New Zealand’s 198-run target proved no match for India’s batting fireworks as Abhishek Sharma unleashed a breathtaking 113 off just 38 balls to script a six-wicket victory in the third T20I on Tuesday in Wellington, sealing the series with two matches to spare.
Abhishek’s explosive knock, studded with nine fours and 11 sixes, featured a century in just 35 deliveries. The innings also took him to a new milestone for the most centuries in T20 cricket, according to the supplied match details.
At the other end, 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashed 45 off 19 balls, as the pair stitched together a blistering 133-run opening stand in just 7.1 overs. India raced to 118 in the Powerplay, the highest such score between ICC Full Member nations.
Earlier, Daryl Mitchell anchored New Zealand’s innings with an unbeaten 89 off 52 balls, guiding the hosts to 198/3 in 20 overs. But India chased down the target in just 13.2 overs, finishing at 199/4 with 40 balls remaining.
The remaining matches will be played in Auckland on October 30 and Hamilton on November 1.