delivered a stellar performance, defeating India by 87 runs in the held in Auckland.
Chasing a daunting target of 260 runs, the Indian team managed only 172 runs, losing nine wickets in the process.
This defeat marks India’s second-largest loss in history in terms of runs. Earlier in 2026, they faced their most significant defeat against England, where they lost by 125 runs. The loss also ended India’s impressive streak of ten consecutive victories against New Zealand in T20 matches.
The Indian batting lineup struggled from the start. Sanju Samson was dismissed for just 4 runs, and Ishan Kishan failed to score. Abhishek Sharma managed 27 runs before being out, while Shreyas Iyer scored 22 runs off 11 balls before returning to the pavilion. Axar Patel and Nitish Kumar Reddy added 7 and 21 runs, respectively. Tilak Varma was the top scorer for India with 35 runs, and Naman Dheer contributed 28 runs, while Prince Yadav remained not out at 18 runs.
Earlier, New Zealand set a formidable target, scoring 259 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their 20 overs. was the standout performer, smashing 107 runs off just 49 balls. Michael Bracewell also impressed with a quickfire 65 runs off 25 balls. Finn Allen and Daryl Mitchell chipped in with 31 and 24 runs, respectively. In the bowling department, Jacob Duffy claimed four wickets for 23 runs, while captain Mitchell Santner and Matthew Fisher each took two wickets.