Shikhar Dhawan
Wednesday’s defeat was India’s worst in the format (AFP Photo)

India on Wednesday suffered their worst T20I defeat in terms of run-margin when they were pummelled by an all-round New Zealand in the series opener in Wellington.

After a quickfire 43-ball 84 from opener Tim Seifert powered them to 219/6 at the Westpac Stadium, Tim Southee led a superb bowling performance with 3/17 as India were bowled out for 139 in 19.2 overs.

New Zealand thus condemned India to an 80-run defeat which is their worse ever in the format. With this win, the hosts also took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Below are India’s top-five defeats (by run-margin) in T20Is

 

S. no Opponent Margin Year & Venue
1 New Zealand 80 runs 2019, Wellington
2 Australia 49 runs 2010, Bridgetown
3 New Zealand 47 runs 2016, Nagpur
4 New Zealand 40 runs 2017, Rajkot
5 Australia 31 runs 2012, Sydney

 

#The win also broke India’s run of seven straight T20I wins under Rohit Sharma – the joint most alongside MS Dhoni

#This is India’s 17th defeat when chasing while 21 have come when they have batted first. Overall, in 111 T20Is, India have 69 wins, 38 losses, a tie and one no result.

#The 219/6 is the joint second highest total conceded by India in the format, the top being 245/6 against West Indies in 2016.

#The 219/6 is also the highest T20I total at the Westpac Stadium

#Wicketkeeper-batsman Seifert recorded his maiden T20I fifty and thus registered his best score in the format, hitting 84 with seven fours and six sixes.