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Abhishek Sharma's Century Leads India to Sweep Against New Zealand in 3rd T20I

At Sky Stadium in Wellington, Abhishek Sharma delivered a breathtaking 38-ball 113, demolishing New Zealand’s bowling as India chased down a challenging target of 199. This victory secured India an unbeatable 3-0 lead in the five-match T20I series.

New Zealand Sets a Strong Total

New Zealand, after losing opener Tim Seifert early for 2 runs, managed to post 198 for 3 wickets. Daryl Mitchell was the standout performer with an unbeaten 89 off 52 balls, featuring five fours and five sixes. He built critical partnerships, including an 86-run stand with Finn Allen, who scored 40 off 25, and later a rapid unbroken 75-run fourth-wicket partnership with Bevon Jacobs (39* off 23), adding 42 runs in the last four overs.

For India, Arshdeep Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Axar Patel each claimed a wicket during New Zealand’s innings.

India’s Chase Turns Into a Showcase of Power

The chase quickly became one-sided. Sharma joined forces with 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who smashed 45 off 19 balls, to produce one of the most brutal Powerplay displays in T20I cricket. The pair scored 118 runs in the first six overs and set a record opening partnership of 133 runs in just 7.1 overs.

Sharma's innings included nine fours and eleven sixes, reaching his century at a strike rate of 297.36, effectively deciding the game. Though Matthew Fisher and Kyle Jamieson eventually dismissed both openers, India were already well on track at 178 for 2 after 10 overs.

India sealed the win by six wickets with 40 balls remaining.

Match Highlights

  • New Zealand Innings: 198/3 in 20 overs
  • Daryl Mitchell: 89* off 52 balls, 5 fours, 5 sixes
  • Finn Allen: 40 off 25 balls
  • Bevon Jacobs: 39* off 23 balls
  • India Bowling Wickets: Arshdeep Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel - 1 each
  • India Innings: 179/4 in 14 overs (target achieved)
  • Abhishek Sharma: 113 off 38 balls, 9 fours, 11 sixes
  • Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: 45 off 19 balls
  • Opening Partnership Record: 133 runs in 7.1 overs

Live Updates Overview

  • After 6 overs: India scored 118/0 with Sharma (67 off 20) and Sooryavanshi (44 off 17) wreaking havoc.
  • After 10 overs: India reached 178/2 despite losing both openers.
  • New Zealand finished strong in their innings, scoring 42 runs off the last four overs without losing wickets.
  • India maintained control throughout the chase, with Tilak Varma and Naman Dhir helping close out the match after early wickets fell.

Team Lineups

  • New Zealand XI: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (wk), Bevon Jacobs, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matthew Fisher, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Jacob Duffy
  • India XI: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Prince Yadav, Arshdeep Singh

Win Probabilities and Betting Odds

  • Win Probability: New Zealand 0%, India 100%
  • Betting Odds: India favored at 1.74, New Zealand at 2.06 (subject to change)

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