Abhishek Sharma’s 38-ball 113 blitz seals T20 series win for India
Abhishek Sharma smashed a blistering 35-ball century as India chased down New Zealand's 198 in just 13.2 overs to seal the T20 series in Wellington.
Indian opener Abhishek Sharma dismantled the New Zealand bowling attack with a destructive 38-ball 113 to secure a comprehensive series victory in Wellington. Chasing a hefty target of 198, India made light work of the run chase, reaching the total in just 13.2 overs to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series with two games to spare.
Opening alongside Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek put on an explosive 133-run partnership in just 7.1 overs. Jacob Duffy bore the brunt of the onslaught as the first over leaked 26 runs, setting the tone for a record-breaking display of power hitting.
Abhishek struck nine fours and 11 sixes during his blistering knock, which marked the fifth-fastest T20I century between Full Member nations. Interestingly, the record remains in his own hands following a 30-ball hundred against Afghanistan in Delhi just a month prior.
The left-hander eventually fell to Kyle Jamieson to receive a standing ovation, leaving India comfortably placed at 178-2 after ten overs. Sooryavanshi provided able support at the top with a brisk 19-ball 45 featuring four fours and four sixes before departing.
Earlier in the match, India won the toss and elected to field for the third consecutive game. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Arshdeep Singh extracted early seam movement, with Singh dismissing Tim Seifert cheaply.
Daryl Mitchell then anchored the New Zealand innings alongside Finn Allen, crafting a brilliant 89 off 52 balls with five fours and five sixes. Mitchell survived a terrifying moment in the sixth over when a powerful six over mid-wicket narrowly missed a security guard whose back was turned.
Following Allen's departure for 40, Bevon Jacobs added an unbeaten 39 from 23 deliveries to push the total to 198. However, Abhishek's historic onslaught completely overshadowed the hosts' efforts as India wrapped up the contest with utter dominance ahead of the fourth T20 at Eden Park.