Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi produced a sensational batting display in the third T20I between India and New Zealand in Wellington on October 27, 2026. Their explosive opening partnership left the New Zealand bowlers struggling for answers as India scored a record-breaking 118 runs without losing a wicket in the powerplay. The effort surpassed Australia’s previous men’s T20I record of 113/0 against Scotland. Former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja was left amazed by the duo’s fearless approach, suggesting that their performances reflected a new era of aggressive T20 cricket.
Speaking on Sony Sports, Ajay Jadeja compared their impact to Rohit Sharma, who has long been recognised for his attacking batting. “I got a feeling that the period of the game has changed. It seemed like no one would be able to play faster than Rohit Sharma. Now, when you see their numbers, you will feel whether Rohit Sharma was a player. It’s a new era and a new day,” Jadeja said.
Abhishek led the charge with a breathtaking 113 off just 38 deliveries, smashing nine fours and 11 sixes. At the other end, 15-year-old Sooryavanshi contributed 45 runs from 19 balls, including four fours and four sixes. The pair reached their century partnership in only 30 deliveries, setting a new record for the fastest 100-run stand in men’s T20 internationals.
Ajay Jadeja highlighted how the two Indian batters made the New Zealand bowling attack appear powerless. According to him, the bowlers had little opportunity to regain control once Abhishek and Sooryavanshi settled into their aggressive rhythm. “They (the bowlers) could have done only one thing today, and that was to sit down. Where were they running? They couldn’t have done anything. Whatever you did, they (Abhishek and Sooryavanshi) were only doing,” he remarked.
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Jadeja also praised the enjoyment and confidence the young batters brought to their innings. He suggested that their fearless mindset allowed them to maintain relentless pressure without worrying about the consequences of attacking shots. “They were in such a mood. This can only happen at this age. They kept enjoying, and I am extremely thankful for the enjoyment they gave us,” he added.
Reflecting on the speed of India’s opening partnership, Jadeja explained that reaching 100 runs in just five overs was an extraordinary achievement. He noted that bowlers usually expect attacking batters to make mistakes eventually, but the relentless scoring left New Zealand with little time to respond.
However, Ajay Jadeja cautioned against analysing the match as though such a performance could be repeated regularly. He stressed that exceptional batting displays should sometimes be appreciated as special occasions rather than treated as a blueprint for every game. “Some matches shouldn’t be analyzed, whether you are a player, a coach, us sitting here, or those watching at home,” Ajay Jadeja said, describing the contest as an exceptionally special day.
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The performance also reinforced the impressive T20 records of both players. Abhishek had accumulated 2,127 T20I runs at a strike rate of 193.36 across 68 innings, while Sooryavanshi had scored 295 runs at a strike rate of 185.53 in 10 international matches in the format. Their record-breaking partnership underlined India’s aggressive batting approach and gave fans another memorable example of the attacking style shaping modern T20 cricket.
