India achieve a rare T20I milestone against New Zealand (Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com)
Shaking off the scars of a brutal ODI series loss to New Zealand, Team India hit back with a confident start to the five-match T20 series. After a solid show with the bat, the Indian bowlers nailed the game and secured a thrilling victory.
The commanding 48-run win was more than just a series lead; it pushed Team India level with Australia for the most T20I wins against New Zealand. Pakistan and England are just away from them.
Team India joins Australia in a rare T20I milestone against the Kiwis
Team India faced a wave of criticism after they faced a heartbreaking defeat in the recently ended three-match ODI despite a solid start. But with the T20 World Cup 2026 drawing closer, the Men in Blue hit back in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, treating it as a final rehearsal and starting on a strong note.
Batting first, Team India put on a massive total of 238 runs, and the New Zealand side faced the heat. While defending the total, the Indian bowlers became fierce as the Kiwis failed to turn the tide even after Glenn Phillips’ fighting 78. At the end, the Men in Blue achieved a dominating 48-run victory.
With that victory, Team India equals Australia’s thrilling milestone against New Zealand. The Aussies had long held the mark with 15 T20I victories over the Kiwis, sitting third on the all-time list. After the recent victory, Team India joined Australia in the rare feat.
Pakistan hold the top spot as England lurk close
As India and Australia are standing in the third position of the list, Pakistan has been the most successful team against the Kiwis in the shortest format. Over the years, they have registered 24 victories against New Zealand and stand at the top of the list.
With the Men in Green are leading the chart, England is standing right behind them. The English side has registered 17 wins against New Zealand, holding the second position on the list.
Most T20I wins against New Zealand
Pakistan: 24
England: 17
Australia, India: 15*
India deliver a shocker, New Zealand sink in disappointment
With the T20 World Cup 2026 around the corner, the T20I series against New Zealand turned into a crucial final rehearsal, and the Men in Blue nailed the opening act. Coming to bat first, Team India faced two consecutive setbacks as Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan walked out early.
Standing at that point, Abhishek Sharma and Captain Suryakumar Yadav stitched a game-changing partnership. The Kiwi bowlers faced the head as Abhishek Sharma looked unstoppable, as his hard-hitting put the opponent bowlers on the back foot.
After Abhishek’s exceptional innings of a 35-ball 84, Rinku Singh’s unbeaten stormy innings of 44 runs in 20 deliveries helped India to put on a total of 238 runs. Defending the total, the Kiwi batters faltered against the Indian bowling attack.
As New Zealand’s chase kept slipping away, Glenn Phillips showed grit and class with a fighting 78 to keep hopes alive. But Indian bowling brilliance took away the game as New Zealand faced a 48-run defeat.
