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India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I: Abhishek Sharma’s 113 Powers India to Record-Breaking Win

Indian Wire NaN days ago
Abhishek and Vaibhav
Abhishek and Vaibhav sets new record in Men's T20I. (Image Source- Official handle of bcci on X)

New Zealand posted 198, but India needed only 13.2 overs to chase it down in Wellington on Tuesday. Abhishek Sharma smashed 113 off 38 balls, while 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi added 45, helping India win the third T20I by six wickets. The result gave India an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series, with two games still to play.

Daryl Mitchell Anchors New Zealand’s Innings

New Zealand finished at 198 for three after India chose to bowl first. Tim Seifert fell early to Arshdeep Singh, but Finn Allen kept the scoring rate high with 40 from 25 balls, including five sixes.

Daryl Mitchell then took charge. He remained unbeaten on 89 off 52 deliveries, striking five fours and five sixes. Bevon Jacobs supported him with an unbeaten 39 from 23 balls, while Glenn Phillips contributed 17.

At one point, New Zealand looked poised to reach an even higher total, but India’s bowlers controlled the scoring in the final stages. Arshdeep, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Axar Patel picked up a wicket each. Their efforts left India needing 199, a challenging target on paper but one that soon looked far less daunting.

Abhishek and Sooryavanshi Rewrite the Record Books

India’s response was extraordinary from the first over. Abhishek and Sooryavanshi attacked the New Zealand bowlers, taking India to 50 in just 2.2 overs. They crossed 100 in five overs and finished the powerplay at 118 without losing a wicket, setting a new record for the highest powerplay score in men’s T20I cricket.

Sooryavanshi struck four fours and four sixes in his 19-ball 45 before Matthew Fisher dismissed him. Abhishek continued the assault, reaching his century in 35 balls and eventually finishing with nine fours and 11 sixes.

His 113 was the centrepiece of a chase that left New Zealand struggling for answers. Kyle Jamieson dismissed Abhishek, but by then India was already well ahead.

India Seal the Series in Style

Sanju Samson made 18 before Jamieson removed him, while Shreyas Iyer fell for five. Those wickets did little to change the outcome.

India reached 199 for four in 13.2 overs, winning with 40 balls remaining. Abhishek earned Player of the Match honors for his remarkable innings. India now has the series secured at 3-0, with the fourth T20I scheduled for October 30 in Auckland.

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