India clinch T20 series after Abhishek fireworks against New Zealand

Guwahati – India sealed the Twenty20 series in emphatic fashion after a breathtaking batting display led by Abhishek Sharma powered the hosts to an eight wicket win over New Zealand in the third match.

The victory gave India an unassailable 3–0 lead in the five match series and underlined their growing dominance ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Playing at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, India produced a complete performance with both bat and ball. The bowlers laid the foundation before the batters delivered one of the fastest chases seen on Indian soil in recent years.

New Zealand were put under pressure early after India chose to field first on a pitch expected to favour batting. The visitors never fully recovered from early losses and were restricted to a modest total of 153 for nine in their allotted overs.

Jasprit Bumrah spearheaded the bowling effort with clinical precision and pace. He finished with outstanding figures, repeatedly breaking partnerships and denying New Zealand any chance of building momentum.

The early breakthrough came when Devon Conway was removed by a sharp catch, followed by the quick dismissal of Rachin Ravindra.
New Zealand slumped early as disciplined bowling and sharp fielding combined to leave them chasing the game from the outset.

Bumrah’s opening spell further dented the visitors as key batters failed to handle his movement and accuracy.
The fall of Tim Seifert and later the New Zealand captain ensured the innings never gained stability.

A brief resistance came through Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman, who attempted to rebuild with a controlled partnership.
However, their efforts were halted by spin, restoring India’s grip on the match during the middle overs.

Despite a late push, New Zealand could not push the total beyond a challenging score. On a ground known for high scoring games, the target looked well below par given India’s batting depth and intent.

India’s chase began with aggression despite an early wicket. Abhishek Sharma announced his intent immediately, striking boundaries at will and dismantling the New Zealand bowling attack.

His unbeaten knock of 68 came off just 20 deliveries and included a flurry of towering sixes. The innings featured a record breaking half century that showcased fearless stroke play and exceptional timing.

Abhishek found strong support from captain Suryakumar Yadav, who continued his remarkable run of form in the series. The pair combined effortlessly, turning the chase into a one sided contest within a few overs.

India raced to fifty in no time and reached triple figures before New Zealand could regroup.
The required rate became irrelevant as the crowd witnessed a masterclass in modern T20 batting.

Suryakumar’s composed yet explosive knock ensured there were no late stumbles. India crossed the finish line in just ten overs, underlining the gulf between the two sides on the night.

The result highlights India’s depth, confidence, and adaptability in the shortest format. With key players peaking at the right time, the team looks well prepared for the global challenge ahead.

New Zealand, meanwhile, will look to regroup and salvage pride in the remaining matches. The next fixture offers them a chance to test their bench strength and experiment with combinations.

The fourth match of the series is scheduled to be played in Visakhapatnam. Fans will be eager to see whether India continue their dominant run or if New Zealand can stage a comeback.