India produced a record-breaking batting display against New Zealand in the third T20 International at Wellington’s Hnry Stadium on Tuesday, scoring 118 runs without losing a wicket in the first six overs. The remarkable start established a new record for the highest powerplay total in men’s T20 internationals.

Chasing a target of 199, India benefited from an aggressive opening partnership between Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who was promoted up the batting order. Their assault put the visitors firmly in control and helped the team secure a six-wicket victory with 40 balls to spare.

Abhishek Sharma And Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Lead The Charge

Abhishek remained unbeaten on 57 off just 20 deliveries, while Sooryavanshi scored an unbeaten 44 from 17 balls. The pair dismantled New Zealand’s bowling attack, taking India to an unprecedented powerplay score in men’s T20I cricket.

India surpassed Romania’s previous benchmark of 116 without loss against Serbia in Sofia in 2021. The earlier record had been set in 5.4 overs, while India’s 118-run total came within the first six overs of their innings.

The visitors also reached 100 runs in just five overs, making it the second-fastest team hundred in men’s T20Is, according to the reported figures. Eswatini hold the record after reaching the milestone in 4.5 overs against Mozambique earlier in 2026.

India Match Other T20I Batting Records

Among Full Member nations, India’s five-over century was the fastest, surpassing the previous benchmarks set by South Africa and Australia, both of which had reached 100 runs in 5.3 overs against their respective opponents.

India also reached their team half-century in only 2.2 overs, equalling the joint-fastest fifty in men’s T20Is. Papua New Guinea achieved the same feat against Vanuatu, while Romania also reached the mark in 2.2 overs against Serbia.

The highest powerplay totals in men’s T20Is now include India’s 118 without loss against New Zealand in Wellington, followed by Romania’s 116 without loss against Serbia. Australia’s 113/1 against Scotland in 2024 completes the top three in the reported list.

India Complete Chase With 40 Balls To Spare

New Zealand had posted 198/3 in their allotted 20 overs, setting India a target of 199. However, the Indian batters made the chase look straightforward, reaching 199/4 in just 13.2 overs.

The six-wicket win gave India an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series. Their record-breaking powerplay proved decisive, demonstrating how an aggressive start can put a team in command of a T20 contest and leave the opposition with little room to recover.

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