Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav Power India to 10-Over Chase, Seal T20I Series Against New Zealand
India produced a breathtaking all-round performance at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Sunday, crushing New Zealand by eight wickets in the third T20 International to clinch the five-match series with an unassailable 3-0 lead.
After restricting the visitors to a modest 153 for nine, the Indian batters turned the chase into a one-sided affair, completing the target in just 10 overs. Abhishek Sharma and captain Suryakumar Yadav led the charge with unbeaten half-centuries, leaving the packed Guwahati crowd in awe.
The victory followed high-scoring wins in Nagpur and Raipur, but this time, India’s bowlers laid the foundation before the batters finished the job in record time.
Bowlers Set the Platform
India’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding ensured that New Zealand never gained momentum. Despite the pitch offering good batting conditions, the visitors struggled to build partnerships.
Jasprit Bumrah, returning after a one-match break, led the attack with figures of 3 for 17. His early breakthroughs put immediate pressure on the New Zealand top order.
Ravi Bishnoi, included in place of Varun Chakravarthy, made a strong comeback after nearly a year, picking up 2 for 18 in four overs. Bowling with pace and precision, Bishnoi struck at key moments to halt New Zealand’s progress.
Hardik Pandya also played his part, claiming two wickets while conceding just 23 runs in three overs.
The only significant resistance came through a 52-run partnership between Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman. Apart from that stand, wickets fell at regular intervals, keeping the total well below par.
Abhishek, Surya Turn Chase Into a Spectacle
India’s chase began on a shaky note as Sanju Samson was dismissed for a golden duck on the first ball. However, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan quickly restored momentum with an explosive partnership.
The pair added 53 runs in just over three overs before Kishan fell attempting a big hit. By then, the damage had already been done.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav then joined Sharma and elevated the scoring rate further. The duo dismantled the New Zealand bowling attack with fearless strokeplay and innovative shot-making.
Abhishek remained unbeaten on 68 off just 20 balls, smashing seven fours and five sixes. His innings included the second-fastest T20I fifty by an Indian, achieved in just 13 deliveries.
Suryakumar matched him with a fluent 57 not out from 26 balls, hitting six fours and three sixes. Together, they completed the chase with remarkable ease, finishing the game with 60 balls to spare.
Abhishek’s Remarkable Series Form
Abhishek Sharma’s performance in Guwahati capped a stunning run in the series. After scoring 84 in Nagpur and suffering a golden duck in Raipur, he bounced back in emphatic fashion.
His latest knock underlined his growing maturity and ability to dominate at the international level. With two match-winning innings in three games, Abhishek has emerged as one of India’s brightest prospects in the shortest format.
Series Clinched in Style
With this win, India secured the series 3-0 with two matches still to play. The team has displayed consistency across departments, combining aggressive batting with disciplined bowling.
The return to form of Suryakumar Yadav and the impressive comeback of Ravi Bishnoi have further strengthened India’s depth ahead of major international tournaments.
New Zealand, meanwhile, will look to regroup and salvage pride in the remaining matches.
Our Thoughts
India’s dominant display in Guwahati reflects the team’s growing confidence and balance in T20 cricket. The seamless coordination between bowlers and batters shows a side that is well-prepared and fearless in approach.
Abhishek Sharma’s rapid rise and Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership form the backbone of this success. As the team continues to experiment and build depth, such performances underline India’s strong position in world T20 cricket.
If this momentum continues, India will head into future tournaments with renewed belief and formidable firepower.