IND vs NZ 3rd T20i Live: India rewrote the record books in men's T20 Internationals with a sensational 118 without loss in the first six overs against New Zealand in the third T20I in Wellington. Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi delivered a breathtaking opening assault, recording the highest team total in the powerplay in men's T20I cricket, according to Cricbuzz.

The Indian openers took the attack to New Zealand from the start, leaving the bowlers struggling to contain the scoring rate. Abhishek brought up his half-century in just 15 balls, while teenage sensation Vaibhav added to the onslaught as India raced towards the target of 199.

India Break Men's T20I Powerplay World Record

India's 118/0 eclipsed the previous benchmark of 116/0, set by Romania against Serbia in Sofia in 2021. Australia had also scored 113/1 against Scotland in Edinburgh in 2024, while Zimbabwe's 103/1 against Gambia in Nairobi in 2024 featured among the other highest powerplay totals.

The record-breaking start underlined the scale of India's assault. With both openers still at the crease after six overs, the visitors had seized control of the chase and put New Zealand under immediate pressure.

Highest Powerplay Totals In Men's T20Is

The highest team totals in overs 1-6 in men's T20Is are:

1. India: 118/0 vs New Zealand, Wellington, 2026
2. Romania: 116/0 vs Serbia, Sofia, 2021, in 5.4 overs
3. Australia: 113/1 vs Scotland, Edinburgh, 2024
4. Zimbabwe: 103/1 vs Gambia, Nairobi, 2024
5. South Africa: 102/0 vs West Indies, Centurion, 2023
6. England: 100/0 vs South Africa, Old Trafford, 2025
7. India: 100/0 vs Afghanistan, Delhi, 2026

India's latest feat moves them to the top of the list, ahead of Romania's long-standing mark.

The explosive start also gave India a major advantage in their pursuit of New Zealand's 198/3, with Abhishek and Vaibhav combining to produce one of the most remarkable powerplays in men's T20I history.

The explosive start also gave India a major advantage in their pursuit of New Zealand's 198/3, with Abhishek and Vaibhav combining to produce one of the most remarkable powerplays in men's T20I history.