The process of scoring runs in T20 cricket presents one challenge to players. The ability to maintain peak performance for enough time to achieve 3000 international T20 runs stands as a different athletic achievement. The T20 format requires players to take risks while they bat at high speeds which continuously change the game. 

Every player demonstrates a different part of India's T20 development which includes three main elements of their performance.

Indian Players to Score 3000 T20I Runs

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli became the first Indian player to achieve the 3000-run milestone in T20 International matches which established a standard that demonstrated India's early success in the cricket format. Kohli proved himself as the most dependable run producer during a period when T20 cricket had not yet established its proper combination of aggressive and stable playing styles. His ability to control innings, especially during run chases, made him indispensable to India’s T20 setup for over a decade.

Kohli distinguished himself from others because he performed consistently well when situations became challenging. While strike rates fluctuated across conditions and opponents, his output rarely dipped. Kohli took on different roles that included opening, batting at No. 3, and finishing games with complete ease. His 3000 T20I runs were built on discipline, fitness, and an unmatched hunger for runs, which made him the mainstay of India's T20 batting lineup over an extended period.

Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma achieved his 3,000 T20I runs through a combination of graceful batting and powerful hitting abilities. Rohit showed the cricket world a new way for openers to play the shortest format because of his natural ability to hit various types of shots. He could take apart opponent bowling systems after he reached his batting target because he used his timing skills to hit home runs without using excessive strength.

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Rohit brought more than his personal talent to the game because he contributed to team success. He led his team by promoting aggressive batting methods at the beginning of matches while keeping his team calm during intense situations. His three T20I centuries demonstrated how he excelled at converting his batting opportunities into victory runs. His 3,000 run milestone demonstrated his combination of career durability and exceptional skills which helped India establish its T20 batting style.

Suryakumar Yadav

The 3,000-run club marks a new era for Indian T20 batting after Suryakumar Yadav achieved this milestone. Suryakumar became the fastest player in T20 history to reach 3,000 runs because he achieved this milestone at a speed that no one else had accomplished before. He began his career at the same time that T20 cricket began to adopt its current extremely aggressive playing style.

Suryakumar stands out because he approaches the game without fear while possessing exceptional abilities to execute various batting techniques. He begins his assault against bowlers from the first delivery of the match, which he does against all teams and in all game situations, and his quick success leads to changes in match outcomes during the initial overs.

The 3,000 runs he achieved serve as proof of his achievements, which he built through his innovative approaches and self-assurance and his competitive attitude that represents India's present T20 playing style.

Frequently Asked Question

1. How many Indian players have scored 3000 runs in T20 Internationals?

Only three Indian batters have reached the 3000-run mark in T20Is Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Suryakumar Yadav.

2. Why is scoring 3000 T20I runs considered a major achievement?

T20 cricket demands high strike rates, constant risk-taking, and consistency. Maintaining form long enough to reach 3000 runs reflects durability, adaptability, and elite-level performance across different conditions and opponents.

3. What made Virat Kohli’s 3000 T20I runs special?

Virat Kohli was the first Indian to reach the milestone. His runs came through consistency, chase mastery, and role flexibility, making him India’s most reliable T20 batter for over a decade.

4. How did Rohit Sharma build his 3000 T20I runs?

Rohit Sharma combined timing, elegance, and power-hitting. As an opener, he redefined aggressive starts in T20s while also converting big innings into match-winning performances.

5. Why is Suryakumar Yadav’s entry into the 3000-run club unique?

Suryakumar Yadav became the fastest player in T20I history to reach 3000 runs. His fearless, 360-degree batting perfectly represents the modern aggressive era of T20 cricket.

6. What do these three players represent in India’s T20 evolution?

Together, Kohli, Rohit, and Suryakumar showcase three phases of India’s T20 journey stability and consistency, explosive opening dominance, and ultra-aggressive modern batting.

The approaching T20I three-match battle between Australia and Pakistan has potentially gone non-broadcast in Australia. Just weeks ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, this creates an alarming situation, as no Australian broadcasters have yet expressed any interest in obtaining the rights to the series, primarily due to poor commercial viability and also due to minimal individual star appeal associated with either side.

As Australia and Pakistan will play the matches at 10:00 PM AEDT, there is also limited interest among broadcasters, as it is a very late time slot, as well as with many of Australia's highest-ranked players missing from the squad, creating a belief by networks that the series does not offer any of the leading names in Australian cricket that would attract viewership. Therefore, it is difficult to market within Australia because of the late scheduling and inexperienced squad members, who lack the required star power.

Nevertheless, regardless of broadcast uncertainty, both teams will utilize this series to prepare for the ICC World Cup. Pakistan enters the series with confidence from a successful T20I performance throughout 2025, while, for Australia, this series will be an opportunity to conduct assessments on bench strength and depth leading into the World Cup.

See Also: Watch: Babar Azam smashes Shaheen Afridi for 21 runs in five balls ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

Selection choices influenced mostly by absentees and World Cup focus

In preparation for the World Cup, several of Australia's top players, including Glenn Maxwell, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood, will not be playing as part of Australia’s plan to manage player workloads. With key players having been injured recently, selectors are now placing greater importance on a player’s fitness for the long term and the forthcoming World Cup; thus, management cannot afford to risk these players’ availability in a bilateral series.

Conversely, the series for Pakistan will have increased significance with the return of senior players Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi. After having missed the entire BBL 2025-26 season with a knee injury, Shaheen will look to find his rhythm prior to the tournament while also assisting the leadership group in determining the best combinations and filling their remaining holes prior to the tournament itself.

New Zealand is looking to finish their tour of India with a stronger punch by injecting some big names back into their squad with the introduction of experienced players for the last two matches against India. Currently, New Zealand finds itself down 0-3 in the five-match T20I series, and now, more than ever, the team is looking to combine firepower and experience as they head into the T20 World Cup later this month. In an effort to help regain some of the lost momentum for New Zealand, all four of the senior members (Jimmy Neesham, Lockie Ferguson, Tim Seifert, and Finn Allen) have been added to the squad to help bring balance to the team and rebuild their confidence before the conclusion of the T20I series.

New Zealand had a very difficult time earlier in the series, with the Indian lineup showing strength with both bat and ball. New Zealand played without many of their higher-profile players in the first three games, which made it difficult for them to compete against the Indian team's depth and overall intensity of play. With the T20I series being decided already, now is the time to try and test different player combinations, get new players experience, and regain confidence before the World Cup. 

Returning players add a blend of experience and aggression. Neesham provides tactical insight with both bat and ball; Ferguson, returning from injury, brings speed back into the bowling attack; Seifert continues to provide consistency through the middle order. Finn Allen will join for the fifth T20I in Thiruvananthapuram, giving New Zealand explosive starts with the bat. Allen's excellent Big Bash League season resulted in him scoring 466 runs at a strike rate of 184.18.

See Also: "Final decision will be..."- Mohsin Naqvi breaks silence on Pakistan's T20 World Cup 2026 participation

Boosting Batting Power for the End of Series

With the final two games to be played in Visakhapatnam and Thiruvananthapuram, New Zealand now possesses an array of players who, if played together correctly, will be able to challenge the perceived dominance of India. This combination of players with experience and players in form gives New Zealand great flexibility to experiment with combinations and strategies as they prepare for the T20 World Cup.

New Zealand has a strong desire to play without fear and therefore has a strong desire to regain respect and consistency through their performance in these next two matches. If successful, this would serve to lift the team's morale but also aid the coaching staff in finalizing team strategies and team lineups leading up to what is expected to be a high-pressure tournament in late 2021.

New Zealand's updated squad for final 2 T20Is vs India

Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Kyle Jamieson, Zak Foulkes and Bevon Jacobs

Set to make a comeback is Shadab Khan, a veteran all-rounder who has been in great form lately and is the most awaited player in the announced list for Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. According to sources, discussions are taking place right now, and the final team may be unveiled soon.

The management's decision to include Shadab depends on how well he has recovered from his recent injury, as the player has been giving a positive response while playing in the Big Bash League. His potential recall comes at a critical moment, as the management is trying to finalize the middle order before the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which India and Sri Lanka will co-host. Pakistan's tour to Sri Lanka will probably lay the groundwork for Pakistan's World Cup team, as the preliminary list is to be submitted by January 7.

Haris Rauf, the fast bowler, is being considered seriously as well. Rauf, who was excluded from the South Africa tour and the recent T20I tri-nation series, made a mark in the BBL and then produced good performances in the ODI series against Sri Lanka. His speed and experience might be crucial for Pakistan as they try to make their bowling attack ready for the global conditions.

ALSO SEE: Ishan Kishan slams a 33-ball century against Karnataka in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26

Selectors eye fresh faces as Pakistan balance BBL absentees ahead of Sri Lanka T20Is

The selectors are also looking to freshen up the crew with new talent. Young opening batter Maaz Sadaqat, who drew attention during the Asia Cup Rising Stars with his mind-blowing strike rate, is said to be the one for a first-time call-up. Another fast bowler, Ahmed Daniyal, is the new name that has come up in the discussions about Pakistan's future cricketing plans.

Availability does continue to be a problem for certain veteran players, though. The participation in BBL can lead to a situation where players such as Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi miss the series against Sri Lanka due to their franchises' managing workloads and commitments to the players.

Pakistan, captained by Salman Ali Agha, will play against Sri Lanka in Dambulla on January 7, 9, and 11. As the T20 World Cup is coming soon, the series becomes very important for practicing and perfecting combinations, as well as for the return of star players like Shadab Khan.

Cricket’s global footprint is set for a major boost as the International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed Japan as the host of the East Asia-Pacific (EAP) Regional Final Qualifier for the 2028 Men’s T20 World Cup. Scheduled for May 2026, the tournament will be played across modernised venues in Tokyo and Yokohama, marking Japan’s biggest stride yet in establishing itself on the world cricket map.

Japan enters the event as one of the favourites, riding on their unbeaten run in recent sub-regional qualifiers under captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming. Their rise comes at a time when the 2028 T20 World Cup, to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, is set to expand to as many as 24 teams, further opening doors for emerging cricket nations. Six teams will contest the EAP Final: Japan, Papua New Guinea, Nepal, Samoa and two other sub-regional qualifiers. The top two sides will earn direct World Cup spots, while others remain in contention through global playoffs.

Japan Strengthens Its Bid for 2027 Asia/EAP Hosting Rights

Cricket’s growth in Japan has been remarkable. Once overshadowed by baseball, the sport has gained momentum since ICC development programs launched in 2006. Japan’s victory at the 2024 EAP Sub-Regional Qualifier in South Korea showcased their progress, driven by Kadowaki-Fleming’s all-round brilliance and standout performers like fast-bowler Benjamin Musolini and opener Ko Irie.

ALSO SEE: Watch: Yuvraj Singh meets Indian team during IND vs SA 2nd T20I in New Chandigarh

The ICC’s decision also aligns with Japan’s ambition to host the broader Asia/EAP Qualifier in 2027. Upgraded facilities, including Tokyo’s Fuji Xerox Ground and Yokohama’s International Cricket Stadium, are expected to attract more than 20,000 fans across 15 matches, with global digital broadcasts amplifying reach.

A World Cup berth would mark Japan’s first-ever appearance, further validating cricket’s expansion into non-traditional territories. While depth and funding remain challenges, optimism prevails. As Kadowaki-Fleming puts it, “This is our chance to build a legacy.” With excitement building, Japan’s 2026 qualifier could redefine cricket’s boundaries, proving the sport’s future truly lies beyond traditional strongholds.

Cricket Ireland and the Italian Cricket Federation have jointly announced a three-match bilateral T20 International series set to take place in Dubai in late January 2026. The series will act as crucial preparation for both teams as they gear up for their respective campaigns in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Ireland and Italy have faced each other only once before in a T20I – during the 2023 European Qualifier in Edinburgh, where Ireland secured a tight seven-run win. The sides also met in a non-T20I Twenty20 match in Abu Dhabi back in 2012, which Ireland won by two wickets.

The upcoming fixtures will be historic for Italy, marking their first-ever three-match bilateral series against an ICC Full Member. For Ireland, the games come immediately after the announcement of two additional T20Is against the UAE, forming a full preparatory block in Dubai before the World Cup.

Ireland vs Italy T20I Series Schedule

Following the series, Ireland will also meet the UAE on 29 and 31 January before travelling to Sri Lanka for the World Cup, where they find themselves in Group B alongside Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Oman. Italy, meanwhile, head to India for the tournament and will compete in Group C against England, the West Indies, Bangladesh and Nepal.

Cricket Ireland’s Director of Cricket, Richard Holdsworth, said the series offers ideal match practice in hot conditions after coming out of the Irish winter. Italian federation president Maria Lorena Haz Paz termed the series “historic” and believes it will help raise the profile of Italian cricket as they prepare for their maiden T20 World Cup appearance.

Just five days after hammering a career-best unbeaten 80 against Sri Lanka, Sahibzada Farhan walked out with confidence in Match 6 of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025 in Rawalpindi. But this time, the script flipped dramatically. The in-form opener managed just 9 off 7 balls, falling to a sharp delivery from Dushmantha Chameera, triggering a wave of reactions across social media.

Pakistan, chasing Sri Lanka’s competitive 184/5, were rocked early at 29/1, with fans quick to remind Farhan of his earlier heroics, and equally quick to express their frustration. Memes and sarcastic posts flooded timelines, with the phrase “Aur banao documentary..” trending among disappointed supporters. The comment referenced the hype that followed Farhan’s match-winning knock last week, which had catapulted him into the spotlight.

Sri Lanka, playing for a spot in the final, showed far more discipline with the ball this time. Chameera’s fiery two-over spell (3 wickets for just 3 runs) dismantled Pakistan’s top order, claiming Farhan, Babar Azam (0), and Fakhar Zaman (1) in a devastating burst.

Farhan’s early exit sparks fan backlash as Pakistan stumble in high-stakes chase

Despite the early collapse at 43/4, Pakistan stayed afloat through Usman Khan’s counterattacking 33 off 22 and skipper Salman Agha’s steady 23 off 21, but the pressure of chasing close to 10 an over kept mounting. Farhan’s dismissal, however, remained the talking point, largely because of the contrast with his recent brilliance. 

For Sri Lanka, the wicket was huge. For Pakistan fans, it was a reality check. Sri Lanka’s batting earlier was powered by a superb 76 off 48 by Kamil Mishara and a rapid 40 off 23 from Kusal Mendis, taking them to a strong 184. Pakistan’s bowlers, except Abrar Ahmed (2/28) and Salman Mirza (1/29), struggled for consistency.

ALSO SEE: WPL 2026 Auction: Full updated squad list for all teams revealed

With a place in the final on the line, the stakes were already high, and Farhan’s early exit only intensified the drama. Whether this dismissal proves to be a blip or the start of a form dip will be known soon enough, but for now, fans have made their verdict clear in typical Twitter fashion.

🚨Wicket Loss

Dushmantha Chameera to Sahibzada Farhan, OUT!

c Janith Liyanage b Dushmantha Chameera.#SportsSide | #TriNationSeries | #PakistanCricket | #CricketKiJeet | #PAKvSL pic.twitter.com/3Rxvp7s5aq

— Sports Side (@TheSportsSide1) November 27, 2025

🏏 PAK vs SL Highlight 🏏

🔥 Edge & taken!
Maheesh Theekshana strikes — Sahibzada Farhan departs! 🎯

PAK - 29/1 (3.4 Overs)

Pakistan need 156 runs#PAKvsSL #PAKvSL #T20I

— Gully Point (@gullypoint_) November 27, 2025

Pakistan lose their first wicket.

Sahibzada Farhan departs for just 9.#PAKvSL #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/bJse32gKky

— Ramzy 🇵🇰🇬🇧 (@Ramz_004) November 27, 2025

Pakistani Bowlers must take wicket of Opener Mishara who has made 39 runs in 24 balls. He is a dangerous player. SL score at the moment is 96/2. Ten overs are bowled. This means that if their wickets will not fall they can give target around 200 runs to Pakistani Team. #PAKvSL

— Syed Khalid Mahmood (@SyedKhalidMah12) November 27, 2025

Pakistan and Sri Lanka are set to face off in a three-match T20I series in January 2026, with both boards finalising the schedule as part of their preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The series is expected to run from January 8 to 12, with all matches scheduled at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium.

The 2026 T20 World Cup will be held from February 7 to March 8 in India and Sri Lanka, where Pakistan are set to play all their fixtures on Sri Lankan soil under the Hybrid Model. The arrangement ensures Pakistan and India avoid touring each other during ICC events, while still allowing them to compete at neutral venues.

Sources close to the development have confirmed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) were in constant talks over the short series, which has now been tentatively finalised. The matches will provide Pakistan crucial match time in subcontinental conditions just weeks before the global tournament. With pitches in Dambulla expected to mirror those used during the World Cup, the series will help Pakistan fine-tune combinations and adapt to local surfaces.

Renovation Work Forces Shift to Dambulla as Sri Lanka Fight for Tri-Series Final Spot

The decision to host all three matches in Dambulla comes amid ongoing renovation work at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo and the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. These upgrades, being carried out ahead of the World Cup, have also forced SLC to postpone the sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL), originally planned for the November–December window.

ALSO SEE: Pakistani star performer to light up DP World ILT20 Season 4 opening

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka are currently in Pakistan as part of a competitive T20I tri-series featuring Zimbabwe. Pakistan have already sealed a place in the final, while Sri Lanka must win their final group match, and by a significant margin, to stay in contention. Zimbabwe hold second place with one win from four matches, while Sri Lanka remain third with a net run rate of –1.324.

Tentative Schedule – Pakistan Tour of Sri Lanka 2026

The short series promises high-intensity preparation for both sides as they gear up for the biggest T20 event of the year.

On November 11, a brutal terrorist attack occurred in Islamabad which led to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) taking proactive measures by officially announcing the alterations to the ongoing series against Sri Lanka, comprising One Day Internationals (ODIs) and the T20I tri-nation series involving Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe. The tour, however, has been made possible under a new schedule and different locations thanks to the consensus of PCB and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), which was born out of the security issue.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka ODIs Rescheduled

The second and third ODIs of the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka series now stand each one day later than initially planned. Matches that were originally to take place on November 13 and 15, are now rescheduled to November 14 and 16. Both games will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Revised ODI Schedule

The new playing dates are part of an enhanced security plan after the blast, which raised the concern of the Sri Lankan players and staff touring India.

Tri-Nation T20I Series Change of Start Date

Moreover, the PCB has also revised the schedule for the T20I tri-series. The tournament, which was originally planned to start on November 17, has now been pushed back to the 18th, when the first match will be played between Pakistan and Zimbabwe.

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Besides this, the other important aspect is that the whole tri-series will be played in Rawalpindi only, unlike the earlier plan of moving some games to Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore besides Rawalpindi. The security situation dictated this choice.

Revised Tri-Series Schedule

Sri Lanka Confirms Tour Will Continue

SLC in a press release was very clear that the tour will proceed as planned after the discussions with PCB. Nevertheless, Sri Lanka has given the option to each player who is not feeling comfortable in the situation to go back home, and if needed, the replacements are already available.

Although the terror attack has caused a disturbance, both boards have not changed their minds about the series being finished without any problems and in a secured environment.

In a match filled with drama, twists, and late nerves, Alick Athanaze produced one of the standout moments of brilliance as the West Indies faced New Zealand in the third T20I in Nelson. Although the visitors eventually fell short by nine runs, Athanaze’s direct hit to run out Devon Conway was a moment that briefly turned the tide in their favour.

The dismissal came at a crucial stage of the innings. Conway, who had looked in sublime touch with 56 off 34 balls, was anchoring New Zealand’s innings alongside Daryl Mitchell. The hosts had just crossed 90 and were eyeing a total well above 180 when Mitchell pushed a delivery from Shamar Springer towards deep midwicket and called for two. Conway, backing his partner’s call, turned for the second but underestimated Athanaze’s speed and accuracy in the field.

Alick Athanaze’s brilliant direct hit to run out Devon Conway steals the spotlight in Nelson

Sprinting swiftly to his left, Athanaze picked up the ball cleanly and unleashed a flat, bullet throw to the non-striker’s end. The direct hit caught Conway inches short of his ground, a stunning piece of fielding that sent the West Indies players into celebration. The run-out not only removed New Zealand’s in-form batter but also halted their momentum just when they were threatening to explode in the final overs.

Watch the video:

Direct hit and gone! ☄️

Alick Athanaze hits bullseye from deep to send Conway packing 🤯 #SonySportsNetwork #NZvWI pic.twitter.com/x8iluCv3CW

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) November 9, 2025

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Athanaze, who had earlier contributed a solid 31 with the bat, showcased his all-round value in the side. The direct hit exemplified his sharp awareness and athleticism, two traits that have made him one of the most promising young cricketers in the Caribbean setup.

Although New Zealand eventually posted 177 for 9, Athanaze’s run-out proved a turning point, sparking a middle-order collapse that saw the hosts lose six wickets for just 35 runs. It was only due to Conway and Mitchell’s earlier efforts that New Zealand had a defendable total on the board.

In the end, despite a late West Indies resurgence led by Romario Shepherd and Shamar Springer, the visitors fell agonizingly short. Yet, Athanaze’s moment of brilliance in the field stood out, a reminder that one piece of fielding can change the flow of a T20 game in an instant.