WELLINGTON: Some chases are won in the final over. This one was effectively won in the first. Abhishek Sharma produced one of the most destructive innings seen in a Twenty20 international on Tuesday, smashing 113 off just 38 balls as India chased down 199 in only 13.2 overs to beat New Zealand by six wickets and take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.
New Zealand had done plenty right. Put in to bat by captain Shreyas Iyer, the hosts posted 198 for three, built around Daryl Mitchell’s unbeaten 89 off 52 balls and a brisk 40 from Finn Allen. On most evenings, in Wellington, with the wind swirling around Hnry Stadium, that total would have made for a proper contest. On this evening, it lasted barely long enough to matter.
Abhishek, the world’s top-ranked T20 batter, reached his fifty off 15 balls and his hundred off 35. He finished with nine fours and 11 sixes, celebrated the century with his trademark meditation pose, and left the New Zealand players and the crowd simply stunned.
The powerplay that ended the match
The tone was set from the very first over. Jacob Duffy, entrusted with the new ball, conceded 26 runs as Abhishek and 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi went after everything within reach. There was no feeling-out period, no quiet start while the batters assessed the pitch. India were 64 without loss after three overs, and the chase was already leaning one way.
By the end of the six-over powerplay, India had reached 118 without losing a wicket, the highest powerplay score in T20 international history. They had also brought up the fastest team hundred in the format, in just five overs. The previous powerplay record, 116 by Romania against Serbia in 2021, lasted only until the sixth over on Tuesday.
Sooryavanshi, promoted to open, played his part with fearless strokeplay and made 45, hitting four fours and four sixes. The opening stand was worth 133, and the pair had hit 12 sixes between them before Sooryavanshi was finally dismissed. When Abhishek was eventually caught by Glenn Phillips, there was barely a celebration from the New Zealand fielders. The game had long since gone.
Mitchell’s 89 deserved a better ending
It would be unfair to let the second innings erase the first. Mitchell’s innings was measured at first and explosive later, and he held New Zealand’s innings together after India had asked them to bat. Allen gave the hosts momentum at the top, and Mitchell made sure it was not wasted. For a long stretch of the evening, 198 for three looked like a score New Zealand could defend, especially with the Wellington wind making life difficult for fielders judging high balls.
Abhishek treated a challenging total as if it were a modest one, and he did it against an attack that had every reason to believe it was still in the game.
A series sealed, with two games still to play
The win gave India a third successive T20 series victory on New Zealand soil, after the 5-0 win in 2020 and the 1-0 win in 2022. It also underlined how quickly this Indian side can close out a game when its top order fires. The first two matches of this series were both won by four wickets. This one was not close at all.
For New Zealand, the questions will be familiar ones. How do you defend a good total when the opposition’s first six overs produce 118 runs? Captain Mitchell Santner and his bowlers will have to find answers quickly, because the fourth match arrives in Auckland on Friday, with the final game still to follow.
For India, the questions are happier ones. Abhishek is in the form of his life, and the top order is producing starts that make even 200 look ordinary.
Key moments from Wellington
- First over, 26 runs: Jacob Duffy’s opening over set the tone, and India never looked back.
- Fastest team 100: India reached 100 in five overs, a world record in T20 internationals.
- Powerplay record: 118 without loss in six overs, the highest powerplay score ever in the format.
- 133-run opening stand: Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi added 133 for the first wicket.
- 35-ball century: Abhishek reached his hundred in 35 balls, with 11 sixes and nine fours in all.
- Series sealed: India chased 199 in 13.2 overs to take a 3-0 lead with two matches remaining.
FAQs
What was the result of the India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I?
India beat New Zealand by six wickets in Wellington, chasing 199 in 13.2 overs to take a 3-0 lead in the five-match series.
How many runs did Abhishek Sharma score?
Abhishek Sharma scored 113 off 38 balls, including nine fours and 11 sixes. He reached his fifty in 15 balls and his century in 35 balls.
How many runs did Vaibhav Sooryavanshi score?
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored 45 and shared a 133-run opening stand with Abhishek Sharma. The 15-year-old hit four fours and four sixes.
What did New Zealand score?
New Zealand made 198 for three in 20 overs, with Daryl Mitchell unbeaten on 89 off 52 balls and Finn Allen scoring 40.
When is the next match in the series?
The fourth T20I is scheduled in Auckland on Friday, with two matches still to play in the five-match series.
India will look to extend their lead in Auckland.
