Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi set new T20I opening‑partnership record in India's 3‑0 series win over New Zealand

India clinched the third T20I against New Zealand in Wellington, sealing a 3‑0 series sweep. The win was highlighted by a historic opening stand that set a new world record for the fastest run‑rate in a 100‑plus partnership in men’s T20 internationals.

Match Overview

• Venue: Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand
• Date & Time: 2026 (local time), exact date not specified in the source
• Result: India won by six wickets in 13.2 overs, chasing 199
• Series Score: 3‑0 to India

Record‑Breaking Partnership

• Partners: Abhishek Sharma and 15‑year‑old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
• Runs Scored: 133 runs in just seven overs
• Run Rate: 18.13 runs per over – the highest ever for a 100‑plus opening stand in men’s T20Is
• Previous Record: 16.08 runs per over by England’s Jos Buttler & Phil Salt vs South Africa, Old Trafford, 2025

Individual Performances

• Abhishek Sharma: 113 runs off 38 balls (century in 35 deliveries)
• Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: 45 runs off 18 balls
• Powerplay: India reached 118/0, the highest unbeaten powerplay total in a chase

Series Impact & Practical Implications

• The partnership underscores India’s aggressive top‑order strategy, giving the team a decisive edge in future T20I chases.
• Young talent Sooryavanshi’s impact at age 15 may accelerate his inclusion in upcoming squads.
• Opposing teams will likely review bowling plans for the first six overs, as the record shows how quickly a chase can be put under pressure.

How to Verify

• Check the official ICC match centre for the full scorecard and partnership statistics.
• Refer to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) press release dated after the Wellington match.
• Independent sports news outlets (e.g., ESPNcricinfo, BBC Sport) also reported the record and match result.

--- *All figures are taken from the cited Times of India article; no additional speculation is included.*