Abhishek Sharma smashed a remarkable 35-ball century as India completed an astonishing chase of 199 in just 13.2 overs to defeat New Zealand by six wickets in the third T20 international in Wellington.
Record-Breaking Partnership at Hnry Stadium
Abhishek and 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi combined for a blistering 133-run partnership in just seven overs for the first wicket. Their powerplay score of 118 established a brand-new record for T20 internationals.
Sooryavanshi contributed 45 runs from 19 balls as the supporting partner to Abhishek, who reached his fifty off only 15 deliveries against struggling New Zealand bowling.
Dominant Innings and Series Lead
Following Sooryavanshi’s dismissal in the eighth over, Abhishek powered India toward the target before getting out for 113 off 38 balls, an innings featuring nine fours and 11 sixes. The knock narrowly missed equaling his own record for India’s fastest T20 hundred, which took 30 balls against Afghanistan the previous month.
India’s middle order effortlessly secured the final 21 runs required. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner proved to be the lone economical bowler for the hosts, conceding just 17 runs in three overs during a brutal match for bowlers at Hnry Stadium.
New Zealand had posted a competitive total of 198-3 from their 20 overs, anchored by Daryl Mitchell’s 89 off 52 balls and Finn Allen’s 40 from 25 deliveries, before India’s batters easily overhauled the target.
The victory grants India an unassailable 3-0 advantage in the five-match series, with five one-day internationals and two Test matches still remaining on the schedule.
