India produced a stunning batting display against New Zealand in the third T20I at Wellington on October 27, 2026. The Indian team scored 118/0 in the first six overs.
The score is now the highest powerplay total in men’s T20I cricket. It is also India’s biggest powerplay score in the format. India reached the mark without losing a wicket.
Abhishek Sharma led the charge for India. He was joined by young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The duo attacked the New Zealand bowlers from the start.
New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy had a difficult powerplay. He conceded 44 runs from his two overs. India continued to score freely throughout the first six overs.
India Leave Their Previous Best Behind
India’s previous best powerplay score in men’s T20Is was 100/0. They had achieved that against Afghanistan in Delhi earlier in 2026.
Before that, India’s best scores were 95/1 against England at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium in 2025 and 94/2 against New Zealand in Guwahati in 2026.
The Wellington effort was 18 runs better than India’s previous record. It also placed India at the top of the all-time men’s T20I powerplay list.
Romania previously held one of the highest scores, with 116/0 against Serbia in Sofia in 2021. Australia had scored 113/1 against Scotland in Edinburgh in 2024.
Zimbabwe’s 103/1 against Gambia and South Africa’s 102/0 against West Indies also feature among the highest powerplay totals.
England scored 100/0 against South Africa at Old Trafford in 2025. India’s 100/0 against Afghanistan now shares the next spot on the list.
With 118/0 in Wellington, India have created a new benchmark for powerplay batting in men’s T20Is.
