Indian cricket witnessed a historic batting show on Friday as India national cricket team smashed their way into the record books during the 5th T20I against New Zealand national cricket team at the Greenfield International Stadium.
Powered by a breathtaking century from Ishan Kishan, India posted 271/5 in 20 overs, hitting 23 sixes in a single innings. This effort now stands among the top performances in T20I history for most sixes by a team in one innings and marks India’s latest entry into the elite list.
India eventually sealed the series 4–1, completing a dominant campaign ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.
India Record-Breaking Innings vs New Zealand
India’s batting approach was fearless from the first over. The flat pitch, short boundaries, and aggressive intent resulted in one of the most destructive T20I innings ever seen.
- Total score: 271/5
- Total sixes: 23
- Ishan Kishan: 103 off 43 balls (10 sixes)
- Support cast: Suryakumar Yadav, Abhishek Sharma, Shivam Dube
This innings not only ranks among India’s best but also highlights the team’s growing power-hitting depth heading into a global tournament.
Most Sixes by a Team in a T20I Innings Top Records (Updated 2026)
| Rank | Sixes | Team | Score | Opponent | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 29 | Spain | 218/9 | Croatia | La Manga Club, Spain | 7 Dec 2025 |
| 2 | 27 | Zimbabwe | High score | Gambia | Nairobi, Kenya | 23 Oct 2024 |
| 3 | 23 | India | 283/1 | South Africa | Johannesburg | 15 Nov 2024 |
| 4 | 23 | India | 271/5 | New Zealand | Thiruvananthapuram | 31 Jan 2026 |
| 5 | 22 | Afghanistan | 278/3 | Ireland | Dehradun, India | 23 Feb 2019 |
| 6 | 21 | West Indies | High score | Various | Various | 27 Aug 2016 |
| 7 | 21 | India | High score | Various | Various | 22 Dec 2017 |
| 8 | 21 | Austria | High score | Various | Various | 31 Aug 2019 |
| 9 | 20 | England | High score | South Africa | Bristol | 2022 |
| 10 | 19–20 | Associate teams | Various | Various | Various | Various |
How Today Innings Stands Out
India’s 23-sixes effort against New Zealand equals their own previous best from 2024 and comes against a strong full-member opposition, making it even more impressive.
- Among Test-playing nations, only Afghanistan (22 sixes in 2019) comes close.
- India now hold two of the top four spots overall.
- The innings featured contributions from multiple batters, not just one standout knock.
Impact on India’s T20 World Cup 2026 Preparation
This performance sends a clear message ahead of the World Cup. India’s ability to score at will, across the top and middle order, makes them one of the most dangerous batting sides in the tournament.
Ishan Kishan century has also strengthened his case as a key member of India’s World Cup plans, while the team’s overall strike power looks ready for big stages.
India’s 23-sixes blitz against New Zealand is more than just a record—it reflects a shift in mindset. With two entries now among the highest six-hitting innings in T20I history, India’s batting firepower is peaking at the right time.
