India clinched the five-match Twenty20 International series against New Zealand on Tuesday, wrapping up a commanding six-wicket win in the third encounter with two games to spare. The triumph was anchored by a spectacular display of batting from openers Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who dismantled the host’s bowling attack to chase down a target of 198 in just 13.2 overs.
The duo forged a destructive 133-run partnership in a mere 7.1 overs, a feat that ranks among the most aggressive in T20I history.
The onslaught began immediately as Jacob Duffy conceded 26 runs in the opening over.
Abhishek dominated the scoring with a brilliant 113 off 38 balls, featuring 11 sixes and nine boundaries. He received a standing ovation upon his eventual dismissal by Kyle Jamieson, by which point the visitors had already surged to 178-2 in 10 overs. Sooryavanshi, promoted to open the batting, contributed a brisk 45 off 19 deliveries, including four fours and four sixes.
Reflecting on the record-breaking stand, Abhishek noted, “The key was pretty simple: Vaibhav and I enjoyed our time. When we were fielding, we saw there was some extra bounce. Vaibhav started off well, and we took the momentum from there.” India captain Shreyas Iyer lauded the performance, stating, “Getting 100 in five overs – I have not seen that before at the international level. Credit where it is due, the way they played was exceptional.”
Earlier in the match, India won the toss for the third consecutive time and opted to field. Pacers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Arshdeep Singh utilized the pitch’s movement to put early pressure on the New Zealand top order. While Tim Seifert departed early for two runs, Daryl Mitchell stabilized the innings alongside Finn Allen. The pair combined for an 86-run partnership to keep the hosts in contention. Mitchell was quick to assess the conditions and moved around the crease to counteract the seam movement.
Mitchell proved the standout performer for New Zealand, scoring 89 from 52 balls while capitalizing on short deliveries with five fours and five sixes. After Allen fell for 40 off 25 balls, Bevon Jacobs provided late impetus with an unbeaten 39 from 23 deliveries to reach the total of 198. Despite the competitive target, the aggressive start by India’s openers ensured the result was never in doubt. The teams are set to meet again for the fourth match of the series at Eden Park in Auckland this Friday.
