CricBengal.com | Sports Desk
India may have lost the fifth and final T20I against New Zealand, but the defeat could not overshadow a remarkable batting milestone. The Indian team became the first side in men’s T20I history to hit 400 sixes in a single calendar year.
The landmark was achieved on Sunday, November 1, during the final match of India’s five-match T20I series against New Zealand at Seddon Park in Hamilton. India have struck 400 sixes across 40 T20I matches in 2026, setting a new benchmark in the format.
India Reach the 400-Six Landmark
India’s milestone came during their innings against New Zealand. Batting first, the visitors posted 191 for eight in 20 overs.
Ishan Kishan led the scoring with an explosive 61 off 32 balls, including five fours and five sixes. Shreyas Iyer also produced an attacking half-century, scoring 50 from just 23 deliveries with four sixes.
Naman Dhir and Nitish Kumar Reddy contributed 33 and 22 respectively. India’s innings included several powerful hits, helping the team reach the historic annual six-hitting mark.
New Zealand pacer Adam Milne was the standout bowler, claiming four wickets for 19 runs. Blair Tickner and Nathan Smith picked up two wickets each.
Austria and West Indies Trail India
The gap between India and the other teams in the annual T20I six-hitting chart is considerable.
Austria have hit 224 sixes in 24 matches, while the West Indies have also recorded 224 maximums in 21 matches. India’s total of 400 therefore stands well ahead of the other teams listed in the record.
India have also set a separate benchmark against a single opponent. Their batters have struck 142 sixes against New Zealand in 2026, the most by a team against one opponent in a calendar year in men’s T20Is.
Abhishek Sharma Leads India’s Six-Hitters
Abhishek Sharma has been India’s leading six-hitter in T20Is during 2026, with 86 maximums to his name.
Ishan Kishan occupies second place with 60 sixes, while Sanju Samson is third with 50. The numbers underline the contribution of India’s aggressive top-order batting throughout the year.
The milestone also reflects the team’s ability to maintain an attacking approach across a demanding international schedule.
New Zealand Win the Final Match, India Take the Series
Despite India’s record, New Zealand dominated the chase in Hamilton. The hosts reached 195 for three in 18 overs, winning by seven wickets with 12 balls to spare.
Tim Seifert was the leading run-scorer, smashing 93 from 50 balls. Glenn Phillips remained unbeaten on 65 from 38 deliveries to guide New Zealand home.
India’s defeat in the final match did not affect the overall series result. The visitors won the five-match contest 3–2.
CricBengal Analysis: India’s 400-six milestone highlights the depth and attacking intent of their T20I batting unit. However, sustaining that level of dominance will also require consistent performances with the ball and stronger execution in decisive moments.
Sources: ANI, PTI and Cricbuzz
Published by: CricBengal.com
