Rohit and Shikhar stitch record stand for India in T20 opener against New Zealand

The previous longest opening partnership was 95 balls between Salman Butt and Kamran Akmal in 2010. (Photo: AFP)

It was local boy Ashish Nehra’s farewell that stole all the limelight. (Photo: BCCI)

However, it was Indian opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan, who set up a perfect farewell for the 38-year old. (Photo: BCCI)

India thrashed New Zealand by 53 runs at the Feroze Shah Kotla in Delhi on Wednesday. (Photo: BCCI)

It is also the third highest opening partnership for any team in T20 cricket. (Photo: BCCI)

Rohit and Shikhar played 98 balls of the available 120, creating world record in terms of balls shared by the opening pair.

The duo smashed 158 runs for the first wicket against the deadly bowling line up. It was India’s highest score by an opening pair for India in T20 cricket. (Photo: BCCI)