India made a stunning statement in the third T20 International against New Zealand at Wellington’s Hnry Stadium, smashing 118 runs in the opening six overs without losing a wicket. The extraordinary start established a new record for the highest powerplay score in men’s T20I cricket, as the Indian batters put the New Zealand bowling attack under relentless pressure from the outset.
Abhishek Sharma spearheaded the onslaught, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi matching his aggression at the other end. Sooryavanshi hammered 45 runs off just 20 balls before his dismissal, helping India maintain their extraordinary scoring rate. The momentum continued as India raced to 178 runs in only 10 overs by the time Abhishek was dismissed. New Zealand managed to make further breakthroughs, but India’s blistering start had already transformed the contest.
Earlier, Daryl Mitchell delivered a commanding performance with the bat for New Zealand, scoring an unbeaten 89 from 52 deliveries after the hosts were put in to bat. New Zealand were in trouble early after losing a wicket for six runs in 1.2 overs, but Mitchell and Finn Allen responded with an aggressive partnership. Allen contributed 40 off 25 balls before departing, while Mitchell carried his bat through the innings with five boundaries and five sixes. Arshdeep Singh led India’s bowling effort with figures of 1/33.