Abhishek Sharma produced a breathtaking batting performance as India smashed multiple scoring records against New Zealand in the third T20I at Wellington on October 27, 2026. The left-handed opener struck a sensational 113 off just 38 balls, helping India chase down a target of 199 in only 13.2 overs.
India defeated New Zealand by six wickets to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match T20I series. The match also witnessed a record-breaking powerplay, a remarkable opening over and several individual milestones.
Abhishek Sharma Smashes 35-Ball Century in Wellington
Abhishek Sharma dominated the New Zealand bowling attack from the beginning of India's chase. He completed his century in just 35 deliveries, making it one of the fastest hundreds in men's T20I cricket.
His innings of 113 came from 38 balls and included 11 sixes and nine fours. It was his fourth T20I century and further strengthened his reputation as one of the most destructive batters in the format.
Abhishek's 35-ball hundred was the fastest T20I century against New Zealand. It was also among the joint third-fastest hundreds by a batter from a full-member nation in men's T20Is.
India Set a New Men's T20I Powerplay Record
India's opening partnership turned the chase into a one-sided contest. Abhishek Sharma and 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi attacked the New Zealand bowlers from the first over.
India finished the first six overs at an extraordinary 118 without losing a wicket. This became the highest powerplay total in men's T20I cricket, surpassing Romania's previous record of 116 without loss against Serbia in 2021.
The Indian team also reached 50 in just 2.2 overs and completed 100 runs in only five overs. The latter was the fastest team hundred in men's T20I cricket at the time of the match.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Provides Explosive Support
Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi played a major role in India's extraordinary start. Opening alongside Abhishek, he scored 45 runs from only 19 balls.
The pair added 133 runs for the opening wicket in just 7.1 overs, scoring at a remarkable run rate of 18.13. Their partnership established a new benchmark for the highest run rate in a century opening stand between full-member teams in men's T20Is.
India also scored 26 runs in the opening over, bowled by Jacob Duffy. This equalled the record for the most expensive first over in a men's T20I innings.
India Chase 199 in Just 13.2 Overs
New Zealand had posted 198 for three in their 20 overs after being asked to bat first. Daryl Mitchell led their innings with an unbeaten 89, providing the foundation for a competitive total.
However, India's aggressive approach made the target look far smaller. Abhishek and Sooryavanshi gave the visitors little opportunity to settle into their bowling plans.
India eventually reached 199 for four in just 13.2 overs, winning the match by six wickets with 40 balls remaining. The result also secured India's five-match T20I series with a 3-0 lead.
India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I: Match Scorecard
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| New Zealand | 198/3 (20 overs) |
| India | 199/4 (13.2 overs) |
Result: India won by six wickets.
Series: India lead the five-match T20I series 3-0.
Major Records Broken by India and Abhishek Sharma
- India scored 118/0 in the powerplay, the highest total in a men's T20I powerplay.
- India reached 100 in just 30 balls, the fastest team hundred in men's T20Is.
- India reached 50 in 14 balls, the fastest by a full-member team in men's T20Is.
- India scored 26 runs in the first over, equalling the record for the most expensive opening over in a men's T20I innings.
- Abhishek Sharma scored his century in 35 balls, the fastest T20I hundred against New Zealand.
- Abhishek registered his fourth T20I century.
- Abhishek and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi recorded a run rate of 18.13 in their 133-run opening partnership.
- India chased 199 in 13.2 overs, completing the successful chase with 40 balls remaining.
India Seal the T20I Series Against New Zealand
The six-wicket victory gave India an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series, with two matches still remaining. The performance demonstrated India's aggressive batting approach and the impact of Abhishek Sharma at the top of the order.
For New Zealand, the challenge will be to find a way to contain India's explosive batting in the remaining matches. Mitchell Santner and his teammates will need a stronger response after the record-breaking performance in Wellington.
Conclusion
Abhishek Sharma's 113 off 38 balls and India's record-breaking 118-run powerplay made the Wellington T20I a memorable night for Indian cricket. With Vaibhav Sooryavanshi providing explosive support, India chased 199 in just 13.2 overs and secured the series with a 3-0 lead.
The performance added several new milestones to men's T20I cricket and underlined India's remarkable scoring ability in the shortest format.
