GAWAH News Desk | October 29, 2026
Abhishek Sharma produced one of the most explosive innings of India’s recent T20 cricket as the visitors defeated New Zealand by six wickets in the third T20 International at Wellington on October 27. Chasing 199, India reached 199/4 in just 13.2 overs, taking an unassailable 3–0 lead in the five-match series with two matches remaining.
Sharma hammered 113 runs from 38 deliveries, including nine fours and 11 sixes. He reached his century in only 35 balls, while teenage opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi added 45 from 19 balls. Their blistering start helped India score 118 without losing a wicket in the Powerplay, putting the chase firmly in their control.
How India chased down 199 so quickly
New Zealand had posted 198/3 in 20 overs after being sent in to bat. Daryl Mitchell top-scored with an unbeaten 89 from 52 balls, while Finn Allen made 40. The total appeared competitive, but India’s openers attacked from the first over and repeatedly found the boundary.
Sharma reached his half-century in 15 balls before accelerating further. Sooryavanshi matched the tempo, and their opening stand reached 133. Sooryavanshi was dismissed for 45, and Sharma followed on 113, but the required rate had already fallen dramatically. India completed the chase with 40 balls remaining.
Records and numbers from the match
- Abhishek Sharma: 113 off 38 balls, with nine fours and 11 sixes.
- Century: Sharma reached three figures in 35 deliveries.
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: 45 off 19 balls.
- Powerplay: India raced to 118/0 in the first six overs.
- New Zealand: 198/3 in 20 overs, led by Daryl Mitchell’s 89 not out.
- Result: India 199/4 in 13.2 overs, winning by six wickets.
Why the performance matters
The innings underlined India’s aggressive approach in T20 cricket: attack early, put pressure on bowlers and turn a challenging chase into a manageable one before the middle overs. Sharma’s power hitting and Sooryavanshi’s fearless support also gave India a record-setting start, while New Zealand were left searching for ways to contain the opening pair.
The result gave India a 3–0 lead in the five-match series. The teams are scheduled to meet again in Auckland on Friday, October 30, giving New Zealand a quick opportunity to respond.
What to watch next
Attention will turn to whether New Zealand can adjust its bowling plans for the fourth T20I and whether India make changes with the series already secured. Sharma’s form, Sooryavanshi’s impact and the balance of India’s batting line-up will remain key talking points.
Match result: New Zealand 198/3 (20 overs) lost to India 199/4 (13.2 overs) by six wickets.
