Abhishek Sharma produced a breathtaking century as India chased down 199 to beat New Zealand by six wickets in the third T20I at Wellington on Tuesday, sealing the five-match series with two games to spare. The left-hander smashed 113 off just 38 balls, while 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi provided a spectacular start as India recorded the highest powerplay total in men’s T20I history.
India raced to 118/0 in the first six overs, turning the chase into a one-sided contest almost immediately. Sooryavanshi struck 45 off 19 deliveries, attacking the New Zealand bowlers from the outset, while Abhishek continued his assault at the other end. The opening pair dismantled the hosts’ bowling attack, leaving India needing only 81 runs from the remaining 14 overs.
Abhishek reached his century in just 35 balls, registering his fourth T20I hundred and further strengthening his reputation as one of the most destructive batters in the format. His innings featured nine fours and 11 sixes, with New Zealand struggling to find a way to contain him. Sooryavanshi’s contribution ensured the hosts had little opportunity to recover from the powerplay onslaught.
India eventually completed the chase in 13.2 overs, winning by six wickets and taking an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series. The result extended their dominance after victories in the first two matches, with the visitors once again demonstrating their ability to chase imposing totals through aggressive batting.
Earlier, New Zealand had posted 198/3 after being asked to bat first. Daryl Mitchell led the innings with an unbeaten 89 off 52 balls, striking boundaries regularly to give the hosts a competitive total. His effort kept New Zealand in the contest, but the bowlers were unable to defend the score against India’s extraordinary start.
The record powerplay was the defining phase of the match. India’s 118/0 eclipsed the previous benchmark for the highest score in the first six overs of a men’s T20I, underlining the scale of their dominance.
For New Zealand, the defeat leaves them with two matches remaining to salvage something from the series. For India, Abhishek’s century and Sooryavanshi’s fearless hitting offered another demonstration of their batting depth and attacking intent.
