Abhishek Sharma’s explosive century led India to a series-clinching victory over New Zealand, underlining the opener’s growing influence in T20 international cricket.
WEB DESK: Abhishek Sharma smashed a breathtaking 113 off 38 balls to lead India to a six-wicket victory over New Zealand in the third Twenty20 International on Tuesday, October 27, sealing the five-match series with two matches remaining.
India chased down New Zealand’s target of 199 in just 13.2 overs, reaching 199-4 after the hosts posted 198-3 at Wellington. The victory gave India an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series.
The left-handed opener struck nine fours and 11 sixes, reaching his century off just 35 deliveries. His explosive innings left New Zealand struggling to contain India’s scoring rate from the opening overs.
Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi dominate
Abhishek shared a blistering 133-run opening partnership with 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in just 7.1 overs.
Sooryavanshi contributed 45 off 19 balls, hitting four boundaries and four sixes before being dismissed. Their aggressive start put India firmly in control of the chase and left the home side with little room to recover.
India scored 26 runs in Jacob Duffy’s opening over, setting the tone for a relentless assault on the New Zealand bowling attack.
Abhishek continued attacking after reaching his half-century in just 15 balls. He was eventually caught for 113 off Kyle Jamieson, but by then India had moved close to victory.
New Zealand post 198-3
Earlier, New Zealand scored 198-3 in their allotted 20 overs after India won the toss and elected to field.
Daryl Mitchell top-scored with an unbeaten 89 off 52 balls, including five fours and five sixes. Finn Allen added 40 off 25 deliveries, helping Mitchell build an 86-run partnership for the second wicket.
Bevon Jacobs provided late momentum with an unbeaten 39 off 23 balls as New Zealand finished with a competitive total.
India’s bowlers took three wickets, with Arshdeep Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Axar Patel each claiming one.
India seal series with two matches remaining
The victory confirmed India’s series win after they had taken the first two matches. The remaining fixtures will give both teams further opportunities to assess their combinations ahead of future international commitments.
India’s next match against New Zealand is scheduled for Friday at Eden Park in Auckland, followed by the fifth and final T20I on November 1 in Hamilton.
Abhishek’s century and the opening partnership with Sooryavanshi were the defining features of the third match, as India completed the chase with 40 balls remaining.
