Shreyas Iyer Records Fastest T20I Fifty Vs New Zealand As India Captain, Pips Suryakumar Yadav

Shreyas Iyer in action (Source: AFP Photos)

On Sunday, India captain Shreyas Iyer took only 22 balls to get to a fine half-century against New Zealand in the fifth and final T20I of the series at Seddon Park, Hamilton. In the process, he recorded the fastest T20I fifty against New Zealand as India captain, dethroning the record held by Suryakumar Yadav.

Suryakumar Yadav had a 23-ball half-century in Raipur when New Zealand toured India earlier this year. India’s T20 World Cup 2026-winning captain also had a 25-ball fifty in Guwahati in the same series. However, Shreyas, who was asked to bat first, reached the top of the chart with Hamilton masterclass.

Shreyas Iyer Steps Up After Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson's Failures

Coming to bat first, India lost Sanju Samson for a 10-ball 4, resulting in them to a worst possible start. Abhishek Sharma too lasted only two balls for one run, and captain Shreyas delivered just when it mattered.

---

ALSO READ

Shreyas Iyer Breaks Rohit Sharma's Big Record As India Captain Within 4 Months Of Taking Charge

---

Shreyas smashed four sixes and three fours to create new record, although he fell to Nathan Smith on the next delivery after 11th T20I half-century. He also had a century in this format.

Fastest T20I Fifty Vs New Zealand As India Captain

• 22 Balls By Shreyas Iyer, Hamilton, 2026
• 23 Balls By Suryakumar Yadav, Raipur, 2026,
• 25 Balls By Suryakumar Yadav, Guwahati

Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer Leave New Zealand In Tatters

Shreyas was ably supported by Ishan Kishan, who made 61 off 32 balls with five sixes and as many fours. They made 93 runs together for third wicket, and India did not have more runs as a third-wicket partnership in New Zealand T20Is.

Highest 3rd Wicket Partnerships for India vs New Zealand in New Zealand In T20Is

• 93 - Ishan Kishan & Shreyas Iyer, Hamilton, 2026, Tonight*
• 86 - Shreyas Iyer & KL Rahul, Auckland, 2020
• 46 - Abhishek Sharma & Shreyas Iyer, Auckland, 2026

India, thanks to Shreyas and Kishan, posted 191/8 batting first, with Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer being the top-scorers of the innings.

---

ALSO READ

Watch- Finn Allen Loses Balance During Superhuman Effort As Ishan Kishan Survives

---