India completed a ruthless eight-wicket win over New Zealand in the third T20I on Sunday, wrapping up the five-match series 3-0 with an emphatic all-round display. This was the Men in Blue’s 11th consecutive
T20I series win, putting them level with Pakistan for the world record among ICC’s full member nations.
Previously, only the Sarfaraz Ahmed-led Pakistani side in 2016-18 won 11 series on the trot. The next best records on the list are both held by India, with seven in 2017-18 and six in 2019-21.
This form bodes well for India, as after the remaining two T20Is against the Kiwis, the team will host the 2026 T20 World Cup. Following that, they’ll travel to England for a five-T20I series, winning which could give them the world record of 12 consecutive series triumphs.
India already own the record for most consecutive series wins at home with 10 (from 2022-26). The next best was Australia with eight (2006-10).
How India beat New Zealand
Asked to bat first, New Zealand were instantly put under pressure by India’s seamers. Hardik Pandya set the tone with a sharp running catch to remove Devon Conway off Harshit Rana’s bowling in the opening over before striking himself to dismiss Rachin Ravindra.
Jasprit Bumrah, returning after a rest, made instant inroads by bowling Tim Seifert and later finished as the standout bowler with figures of 3 for 17. Ravi Bishnoi, back in the side for Varun Chakravarthy, controlled the middle overs superbly, picking up key wickets and conceding little room to score.
Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman briefly steadied the innings with a 52-run partnership, but Bishnoi broke the stand, and New Zealand never recovered, closing on a modest 153 for 9.
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India’s chase began with an early setback as Sanju Samson fell on the first ball, extending his lean run. But in-form Ishan Kishan counter-attacked with some clean hitting, while Abhishek Sharma unleashed a stunning assault, racing to a half-century in just 14 balls.
India stormed to 94 for 2 in the power play, effectively ending the contest.
After Ishan departed, Suryakumar Yadav joined Abhishek and maintained the tempo effortlessly. The pair added an unbeaten 102 at breathtaking speed.
Abhishek remained 68 not out from 20 balls, while Suryakumar finished on 57 from 26, as India cruised home inside 10 overs to underline their dominance.
