Abhishek Sharma Smashes 113 as India Seal T20 Series Against New Zealand
India reached a 199-run target in just 13.2 overs in Wellington to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match T20 series.
WELLINGTON — Abhishek Sharma's 113 from 38 balls powered India to a six-wicket win over New Zealand in the third Twenty20 international on Tuesday, securing the five-match series with two games still to play.
New Zealand had posted 198 for three, a total that would usually put the chasing team under considerable pressure. India reached 199 for four after only 13.2 overs, turning what had looked a demanding run chase into an unusually rapid victory.
Abhishek reached his hundred in 35 deliveries and finished with nine fours and 11 sixes. His innings was supported by a fast opening partnership with 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, whose 45 came from 19 balls.
Powerplay changes the contest
The two Indian openers added 133 for the first wicket. Of that, 118 runs came during the opening six-over powerplay, surpassing the previous men's T20 international record of 116 for that phase, according to Reuters' match report.
With New Zealand unable to restrict the scoring in the fielding-restriction overs, the required rate fell sharply. Sooryavanshi was dismissed in the eighth over, but by then the visitors had removed much of the uncertainty from the chase.
Abhishek was dropped on 92 by New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner, who lost the ball's flight in the Wellington wind. He soon reached three figures and continued to attack before Glenn Phillips caught him off Kyle Jamieson.
New Zealand's total was not enough
Daryl Mitchell's unbeaten 89 had helped the home side reach 198 for three after they were asked to bat. There was enough substance in the innings to give New Zealand a chance, but the bowling attack had little room to recover once India raced through the first six overs.
The International Cricket Council's scorecard confirms the final margin, the 13.2-over chase and Abhishek's 113 from 38 deliveries. His player-of-the-match award reflected both the scale of the innings and the way it settled the outcome early.
India now hold a 3-0 lead, so the remaining fixtures cannot change the series winner. The fourth T20 international is scheduled for Auckland on Friday, where New Zealand will have an opportunity to respond without the prospect of taking the series.
For India's top order, the match supplied a clear demonstration of how quickly a T20 contest can be transformed when two opening batters score freely from the start.
Musa Ersoy
Musa Ersoy is an editor and writer at DEFUXA Global News, covering developments in the United Kingdom and around the world. He researches news stories using official statements, credible sources and independently verifiable information. His editorial work focuses on factual ac…
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