Now Reading: Abhishek Sharma’s 35-Ball Hundred Fires India to 3-0 Series Lead in Wellington
-
01
Abhishek Sharma’s 35-Ball Hundred Fires India to 3-0 Series Lead in Wellington
Wellington witnessed pure fireworks. Abhishek Sharma turned a big chase into a procession, blasting 113 off 38 balls as India crushed New Zealand by six wickets in the third T20I on October 27. The win gives India an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.
Mitchell Powers New Zealand to 198/3
New Zealand batted first and posted a competitive 198/3. Daryl Mitchell led the charge with an unbeaten 89 off 52 balls, hitting five fours and five sixes.
It looked like a total that could test India. Mitchell anchored the innings and kept the scoreboard ticking, giving the hosts real belief at the halfway mark.
India’s bowlers shared the spoils, with three of them picking up one wicket each. Still, the hosts’ total would soon feel far too small.
Abhishek Sharma Detonates in the Chase
What followed was one of the most ferocious T20I innings in recent memory. Abhishek Sharma raced to a hundred in just 35 balls and finished on 113 off 38, with nine fours and 11 sixes.
The New Zealand attack had no answers. Every length was punished and every plan unravelled within minutes.
A 133-Run Opening Blitz
Abhishek and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi put on 133 runs for the opening wicket in only 43 balls. That stand effectively ended the contest before the Powerplay momentum had even faded.
India wrapped up the chase of 199 in just 13.2 overs, with a massive 40 balls to spare.
Santner Stands Alone with the Ball
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner was the lone bright spot among the bowlers. He finished with 1/17 from three tight overs and removed Indian captain Shreyas Iyer.
His control was admirable, but the damage had already been done by then. Even an economical spell could not slow the Indian juggernaut.
Match Snapshot
| Category | Performer | Numbers |
|---|---|---|
| Top Batter (India) | Abhishek Sharma | 113 off 38 (9 fours, 11 sixes) |
| Top Batter (New Zealand) | Daryl Mitchell | 89* off 52 (5 fours, 5 sixes) |
| Top Bowler (New Zealand) | Mitchell Santner | 1/17 in 3 overs |
| Opening Stand | Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi | 133 in 43 balls |
| Result | India | Won by 6 wickets, 40 balls remaining |
Records Tumble in Wellington
Abhishek’s knock rewrote several entries in the record books. He was named Player of the Match for a performance that will be talked about for a long time.
| Record | Figure | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Most balls remaining in a successful T20I chase of 190+ | 40 balls (target 199) | Second-best |
| Most sixes in a T20I innings for India | 11 (Abhishek Sharma) | Joint-second |
| Innings with 10+ sixes in men’s T20Is | 3 (Abhishek Sharma) | Second |
| Innings with 10+ sixes in men’s T20 cricket | 7 (Abhishek Sharma) | Second |
| Most centuries in men’s T20 cricket | 11 (Abhishek Sharma) | Fourth |
| Most centuries in men’s T20Is | 4 (Abhishek Sharma) | Joint-second |
Sooryavanshi Seizes His Moment
India went into the game without Ishan Kishan, who was ruled out with a low-grade right adductor strain picked up in the first T20I. The BCCI said he was “recovering well” and the medical team continues to monitor him.
Sooryavanshi, who had replaced Kishan in the XI, made the most of the opportunity. His fearless start alongside Abhishek gave India the perfect platform.
What’s Next?
The series is already sealed, but the intrigue is far from over. The fourth T20I takes place on Friday, October 30 at Eden Park in Auckland.
New Zealand will be desperate to bounce back and avoid a whitewash. India, meanwhile, will look to keep the foot on the gas, and Abhishek will be the man everyone watches.
