India will face New Zealand in the third T20 International in Wellington, with the visitors holding a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. A victory would give India an unassailable lead and secure the series. However, the match is also a major opportunity for fast bowler Arshdeep Singh, who is closing in on a world record for the most wickets by a bowler from a full-member team in T20 Internationals in a calendar year. Two more wickets could help him surpass the existing record.
Josh Little Holds the Record
Ireland fast bowler Josh Little currently holds the record for the most T20I wickets in a calendar year by a bowler representing an ICC full-member team. He claimed 39 wickets in 26 T20 Internationals in 2022. His achievement has stood for four years, but Arshdeep now has a chance to move past that mark during India's ongoing tour of New Zealand. The upcoming match could therefore be significant not only for the series but also for Arshdeep's place in T20I history.
Arshdeep Has Taken 38 Wickets in 2026
According to the figures provided in the report, Arshdeep has taken 38 wickets in 29 T20 Internationals during 2026, across 26 innings. His best bowling performance this year has been five wickets for 51 runs. With the record currently standing at 39 wickets, Arshdeep needs one wicket to equal Little's tally and two to move ahead of him. His performance in Wellington will determine whether he can achieve the milestone in this match.
Chance to Become the First to Reach 40
If Arshdeep takes two wickets against New Zealand, he will reach 40 T20I wickets in the calendar year and set a new record among bowlers from ICC full-member teams. Reaching that figure would make him the first bowler in this category to claim at least 40 wickets in a single calendar year. The opportunity adds an individual milestone to an important match for the Indian team, which is looking to finish the series early.
A Crucial Test Against New Zealand
New Zealand will be keen to fight back after losing the first two matches, while India will look to maintain their winning momentum. Arshdeep's ability to take wickets with the new ball and deliver at crucial stages could prove important. If he strikes early, he could put pressure on the New Zealand batting line-up while moving closer to the record. However, reaching the milestone will depend on his performance and the opportunities he gets during the match.
Wellington Could Become a Historic Venue
All eyes will be on Arshdeep Singh as he takes the field in Wellington. With 38 wickets already recorded in the calendar year, he is within touching distance of a landmark achievement in T20 International cricket. One wicket would bring him level with Josh Little, while two would put him ahead and take him to 40. For India, the priority will be winning the match and sealing the series; for Arshdeep, it could also be a day that brings a place in the record books.
