On Thursday, October 22, India made history in Christchurch by completing their most successful run chase in T20I cricket history. In the first Twenty20 International of the five-match series, India chased a massive total of 226 against New Zealand and achieved it with four wickets remaining.
In their innings, New Zealand had amassed an impressive total of 225/4. With an undefeated 82 to anchor their score and give the New Zealand team real substance, Glenn Phillips was the hosts’ star batsman. However, India’s hitters overtook the target with two balls remaining after responding with a calm and forceful pursuit.
India easily exceeded their previous record chase of 209, set against Australia in Visakhapatnam (2023) and against New Zealand in Raipur (2026), thanks to Sanju Samson’s 67 off 33 balls. The historic victory also sets a new standard for the Men in Blue, surpassing legendary chases against Sri Lanka (207 in 2009) and the West Indies (208 in 2019).
Highest Successful Chases for India in T20Is
| Rank | Target Chased | Opposition | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 226 | New Zealand | Christchurch | 2026 |
| 2 | 209 | Australia | Visakhapatnam | 2023 |
| 3 | 209 | New Zealand | Raipur | 2026 |
| 4 | 208 | West Indies | Hyderabad | 2019 |
| 5 | 207 | Sri Lanka | Mohali | 2009 |
| 6 | 204 | New Zealand | Auckland | 2020 |
New Zealand scored their greatest T20I total against India while batting first. The hosts concluded with 225/4 in their 20 overs thanks to Glenn Phillips’ spectacular strike of 82 off 40 balls. Before Phillips took over, Finn Allen gave New Zealand a furious start with 45 off 24 balls. Mayank Yadav, Axar Patel, and Arshdeep Singh all took wickets during the poor performance of the Indian bowlers.
