New Delhi: India continued their dominant run in T20 internationals as blistering half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma and captain Suryakumar Yadav powered the hosts to an emphatic eight-wicket victory over New Zealand in the third T20I at Guwahati on Sunday. The win gave India an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series, marking their third consecutive T20I series triumph against the Black Caps and extending their remarkable streak to 11 successive T20I series or tournament victories.
Chasing a modest target of 154, India raced to 155 for 2 in just 10 overs, showcasing sheer batting firepower. Abhishek Sharma remained the standout performer, smashing 68 off just 20 balls, while Suryakumar Yadav played the perfect foil with an unbeaten 57 off 26 deliveries. The duo stitched together an unbeaten 102-run partnership for the third wicket in just 6.4 overs, completely dismantling the New Zealand bowling attack.
India’s chase began with an early setback as wicketkeeper-opener Sanju Samson was dismissed for a golden duck, bowled by Matt Henry on the very first ball. However, Abhishek Sharma wasted no time in asserting dominance, launching Jacob Duffy for a six off his first delivery to set the tone. He brought up his half-century in just 14 balls—his second of the series—featuring four sixes and five fours, making it the second-fastest T20I fifty by an Indian.
Ishan Kishan, who had scored a half-century in the previous match, contributed a quick 28 off 13 balls, adding 53 runs with Abhishek for the second wicket in just 3.2 overs. Kishan fell attempting a big hit off leg-spinner Ish Sodhi, but by then the damage was largely done. Abhishek and Suryakumar then took complete control, with Suryakumar reaching his own half-century in style as India sealed the match with a staggering 10 overs to spare.
Earlier, India’s bowlers laid the foundation with a disciplined and incisive performance. New Zealand, sent in to bat, were restricted to 153 for 9 in their 20 overs. Jasprit Bumrah led the attack brilliantly, earning the Player of the Match award for his figures of 3 for 17. He was well supported by Hardik Pandya (2/23) and leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi (2/18), who was playing his first T20I in over a year. The trio shared seven wickets between them, repeatedly halting New Zealand’s momentum.
New Zealand’s innings saw brief resistance from Glenn Phillips, who top-scored with 48 off 40 balls, and Mark Chapman, who made 32 off 23 deliveries. The pair added 52 runs for the fourth wicket, but once that partnership was broken, wickets fell at regular intervals. India struck early when debutant Harshit Rana induced Devon Conway into a miscued shot, which Hardik Pandya caught brilliantly at mid-on. Rachin Ravindra followed soon after, caught by Bishnoi at square leg.
Bumrah then made an immediate impact, bowling Tim Seifert with a sharp inswinger, leaving New Zealand reeling at 34 for 3 inside the powerplay. Bishnoi and Pandya tightened the screws in the middle overs, while Bumrah returned to dismiss Kyle Jamieson and later accounted for skipper Mitchell Santner, who scored 27 off 17 balls.
Despite the convincing series win, India have a concern in the form of Sanju Samson, who has failed in all three matches so far. With Tilak Varma expected to regain fitness and Ishan Kishan making strong claims with the bat, Samson’s place in the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup could come under scrutiny.
For now, though, India will take immense confidence from their ruthless display. With explosive batting, incisive bowling, and enviable bench strength, the Men in Blue look every bit a formidable force as they march on with momentum firmly on their side.
