IND vs NZ 2026: Ishan Kishan Creates History, Becomes First Indian and Only Third Player to Achieve Rare Feat
Ishan Kishan smashed 76 off 32 balls in Raipur, setting a unique T20I powerplay record as India beat New Zealand to lead 2–0.
Ishan Kishan played one of his most destructive T20I innings as India chased down a stiff target of 209 against New Zealand in Raipur to go 2–0 up in the five-match series.
Walking in at No. 3 with India in trouble at 6 for 2, Kishan flipped the match within minutes. The left-hander smashed 76 off just 32 balls and turned an early wobble into a one-sided chase.
India had lost both openers cheaply, and New Zealand were on top in the powerplay. Kishan responded with fearless strokeplay, taking on pace and spin from the first over he faced.
He raced to his half-century in just 21 balls, the fastest by an Indian against New Zealand in T20Is. That effort bettered Abhishek Sharma’s 22-ball fifty from the previous match of the series.
Kishan’s powerplay impact was historic. He scored 56 runs off 23 balls inside the first six overs, becoming the first Indian non-opener to score 50 or more runs in a T20I powerplay.
Overall, he is only the third non-opener from full-member teams to achieve the feat. The only batter ahead is Dion Myers, who scored 60 in a powerplay against Rwanda, while Josh Inglis had made 51 against West Indies in 2025.
The assault left New Zealand scrambling for answers as boundaries flowed square of the wicket and over midwicket. Kishan’s intent ensured India were well ahead of the required rate throughout the chase.
He then added a match-defining century partnership with captain Suryakumar Yadav, who played the anchor role as Kishan continued to attack. The stand all but sealed the game before the halfway mark.
India finished the chase with a staggering 27 balls to spare, underlining their dominance in the contest. The win also handed them a comfortable 2–0 lead in the five-match T20I series.
For Kishan, the innings stood out not just for the speed, but for the context. Batting as a non-opener in a high-pressure chase, he delivered a rare, powerplay-heavy knock that rewrote the record books.
