making it the second-fastest team hundred in men’s T20I cricket, according to reported figures.Only Eswatini reached the milestone faster when he scored 100 runs in 4.5 overs against Mozambique in early 2026. Among the full members, India’s achievement stands out as the fastest, surpassing the previous marks set by South Africa and Australia, who both reached three figures in 5.3 overs against their opponents.The Indian team also raced to their half-century in just 2.2 overs, equaling the joint-fastest team fifty recorded in men’s T20Is. Papua New Guinea achieved the same feat against Vanuatu, while Romania also reached 50 in 2.2 overs against Serbia.
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India seal dominant series lead
New Zealand scored 198/3 in their allotted 20 overs, setting India a target of 199. However, the Indian batsmen looked remarkably straightforward, reaching 199/4 in just 13.2 overs.India eventually secured a six-wicket victory with 40 balls to spare to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series in Wellington. Although they needed some luck to finish the match, the visitors’ dominant performance with the bat ensured another emphatic result.The record-breaking power-play was the defining feature of the match, highlighting India’s aggressive approach and their ability to put opposition bowling attacks under immense pressure from the outset.