Abhishek Sharma broke one of Rohit Sharma's records during the first T20I match against New Zealand. Abhishek started the run chase well for India in his usual style. Before losing his wicket, the left-handed opener did his job precisely.

Batting first, New Zealand scored 225 runs for 4 wickets only. Bhuvneshwar Kumar was in the Indian bowling attack, but he remained ineffective, without taking a single wicket. On SENA nations, chasing 225 runs in a T20I match is never an easy task. The pair of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson provided the Men in Blue a solid platform for the run chase.

Abhishek Sharma breaks Rohit Sharma's record in T20Is

During the brief but explosive knock, Abhishek Sharma surpassed former India captain Rohit Sharma in a record list. After today's 29-run knock off 12 balls, Abhishek requires only one 6 to complete his 100th T20 International six in the powerplay. Before Abhishek Sharma, Rohit Sharma was holding the record for smashing most number of sixes in powerplay in T20Is.

Abhishek, in his 29-run innings, hit two fours and three sixes to surpass Rohit's 98-six record. On the way, the southpaw overtook batters like Martin Guptill, Muhammad Waseem, Paul Stirling, and Quinton De Kock.

Most Powerplay Sixes in T20Is

99 - Abhishek Sharma
98 - Rohit Sharma
97 - Martin Guptill
95 - Muhammad Waseem
94 - Paul Stirling
87 - Quinton De Kock

Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson provide India a solid start

The aggressive batting from the start of the run chase reflects on the scoreboard. While Abhishek scored 29 runs with a strike rate of 241.67, his opening partner, Sanju Samson, went on to score a half-century. India lost their first wicket on the fifth ball of the sixth over, when they were on 93 runs. India accumulated 94 runs from the powerplay, which is one of the highest for the team in T20Is.

Against Afghanistan this year, India scored 100 runs without losing a single wicket in the powerplay in a T20 match, which remains the best in powerplays for the team. Earlier this year, the Men in Blue top order hammered 94 runs again against New Zealand in Guwahati, losing two wickets. Today in Christchurch, they got the same, losing only one batter.

Big record for Team India as well in T20I format

In the final of the 2026 T20 World Cup, the Indian batting order played another dominating innings. At the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Team India scored 92 runs in the powerplay before losing a wicket. In the recent past, on multiple occasions when India faced New Zealand, batters played some unforgettable knocks against the new ball.

Highest totals in Overs 1-6 for India in T20Is
100/0 vs Afghanistan, Delhi, 2026
95/1 vs England, Mumbai WS, 2025
94/2 vs New Zealand, Guwahati, 2026
94/1 vs New Zealand, Christchurch, 2026
92/0 vs New Zealand, Ahmedabad, T20 WC 2026 final

The bilateral series in New Zealand has just begun, with more T20Is and ODI matches to be played in the series. Cricket fans can expect more fireworks in the series.