• Abhishek Sharma hits a 14-ball fifty, finishes 68* off 20 as India chase 154 in 10 overs.
  • Suryakumar Yadav adds 57*; India win by eight wickets and claim an unassailable 3-0 series lead.
  • Jasprit Bumrah takes 3-17 to restrict New Zealand to 153-9 in Guwahati.
  • India qualify as firm favourites ahead of the T20 World Cup; fourth T20 in Visakhapatnam next.

Abhishek’s rapid fifty ends chase

In a blistering display in Guwahati, Abhishek Sharma smashed a 14-ball fifty to guide India to a crushing eight-wicket win over New Zealand, taking a 3-0 lead in the five-match T20 series (nz vs ind).

Match snapshot

New Zealand 153-9 (20 overs) – Phillips 48; Jasprit Bumrah 3-17

India 155-2 (10 overs) – Abhishek 68* (20), Suryakumar 57* (26)

How the chase unfolded

After New Zealand posted 153-9, India began their reply shakily when Sanju Samson was bowled first ball by Matt Henry. Ishan Kishan and Abhishek then put on a rapid 53 in 19 balls before Kishan fell to Ish Sodhi for 28 off 13.

Abhishek accelerated brutally, reaching fifty with a sixth off the final ball of the powerplay. He finished unbeaten on 68 from 20 deliveries – seven fours and five sixes – while captain Suryakumar Yadav supported with 57 not out as India passed the target inside 10 overs.

Record context

Abhishek’s 14-ball fifty is one of the quickest in men’s T20 internationals; only five players have reached the mark faster, including India great Yuvraj Singh’s famous effort in 2007.

Bowling highlights and New Zealand reply

New Zealand were held to 153-9 after a disciplined performance by India’s bowling attack. Jasprit Bumrah led the effort with 3-17, while Hardik Pandya and Ravi Bishnoi chipped in with two wickets each.

Glenn Phillips top-scored for the Black Caps with 48 from 40 balls, but no other batsman could build a big enough innings to push the total beyond reach.

Series implications and what’s next

The win secures an unassailable 3-0 lead for India in the five-match series, an emphatic response after they lost the preceding one-day international set. India now head to Visakhapatnam for the fourth T20 on Wednesday with momentum and domestic confidence ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Looking ahead

India, holders and co-hosts of the upcoming T20 World Cup, will take encouragement from the batting depth displayed in Guwahati. New Zealand must regroup quickly to keep the series alive.

Scorecard and full match details are available from official fixtures; the fourth T20 will offer New Zealand a final chance to stave off a series whitewash.

Image Referance: https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/articles/c86vep5n1x7o