Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Power India To T20I World Record

WELLINGTON- India broke the world record for the highest powerplay score in men’s T20 internationals, smashing 118 without losing a wicket in the first six overs of their third T20I against New Zealand on Oct. 27.

Abhishek Sharma and promoted opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi led the explosive start as India raced through the powerplay while chasing a target of 199. Abhishek was unbeaten on 57 off 20 balls, while Sooryavanshi remained not out on 44 off 17 deliveries.

India’s 118/0 surpassed the previous record of 116/0, set by Romania against Serbia in Sofia in 2021, when the team reached the total in 5.4 overs. The Indian batters attacked New Zealand’s depleted bowling attack from the outset, reaching 100 runs in just five overs.

It was the second-fastest team hundred in men’s T20Is, behind Eswatini, who reached the milestone in 4.5 overs against Mozambique earlier this year. India’s effort was the fastest team hundred by a full-member nation, surpassing the previous marks set by South Africa and Australia, both of whom reached 100 in 5.3 overs against the West Indies and Scotland, respectively.

India also brought up their team fifty in just 2.2 overs, equaling the joint-fastest mark in men’s T20Is. Papua New Guinea had reached 50 in the same number of overs against Vanuatu, while Romania achieved the feat against Serbia.(IANS)