CHRISTCHURCH: India have created history by becoming the first team to register 200 victories in men’s Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) , reaching the milestone with a thrilling four-wicket win over New Zealand in the second match of the five-game series on October 24.
The victory at Hagley Oval in Christchurch was also India’s 300th T20I, making them only the second team after Pakistan to play 300 matches in the format. India reached the landmark after recovering from a difficult position in their chase of 181, with Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy producing a match-winning partnership.
The result gave India a 2-0 lead in the five-match series and underlined the team’s record in the shortest international format.
India recover from 70 for five
Chasing New Zealand’s total of 180 for five, India struggled in the middle overs and were reduced to 70 for five. The hosts had gained control through disciplined bowling, with captain Mitchell Santner playing a key role in the collapse.
India lost wickets at regular intervals and faced mounting pressure as the required run rate increased. Naman Dhir contributed 31 off 17 balls, but his dismissal left the visitors needing another substantial partnership to stay in contention.
Tilak Varma took responsibility at a crucial stage, combining measured batting with attacking strokes. Nitish Kumar Reddy joined him and helped turn the contest around with an aggressive approach in the closing overs.
Tilak and Reddy guide India home
Tilak remained unbeaten on 51 off 26 deliveries, while Reddy scored an unbeaten 26 off 13 balls. Their unbroken 69-run partnership for the seventh wicket brought India back into the match and took the team across the finish line.
India reached 181 for six in 19.5 overs, completing the chase with one ball remaining. The partnership proved decisive after New Zealand had put the visitors under significant pressure.
Earlier, New Zealand had recovered from early setbacks to post 180 for five. Glenn Phillips led the scoring with 70 off 43 balls, while Bevon Jacobs contributed 58 off 46 deliveries. Their partnership helped the hosts build a competitive total after India’s bowlers made early breakthroughs.
Despite Santner’s efforts with the ball, New Zealand could not defend the target as the Indian pair maintained their composure during the final stages of the chase.
India move ahead in T20I victories
The win took India’s tally to 200 outright victories in men’s T20Is. Pakistan, who have played more matches in the format, remain second in the list of teams with the most wins, followed by New Zealand.
India’s record after 300 T20Is stands at 200 wins, 83 defeats, seven tied matches and 10 no-results. The team has also recorded victories in Super Overs and a bowl-out, which are separate from outright match wins.
Pakistan have played 304 T20Is and recorded 176 outright victories, while New Zealand have 135 wins from 269 matches. South Africa and England follow with 129 and 128 victories, respectively.
The milestone reflects India’s sustained presence in international T20 cricket since making their debut in the format in 2006. The team has regularly featured in bilateral series and major global tournaments, while continuing to develop players suited to the fast-paced format.
New Zealand series continues
The second-match victory strengthened India’s position in the ongoing series, with three matches still to be played. The teams are scheduled to meet next in Wellington on October 27.
For India, the series provides an opportunity to test combinations and maintain momentum ahead of future international assignments. For New Zealand, the remaining matches offer a chance to respond after two defeats.
India’s record-breaking 200th win adds another landmark to the team’s T20I history, achieved through a successful recovery from a difficult chase and a decisive partnership under pressure.