Now Reading: Abhishek Sharma’s 35-Ball Blitz Flattens New Zealand as India Seal T20I Series
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Abhishek Sharma’s 35-Ball Blitz Flattens New Zealand as India Seal T20I Series
Abhishek Sharma turned Wellington into his personal playground. His 38-ball 113 powered India to a six-wicket win over New Zealand in the third T20I, sealing the five-match series with two games to spare. Along the way, a record powerplay stand rewrote the T20I books in stunning style.
Abhishek Sharma Goes Supersonic in Wellington
India were chasing 199, and Abhishek made it look like a training run. The free-swinging opener raced to a 35-ball century, then carried on to 113 off 38 deliveries.
The innings threatened to eclipse his own record. Last month in Delhi, he struck a 30-ball ton against Afghanistan, the fastest by a batter from a full-member nation.
India finished the chase in just 13.2 overs, leaving New Zealand stunned and the series decided.
“That was the plan for us. Just get the momentum for the team and keep going,” said man-of-the-match Abhishek.
A Record-Breaking Powerplay Assault
Abhishek was not alone in the carnage. He combined with 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to smash 118 runs in the powerplay.
That is a new T20I record, beating the previous mark of 116 set by Romania against Serbia in 2021.
Sooryavanshi Falls Trying to Go Big
The opening pair put on 133 before the promoted Sooryavanshi was caught at long-on for 45. He was trying to slog recalled New Zealand quick Matthew Fisher over his head.
It was a brief but explosive cameo from the teenager, and it gave India a platform few teams could match.
Key Moments: Dropped Catch and a Haaland Celebration
Fisher was denied a second wicket when Mitchell Santner dropped Abhishek at extra cover on 92. The New Zealand captain lost the flight of the ball in the swirling Wellington wind.
Abhishek made the miss hurt. He soon reached his hundred by smashing Kyle Jamieson to the fine leg fence.
He marked the moment with Erling Haaland’s meditation celebration, a cool-headed response to a ferocious innings.
Jamieson Gets His Man
Jamieson eventually took the wicket. Abhishek sent another shot high, and Glenn Phillips held the catch near deep midwicket.
By then, the damage was done and India were cruising towards the finish line.
New Zealand’s Innings: Mitchell Shines in Vain
Having lost the toss and been sent in to bat for a third successive match, New Zealand posted a respectable 198. Number three Daryl Mitchell led the way with an unbeaten 89.
On most nights, that total would be competitive. Against this India opening pair, it was never going to be enough.
Match Snapshot
| Detail | Figure |
|---|---|
| New Zealand innings | 198 |
| India target | 199 |
| India chase completed in | 13.2 overs |
| Abhishek Sharma | 113 off 38 balls |
| Abhishek’s century | 35 balls |
| Vaibhav Sooryavanshi | 45 |
| Opening partnership | 133 |
| India powerplay total (record) | 118 |
| Previous powerplay record (Romania v Serbia, 2021) | 116 |
| Daryl Mitchell | 89 not out |
| Result | India won by six wickets |
What Comes Next for the Series
India have wrapped up the five-match series with two games still to play. The focus now shifts to the fourth match in Auckland on Friday.
For New Zealand, the powerplay hiding may be hard to shake off. Santner admitted as much after the game.
“Pretty tough to stop those guys when they’re going. We’ve seen it before, seen it in the IPL and obviously witnessed it here tonight in New Zealand,” Santner said.
With Abhishek in this form and a teenage star firing alongside him, the hosts face a serious challenge to avoid a series whitewash.
The Takeaway
This was more than a series-clinching win. It was a statement of intent, built on a record powerplay, a near-record century and a chase that was over almost before it began.
New Zealand must find answers quickly. India, meanwhile, look unstoppable at the top of the order.
