118/0 in 36 balls! India script jaw-dropping record in 3rd T20I winover NZ

Abhishek Sharma (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI: India delivered 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 chase of 199, when Abhishek Sharma and promoted batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi tore into the New Zealand bowling attack.The duo powered India to an unprecedented 118 without loss in the first six overs, setting a new world record for the highest powerplay total in men’s T20 internationals.

India surpassed Romania’s previous record of 116 without losing a wicket against Serbia in Sofia in 2021, underlining the remarkable scale of their batting assault.With the hosts struggling to contain the onslaught, both Indian batters scored at an astonishing rate. Abhishek remained unbeaten on 57 off just 20 deliveries, while Sooryavanshi contributed an unbeaten 44 from 17 balls, putting India firmly in control of the contest.

Highest powerplay totals in men's T20Is

The following are the highest team totals recorded during 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 vs Scotland, Edinburgh, 2024
• 103/1 – Zimbabwe vs 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 the reported figures.Only Eswatini have reached the milestone faster, having scored 100 runs in 4.5 overs against Mozambique earlier in 2026. Among Full Member nations, India's achievement stands out as the fastest, surpassing the previous marks set by South Africa and Australia, both of whom reached three figures in 5.3 overs against their respective opponents.The Indian team also raced to its half-century in only 2.2 overs, matching 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.

India seal dominant series lead

New Zealand posted 198/3 in their allotted 20 overs, setting India a target of 199. However, the Indian batters made the chase look remarkably straightforward, reaching 199/4 in just 13.2 overs.India ultimately secured a six-wicket victory with 40 balls to spare, taking an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series in Wellington. Despite needing a little luck to finish the contest, the visitors' dominant performance with the bat ensured another emphatic result.The record-breaking powerplay 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 very beginning.